There's nothing quite like a slice of homemade chocolate cake to satisfy your sweet tooth. This Homemade Chocolate Cake Recipe is rich, moist, and full of deep chocolate flavor, making it perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or simply indulging in a sweet treat. The best part? It's easy to make from scratch with ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen! Whether you’re serving it with a classic chocolate buttercream, whipped cream, or just enjoying it plain, this cake will quickly become a family favorite.
Call to Action: Keep reading to learn how to bake this irresistible chocolate cake, with step-by-step instructions, tips, variations, and presentation ideas that will help you create a show-stopping dessert!
What is a Homemade Chocolate Cake?
A Homemade Chocolate Cake is a classic dessert made from scratch with simple ingredients like cocoa powder, flour, sugar, and eggs. The result is a moist, fluffy cake with a rich chocolate flavor. This recipe is versatile and can be paired with chocolate buttercream frosting, whipped cream, or served with fresh berries for a delightful treat. Whether you're making it for a special occasion or a casual family dinner, this cake is guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients List for Homemade Chocolate Cake
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious Homemade Chocolate Cake:
For the Chocolate Cake:
- All-purpose flour – 1 ¾ cups
- Granulated sugar – 2 cups
- Unsweetened cocoa powder – ¾ cup (preferably Dutch-processed)
- Baking powder – 1 ½ teaspoons
- Baking soda – 1 ½ teaspoons
- Salt – 1 teaspoon
- Eggs – 2 large
- Whole milk – 1 cup
- Vegetable oil – ½ cup
- Vanilla extract – 2 teaspoons
- Boiling water – 1 cup (for added moisture)
For the Chocolate Buttercream Frosting (Optional):
- Unsalted butter – 1 cup (2 sticks), softened
- Powdered sugar – 3 ½ cups
- Unsweetened cocoa powder – ¾ cup
- Whole milk – ¼ cup (adjust as needed)
- Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon
- Salt – a pinch
Substitutions and Variations
Want to customize your Homemade Chocolate Cake to suit your preferences or dietary needs? Here are some options:
- Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour substitute to make the cake gluten-free.
- Dairy-Free: Swap the milk for almond milk, coconut milk, or another dairy-free alternative. Use dairy-free butter or coconut oil for the frosting.
- Add Coffee: Add a teaspoon of instant coffee or espresso powder to the boiling water for a deeper, more intense chocolate flavor.
- Flavor Twists: Mix in ½ teaspoon of cinnamon or a dash of cayenne pepper to the cake batter for a spicy chocolate variation.
- Chocolate Chip Surprise: Fold 1 cup of chocolate chips into the batter before baking for an extra hit of chocolate in every bite.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

How to Make Homemade Chocolate Cake: A Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these simple steps to bake a delicious Homemade Chocolate Cake from scratch!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy release.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir until well combined.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
- Whisk the Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Mix the Batter:
Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix with a hand mixer or a whisk until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the batter should be smooth.
Step 5: Add the Boiling Water
- Add Boiling Water:
Gradually stir in the boiling water, mixing until the batter is thin and smooth. This step adds moisture and helps the cake achieve a soft, fluffy texture.
Step 6: Bake the Cakes
- Pour the Batter into the Pans:
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula. - Bake the Cakes:
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached. - Cool the Cakes:
Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
Step 7: Prepare the Chocolate Buttercream Frosting (Optional)
- Beat the Butter:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy and smooth, about 2-3 minutes. - Add the Cocoa Powder and Sugar:
Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, beating on low speed until combined. - Add Milk and Vanilla:
Add the milk and vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed until light and fluffy. If the frosting is too thick, add more milk, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. - Frost the Cake:
Once the cakes are completely cool, spread a thick layer of frosting over the top of one cake layer. Place the second layer on top, then frost the top and sides of the cake. Smooth the frosting with a spatula or use piping for decorative designs.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Homemade Chocolate Cake, avoid these common mistakes to ensure the best results:
- Overmixing the Batter:
Overmixing can cause the cake to become dense and tough. Mix just until the ingredients are combined for a soft, tender cake. - Not Cooling the Cake Completely:
Frosting a warm cake will cause the frosting to melt and slide off. Make sure the cakes are fully cooled before applying frosting. - Skipping Parchment Paper:
Using parchment paper to line the bottom of your cake pans ensures easy removal without sticking. This is especially important for soft, moist cakes.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Your Homemade Chocolate Cake will look stunning, especially when paired with a delicious frosting or creative garnishes. Here are some serving and presentation ideas:
How to Serve Chocolate Cake
- Classic Slices: Cut the cake into even slices and serve on a plate with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
- Warm with Ganache: Drizzle each slice with warm chocolate ganache for a rich, indulgent experience.
Presentation Ideas for Chocolate Cake
- Chocolate Shavings: Decorate the top of the cake with chocolate shavings or curls for an elegant touch.
- Fresh Fruit: Add fresh raspberries, strawberries, or blackberries to the top of the cake for a burst of color and a refreshing contrast to the chocolate.
- Sprinkles or Edible Gold Dust: For a festive look, add colorful sprinkles or a sprinkle of edible gold dust to the top of the cake.
Homemade Chocolate Cake Recipe Tips
- Make Ahead: You can bake the cake layers a day in advance. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store at room temperature. Frost the cake on the day of serving.
- Storage: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Freeze the Layers: You can freeze unfrosted cake layers for up to 2 months. Wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze. Thaw the cakes in the fridge overnight before frosting.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make Homemade Chocolate Cake without a mixer?
Yes! You can mix the batter by hand using a whisk. Just be sure to whisk the wet ingredients thoroughly and mix the batter until smooth.
2. Can I use a different frosting?
Absolutely! You can pair this cake with cream cheese frosting, whipped cream, or even a chocolate ganache for a more luxurious finish.
3. How can I keep my chocolate cake moist?
The boiling water added to the batter helps keep the cake moist. Be sure to store the cake in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.
4. Can I make cupcakes with this recipe?
Yes! You can use this batter to make cupcakes. Simply fill the cupcake liners about ⅔ full and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 18-20 minutes.
5. Can I add mix-ins to the cake batter?
Yes! You can fold in chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even pieces of toffee for an added texture and flavor boost.
Conclusion
This Homemade Chocolate Cake is a classic, versatile dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With its rich chocolate flavor, moist texture, and easy-to-make buttercream frosting, this cake will be a favorite in your kitchen. Whether you’re baking it for a birthday, a family dinner, or just to treat yourself, this cake is sure to impress! So grab your ingredients and start baking—you’re in for a delicious treat!
PrintHome made Chocolate Cake Recipe
Homemade chocolate cake is a classic dessert that's both moist and rich, made from simple ingredients like cocoa powder, flour, sugar, and eggs. This easy-to-make chocolate cake delivers a deep, chocolatey flavor with a tender crumb, perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or just because! Pair it with your favorite frosting for an irresistible treat that's sure to impress family and friends.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Cake:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water (or hot coffee for richer flavor)
For the Chocolate Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, and line the bottoms with parchment paper. - Make the Cake Batter:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar. Add the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until well combined. Slowly add the boiling water (or coffee), mixing on low speed until the batter is smooth. (The batter will be thin.) - Bake the Cake:
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. - Make the Frosting:
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, beating on low until combined. Add the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat on high speed for 3-4 minutes until the frosting is light and fluffy. - Assemble the Cake:
Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a thick layer of frosting over the top. Add the second cake layer and frost the top and sides. Smooth the frosting or create swirls for a decorative finish. - Serve:
Slice and enjoy your homemade chocolate cake! For an extra touch, garnish with chocolate shavings, sprinkles, or fresh berries.
Notes
- Use hot coffee instead of boiling water to enhance the chocolate flavor.
- The cake layers can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge or freezer.
- This recipe also works great for cupcakes or sheet cake.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 50g
- Sodium: 350mg
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