Description
Best Chocolate Cake Recipe: 3 Layers of Pure Bliss
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup natural unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot water
- 2 1/2 cups unsalted butter
- 9 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup natural unsweetened cocoa powder
- 4–5 tablespoons water or milk
- Pinch of salt
- 6 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- Sprinkles (for decoration)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pans: Preheat your oven to 300°F (148°C). Prepare three 8-inch cake pans by placing parchment paper circles in the bottom and greasing the sides.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together all the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs, buttermilk, and vegetable oil to the dry ingredients and mix well. In a separate bowl, combine the vanilla extract with the hot water, then add it to the mixture. Stir until well combined.
- Bake: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-33 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few crumbs. Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to cooling racks to cool completely.
- Beat the Butter: While the cakes are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a large mixing bowl, beat the room temperature butter until smooth and creamy.
- Add Sugar: Gradually add 4 cups of powdered sugar, mixing until smooth. Then, add the vanilla extract and half of the water or milk, continuing to mix until well combined.
- Incorporate Remaining Ingredients: Add the remaining 5 cups of powdered sugar and mix until smooth. Then, add the cocoa powder and mix again until fully combined. Adjust the consistency by adding the remaining water or milk as needed.
- Heat Cream: In a small saucepan, heat the heavy whipping cream over medium heat until it begins to simmer.
- Melt Chocolate: Remove from heat and add the semi-sweet chocolate chips. Let it sit for a minute, then stir until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Layer the Cakes: Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of chocolate frosting on top, then add the second cake layer and repeat. Top with the third layer and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.
- Drizzle Ganache: Pour the chocolate ganache over the top of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides. Finish with sprinkles for decoration.
Notes
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 40g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 50mg