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Ultimate Decadent Chocolate Cake Recipe for True Chocolate Lovers | Rich, Moist & Irresistible

If you’re a true chocolate lover, this Ultimate Decadent Chocolate Cake will be your new favorite dessert. Rich, moist, and packed with deep cocoa flavor, it’s the kind of cake that melts in your mouth with every bite. This cake isn’t just chocolate—it’s chocolate on top of chocolate. You get a tender, fluffy crumb from the perfect ratio of flour, cocoa powder, and leavening agents, plus a luscious chocolate frosting made with butter, powdered sugar, and even more cocoa for that indulgent punch. The result? A slice that’s pure heaven for anyone who believes there’s no such thing as too much chocolate. Whether you’re baking it for a birthday, a dinner party, or just to satisfy a late-night craving, this cake is the ultimate crowd-pleaser for every cocoa enthusiast.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
bake & Frosting & Assembly time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 14 slices
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Fresh Products:
  • 2 large eggs
Culinary Aids & Spices:
  • 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1½ teaspoons baking powder
  • 1½ teaspoons baking soda
  • 1½ cups unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 3 cups powdered sugar for frosting
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Oils & Vinegars:
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
Dairy Products:
  • ¼ cup milk or cream for frosting
  • 1 cup whole milk for batter

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls (large and medium)
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Electric mixer (stand or handheld)
  • Rubber spatula
  • Whisk
  • Two 9-inch round cake pans
  • Parchment paper
  • Cooling racks
  • Offset spatula (for frosting)
  • Sifter (for cocoa and powdered sugar)

Method
 

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Pans
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together:
  2. Flour
  3. Baking powder
  4. Baking soda
  5. Cocoa powder
  6. Salt
Step 3: Cream Eggs, Sugar & Oil
  1. In a large bowl, beat eggs, granulated sugar, and vegetable oil until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
Step 4: Add Vanilla and Milk
  1. Mix in the vanilla extract.
  2. Gradually add the whole milk, mixing until smooth.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
  1. Add the dry mixture to the wet mixture in batches, mixing gently until just combined.
Step 6: Bake the Cake Layers
  1. Divide batter evenly between the prepared pans.
  2. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  3. Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
  4. Make the Chocolate Frosting
Step 7: Beat the Butter
  1. In a large bowl, beat 1 cup softened butter until creamy.
Step 8: Add Cocoa & Sugar
  1. Sift together cocoa powder and powdered sugar to remove lumps.
  2. Gradually mix into the butter, alternating with milk or cream.
Step 9: Whip Until Fluffy
  1. Beat until the frosting is smooth, fluffy, and spreadable.
Step 10: Assemble the Cake
  1. Place one cooled cake layer on a serving plate.
  2. Spread frosting evenly over the top.
  3. Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides.
  4. Use an offset spatula to smooth for a clean finish.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Room Temperature:
Store covered for up to 2 days.
Refrigerator:
Keeps fresh for 4–5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.
Freezer:
Freeze unfrosted layers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before frosting.
Reheating:
Not recommended—serve at room temperature for best texture.
🥄 Variations
Chocolate Ganache Topping: Add a glossy chocolate glaze over the frosting.
Mocha Chocolate Cake: Add 1 teaspoon instant coffee to the batter for a coffee kick.
Berry-Chocolate Layer Cake: Add fresh raspberries between layers.
Nutty Twist: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans.
Whipped Cream Frosting: For a lighter topping, use whipped cream instead of buttercream.
Cupcake Version: Bake in muffin tins for 18–20 minutes.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
❓ 10 FAQs
1. Can I use Dutch-processed cocoa powder?
Yes, but adjust leavening slightly if needed.
2. Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes—swap milk and cream for plant-based alternatives.
3. Can I bake it in one pan?
Yes, but increase baking time and slice layers in half after cooling.
4. Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes, but reducing too much can affect texture.
5. Why is my cake dry?
It may be overbaked—check a few minutes early.
6. Can I make this ahead?
Yes—bake layers a day ahead and frost the next day.
7. Can I add chocolate chips?
Yes, fold in ½ cup for extra bursts of chocolate.
8. Can I frost while warm?
No—cool completely or frosting will melt.
9. Can I use salted butter?
Yes, but reduce added salt to a pinch.
10. How do I get flat cake layers?
Use cake strips or trim domes with a serrated knife.
🏁 Conclusion
This Ultimate Decadent Chocolate Cake is rich, moist, and packed with chocolate flavor from top to bottom. The tender crumb, creamy frosting, and deep cocoa taste make it a chocolate lover’s dream. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just because, this cake will always deliver pure indulgence.