Top-Rated Chocolate Cake: The Ultimate Recipe

This is the chocolate cake recipe that wins rave reviews every time. It’s incredibly moist, deeply chocolatey, and has the perfect tender crumb. Paired with a rich, silky frosting, it’s a showstopper for any occasion.

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Cake:

2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
1 ¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour, spooned & leveled
¾ cup (75g) unsweetened natural cocoa powder (not Dutch-process)
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 cup (240ml) buttermilk, room temperature
½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil (or canola/coconut oil)
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 cup (240ml) hot coffee (or boiling water)

For the Chocolate Frosting:

1 ¼ cups (2.5 sticks / 285g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
3 ½ cups (420g) confectioners’ sugar
¾ cup (70g) unsweetened cocoa powder
3-4 tablespoons heavy cream (or milk)
1 ½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Optional: Chocolate shavings, sprinkles, or berries for garnish.

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Cake

Preheat & Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans (or line with parchment paper).
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
Add Wet Ingredients: Add eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla. Beat with a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes until well combined.
Add Hot Coffee: Slowly pour in the hot coffee (or boiling water). The batter will be thin—this is normal! Mix just until combined.
Bake: Divide batter evenly between pans. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool: Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

Step 2: Make the Frosting

Beat Butter: Using a mixer, beat the softened butter on medium-high speed for 2 minutes until creamy.
Add Dry Ingredients: Sift in the confectioners’ sugar and cocoa powder to avoid lumps. Add vanilla and salt. Mix on low until combined, then increase speed to medium.
Add Cream: Add heavy cream, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency. Beat on high for 1 minute until fluffy.

Step 3: Assemble & Decorate

Level Cakes: If cakes have domed tops, use a serrated knife to level them.
Frost: Place one cake layer on a plate or stand. Spread a layer of frosting on top. Place the second layer on top. Frost the top and sides with a thin crumb coat, chill for 15 minutes, then apply the final, thicker layer of frosting.
Garnish: Top with chocolate shavings, sprinkles, or fresh berries.

🌟 Pro Tips for Top-Rated Success

Why Coffee? Hot coffee intensifies the chocolate flavor without adding a coffee taste. If avoiding caffeine, use hot water or decaf.
Room Temperature Matters: Eggs, buttermilk, and butter for frosting should be at room temperature for even mixing and a smooth batter.
Don’t Overmix: Once you add the coffee, mix only until combined to keep the cake tender.
Moisture Secret: The oil and buttermilk make this cake incredibly moist. Don’t substitute butter for the oil.
Cocoa Choice: Use natural cocoa powder (like Hershey’s) for the classic flavor. Dutch-process will change the acidity and rise.

📦 Storage & Make-Ahead

Room Temp: Store covered at room temp for up to 2 days.
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Let slices come to room temp before serving.
Freeze: Wrap unfrosted cake layers tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in fridge overnight before frosting.

🔄 Popular Variations

Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake: Replace oil and eggs with 1 cup of mayonnaise for an unbelievably moist crumb.
Chocolate Cupcakes: Fill liners ⅔ full and bake at same temp for 18–22 minutes. Makes about 24 cupcakes.
German Chocolate Cake: Swap frosting for a coconut-pecan frosting.
Dairy-Free: Use almond milk + 1 tbsp vinegar (for buttermilk) and coconut oil. Use a plant-based frosting.

This recipe is beloved for its foolproof method, deep flavor, and perfect texture. It’s the go-to chocolate cake for birthdays, holidays, or any day that needs a little celebration. Enjoy!