Chocolate Cake
Total Time
1 hr 25 mins
Prep Time
1 hr
Cook Time
25 mins
Rating
4.64 out of 5 stars
(11)
Ingredients
16
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon espresso powder, optional
- 1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup canola oil or vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 cup boiling water
- 2 cups unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 6 to 7 cups confectioner’s sugar, sifted
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted
- 6 to 8 tablespoons heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted and slightly cooled
- Chocolate shavings, chocolate chips, or sprinkles, for decorating, optional
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Preparation
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease three 8-inch x 2-inch round cake pans generously with nonstick cooking spray. Line the pans with parchment paper, then spray the pans again. Set aside.
Step 2
In the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and espresso powder, if using.
Step 3
In a medium bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, oil, and vanilla extract.
Step 4
With the stand mixer on low speed, slowly add the buttermilk mixture. Add the eggs, one at a time, and mix until well combined.
Step 5
Slowly add the hot water and stir just to combine, stopping to scrape down the sides of the bowl. Briefly mix again. The batter will be thin and that is ok.
Step 6
Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans and bake for 22 to 28 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the center of the cakes. Remove the cakes from the oven and set them on a wire cooling rack.
Step 7
Cool the cakes in the pans for 30 minutes, then turn them out onto a cooling rack and cool completely. You can wrap the cake layers in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator or freezer. See note.
Step 8
To make the frosting, using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter until creamy and lighter in color, about 3 minutes, scraping down the bowl halfway through.
Step 9
With the mixer on low, add the confectioner’s sugar, 2 cups at a time. You can start with 6 cups and add more later, if necessary. Add the cocoa powder.
Step 10
Pour in 6 tablespoons of heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt. With the mixer on low, add the melted chocolate. Mix for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, until the buttercream is light and fluffy. If the consistency of frosting is too thin, gradually add a little more sugar. If the frosting is too thick, add more heavy cream, a teaspoon at a time, until frosting is desired consistency.
Step 11
To assemble the cake, first make sure the cake layers are flat and don’t have a rounded dome on top. If they do, carefully level off the top with a sharp serrated knife. You want the cake layers to be as even as possible.
Step 12
Place the first layer bottom side up on a flat plate or cake stand. Using a knife or offset spatula, spread the top of the cake evenly with buttercream. Place the second layer on top, top side up, and spread more buttercream evenly over the top. Repeat with the third layer and frost the top and sides of the cake.
Step 13
Decorate with sprinkles, chocolate shavings, or chocolate chips, if desired.
Step 14
Use a sharp knife to cut the cake into pieces. Serve.
Step 15
Save recipe for the next time?
Chef's notes
You can make the cakes in advance. Carefully wrap the cooled cake layers in plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. You can also freeze the cakes for up to 2 months. Wrap the cooled cakes in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Remove the cakes from the freezer about an hour before you plan to decorate so they can mostly thaw out. You don’t want the layers to be completely frozen, but chilled cake layers are easier to assemble and frost.
You can use two 9-inch round cake pans to make a two layered cake. You might have extra frosting.
