The Ultimate Chocolate Cake Recipe for Home Bakers
A Delicious Classic You Can Make From Scratch
There’s something timeless about a good chocolate cake. Moist, soft, and full of deep cocoa flavor—it’s the kind of dessert that brings comfort, celebration, and joy with every slice.
Whether you’re baking for a birthday, a weekend treat, or just because you feel like it, this recipe is straightforward, rewarding, and perfect for anyone looking to bake a cake that melts hearts and delights taste buds.
🧁 Ingredients You’ll Need
For the cake batter:
- 1 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 eggs (room temperature)
- 1 cup milk (you can use oat or almond alternatives too)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 and 3/4 cups sugar
For the frosting (optional but recommended):
- 1/2 cup softened butter
- 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
🍰 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep Your Pan and Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease two 9-inch round cake pans or one 9×13-inch pan.
- Lightly dust with flour or line with parchment paper.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
- Flour
- Cocoa powder
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Sugar
3. Add the Wet Ingredients
- Add eggs, milk, oil (or butter), and vanilla to the dry mix.
- Mix until smooth and lump-free.
4. Add Boiling Water (Carefully)
- Slowly pour in the boiling water while stirring.
- The batter will be thin—this is what helps it stay moist after baking.
5. Bake
- Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan(s).
- Bake for 30–35 minutes (for round pans) or 35–40 minutes (for a single 9×13).
- Check doneness with a toothpick—it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs.
6. Cool
Let the cake cool in the pans for 10–15 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
🎂 Frosting (Optional, but Totally Worth It)
In a bowl, mix:
- Butter and cocoa powder until smooth
- Add powdered sugar gradually, alternating with milk
- Stir in vanilla
- Beat until light and fluffy
Spread generously on the cooled cake, top with fruit, sprinkles, or chocolate shavings if you like.
🌟 Quick Tips for Success
- Room temperature eggs blend more evenly into the batter
- Don’t overmix—once it’s smooth, stop stirring
- A thin batter is normal for this recipe
- Always let it cool before applying any frosting
🍽️ Final Slice
This chocolate cake brings bakery flavor to your kitchen with simple steps and easy-to-find ingredients. It’s a crowd-pleaser for parties, dinner desserts, or just because you want something sweet and satisfying.
So preheat that oven and make today a little richer, one bite at a time.
