Rich Moist Chocolate Cake (Printable)
Delicious moist chocolate cake boasting intense cocoa flavor, perfect for gatherings and treats.
# What You'll Need:
→ Dry Ingredients
01 - 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
03 - 2 cups granulated sugar
04 - 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
05 - 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
06 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
→ Wet Ingredients
07 - 2 large eggs, room temperature
08 - 1 cup whole milk
09 - 1/2 cup vegetable oil
10 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
11 - 1 cup boiling water
→ Frosting (Optional)
12 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
13 - 1 3/4 cups powdered sugar
14 - 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
15 - 1/4 cup whole milk
16 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
# How to Make It:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
02 - Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl.
03 - Add eggs, whole milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to dry mixture. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes.
04 - Stir in boiling water carefully until batter is smooth; batter will be thin.
05 - Evenly distribute batter between the two prepared pans.
06 - Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
07 - Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
08 - Beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder, followed by milk and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and fluffy.
09 - Place one cake layer on serving plate. Spread frosting on top, then stack second layer. Cover top and sides with remaining frosting.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- This cake’s decadently rich cocoa flavor will have you convinced you've found the ultimate chocolate fix.
- Its moist texture and easy prep make it a repeat favorite when I need a reliable crowd-pleaser.
02 -
- Using boiling water might feel odd, but it’s what elevates the cocoa flavor while keeping the batter silky.
- Brushing cake layers with simple syrup can lock in moisture, especially if you let your cake sit a day before frosting.
03 -
- Beat the wet and dry ingredients well before adding boiling water to achieve the ideal texture.
- Use a toothpick test in the center for doneness; an extra minute or two can make all the difference for moist crumb.