Chocolate Cake With Buttercream

Name: Chocolate Cake With Buttercream
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 2 cups granulated sugar; 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 large eggs; 1 cup whole milk; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 cup boiling water; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3-4 cups powdered sugar; 1/4 cup heavy cream; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; Pinch of salt

Highlighted under: Daily Collection

I absolutely love baking, and this Chocolate Cake with Buttercream has quickly become one of my all-time favorites. With rich layers of chocolate cake and a smooth, creamy buttercream frosting, it's a treat that both looks and tastes amazing. I enjoy making this cake for special occasions, and it always garners rave reviews from family and friends. The combination of flavors and textures makes it perfect for any celebration, and I can’t wait to share the process with you!

Created by

Helena Whitby

Last updated on 2026-02-01T19:53:35.494Z

Baking this chocolate cake brings back so many fond memories for me. I remember the first time I tried a similar recipe; I was amazed at how the richness of the cocoa melded beautifully with the sweet, buttery frosting. It created a flavor profile that left a lasting impression. Using a high-quality dark chocolate made a significant difference in the taste, elevating it to a gourmet level.

I've explored various techniques to perfect my buttercream, and I discovered that incorporating a touch of cream makes it wonderfully fluffy and easy to spread. It’s essential to let your cake cool completely before frosting to achieve that smooth finish. Trust me, it's worth the wait!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Rich chocolate flavor that satisfies any sweet tooth
Luxuriously creamy buttercream that enhances the cake perfectly
Ideal for celebrations or as a comforting dessert

      

The Importance of Quality Ingredients

When it comes to baking a chocolate cake, the quality of your ingredients plays a critical role in the final flavor and texture. Using high-quality cocoa powder will give your cake a richer chocolate flavor compared to standard supermarket brands. I'd recommend seeking out Dutch-processed cocoa for a smoother taste, as it offers a deeper hue and less acidity, enhancing the overall richness of your cake.

Additionally, using fresh eggs is essential for the structure of the cake. If you can, go for large eggs as they contribute more moisture and help with the leavening process. For a moist cake, choose whole milk rather than skim or low-fat options; the fat content aids in creating a tender crumb and a luscious mouthfeel.

Perfecting Your Buttercream Frosting

Achieving the perfect buttercream frosting is all about technique. Start with room temperature butter, as this allows for better incorporation of air, resulting in a creamier texture. When you beat the butter until it's fluffy, aim for a pale, almost white color before adding sugar. This step is crucial because it creates a lighter frosting that's perfect for layering and decorating.

If your buttercream feels too thick, add heavy cream a tablespoon at a time until you reach the desired consistency. For those looking to enhance flavor, consider adding a splash of espresso powder to amplify the chocolate flavor or even a bit of sea salt for a delightful contrast. Remember, the key to buttercream is to find that balance between stability and spreadability.

Storing and Serving Your Cake

Once your chocolate cake is frosted, if you have leftovers, it’s crucial to store it properly to maintain its moisture. Cover it with an airtight container or plastic wrap, and it can be stored at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, consider refrigerating it where it will stay fresh for up to a week, or freeze slices individually to enjoy later. Just be sure to wrap them well to prevent freezer burn.

When serving your cake, cut it with a sharp, warm knife for clean slices. For an elegant touch, I like to dust the top with cocoa powder or serve with fresh berries, which balance the richness with a touch of acidity. This cake also pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.

Ingredients

Gather all the necessary ingredients before you start baking.

For the Cake

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 cups granulated sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water

For the Buttercream

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3-4 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup heavy cream
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results.

Instructions

Follow these steps carefully to achieve the perfect cake.

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

Prepare the Cake Batter

In a large bowl, mix together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract, then beat on medium speed for 2 minutes. Carefully stir in the boiling water until smooth.

Bake the Cakes

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Make the Buttercream

In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, alternating with the heavy cream and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth and fluffy. Adjust with more sugar or cream to reach your desired consistency.

Frost the Cake

Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of buttercream on top, then place the second layer on top and frost the entire cake with remaining buttercream.

Let the cake set for a bit to allow the flavors to meld before serving.

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider adding espresso powder to the cake batter or chocolate shavings on top of the buttercream for decoration. Store leftover cake in an airtight container to keep it fresh.

Common Troubleshooting Tips

If your chocolate cake sinks in the middle, it may be a result of underbaking or using too much liquid. Next time, ensure you’re measuring ingredients accurately, utilizing the spoon and level method for flour. If you notice it rising too quickly, you might also want to reduce your baking powder slightly, as too much can cause excessive rise leading to a collapse.

For dry cake, ensure you’re not overmixing the batter after adding the boiling water. This ingredient should be gently stirred in to maintain moisture. On the other hand, if you find your cake is too dense, it might mean you’ve accidentally added too much cocoa powder or not enough leavening agent, which is essential for that fluffy texture.

Scaling the Recipe Up or Down

If you’re planning a larger gathering, scaling up this recipe is straightforward. For each additional layer, simply double the amount of cake batter and bake in larger pans, adjusting the baking time as necessary. Remember, larger cakes often need longer baking times, so start checking doneness 5-10 minutes earlier than usual to avoid overbaking.

Conversely, if you want to make a smaller version, you can cut the ingredient quantities in half and use smaller round pans. The baking time will also decrease, so keep a close eye on the cakes, starting to check them around 20-25 minutes. Adjustments like these ensure you can enjoy this chocolate delight no matter the occasion.

Variations and Additions

Feel free to get creative with this chocolate cake recipe! Adding chocolate chips to the batter can introduce pockets of melted chocolate that take the flavor to another level. For a twist, you might try incorporating flavors like orange zest or espresso powder into the batter for a mocha chocolate cake experience. These additions will infuse a delightful nuance and elevate the standard recipe.

For a fun presentation, consider layering the cake with different fillings, like raspberry jam or whipped cream, between the layers for a surprise burst of flavor. You can even frost with a ganache instead of traditional buttercream for a more decadent finish. Experimenting with different toppings, like crushed nuts or edible flowers, can elevate your cake from ordinary to extraordinary, making it a standout dessert.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of flour?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend if needed.

→ How should I store the cake?

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.

→ Can I make this cake a day in advance?

Absolutely! The flavors often improve when the cake sits overnight, just keep it covered.

→ What can I substitute for eggs?

You can use unsweetened applesauce or flaxseed meal mixed with water as a vegan egg substitute.