Ingredients
Method
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line with parchment paper.
Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients, then slowly stir in hot coffee. The batter will be thin—that’s okay!
Step 3: Bake
- Divide batter evenly between pans.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
Step 4: Make the Frosting
- Beat butter until creamy.
- Add cocoa powder and mix until smooth.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, alternating with cream.
- Stir in vanilla and a pinch of salt. Adjust cream for desired consistency.
Step 5: Assemble the Cake
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread frosting on top.
- Add the second layer and frost the top and sides evenly.
- Decorate with chocolate shavings, sprinkles, or leave it classic and clean.
Notes
🥄 Variations
Double Chocolate: Fold chocolate chips into the batter Mocha Twist: Add 1 tsp espresso powder to intensify flavor Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend Dairy-Free: Use plant-based milk and vegan butter Sheet Cake Option: Pour into a 9×13-inch pan and bake for 40–45 minutes 🧊 Storage & Reheating
Room Temp: Store covered for up to 2 days Refrigerator: Keeps for 5–6 days; bring to room temp before serving Freezer: Wrap unfrosted layers in plastic and foil, freeze up to 2 months Reheat: Microwave individual slices for 15 seconds to soften ❓ 10 FAQs
Why use buttermilk?
It adds tenderness and a subtle tang that enhances the chocolate flavor. Can I substitute the coffee?
Yes—use hot water instead, but coffee deepens the cocoa taste. How do I keep the cake moist?
Don’t overbake, and store it covered to lock in moisture. What’s the best cocoa to use?
Dutch-processed for a rich color and smoother taste. Can I make this into cupcakes?
Absolutely—fill cupcake liners ¾ full and bake for ~18–20 minutes. Is the frosting too sweet?
No—balance it with a pinch of salt and adjust cream as needed. Can I frost while warm?
No—let cakes cool completely to avoid melting the frosting. Can I use different pans?
Yes—adjust baking time for bundt or square pans. Can I add layers?
Yes—double the recipe for a 3- or 4-layer celebration cake. How do I make it ahead?
Bake the cake layers a day early, wrap, and frost the next day. 🏁 Conclusion
Rich, decadent, and crowd-pleasing, this Ultimate Chocolate Cake is a guaranteed hit. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, baking for a party, or indulging your inner chocoholic, this cake delivers in flavor, texture, and pure dessert joy. 🍫💫 Frost it big, slice it thick, and savor every bite of this showstopping sweet.
Double Chocolate: Fold chocolate chips into the batter Mocha Twist: Add 1 tsp espresso powder to intensify flavor Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend Dairy-Free: Use plant-based milk and vegan butter Sheet Cake Option: Pour into a 9×13-inch pan and bake for 40–45 minutes 🧊 Storage & Reheating
Room Temp: Store covered for up to 2 days Refrigerator: Keeps for 5–6 days; bring to room temp before serving Freezer: Wrap unfrosted layers in plastic and foil, freeze up to 2 months Reheat: Microwave individual slices for 15 seconds to soften ❓ 10 FAQs
Why use buttermilk?
It adds tenderness and a subtle tang that enhances the chocolate flavor. Can I substitute the coffee?
Yes—use hot water instead, but coffee deepens the cocoa taste. How do I keep the cake moist?
Don’t overbake, and store it covered to lock in moisture. What’s the best cocoa to use?
Dutch-processed for a rich color and smoother taste. Can I make this into cupcakes?
Absolutely—fill cupcake liners ¾ full and bake for ~18–20 minutes. Is the frosting too sweet?
No—balance it with a pinch of salt and adjust cream as needed. Can I frost while warm?
No—let cakes cool completely to avoid melting the frosting. Can I use different pans?
Yes—adjust baking time for bundt or square pans. Can I add layers?
Yes—double the recipe for a 3- or 4-layer celebration cake. How do I make it ahead?
Bake the cake layers a day early, wrap, and frost the next day. 🏁 Conclusion
Rich, decadent, and crowd-pleasing, this Ultimate Chocolate Cake is a guaranteed hit. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, baking for a party, or indulging your inner chocoholic, this cake delivers in flavor, texture, and pure dessert joy. 🍫💫 Frost it big, slice it thick, and savor every bite of this showstopping sweet.