Ingredients for the Cake
- 2 cups granulated sugar (400 g)
- 1 3/4 cups all purpose flour (245 g)
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (75 g)
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup warm water or coffee (240 ml)
- 1 cup milk (240 ml)
- 1/2 cup oil (vegetable, corn, or canola – 120 ml)
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Chocolate Frosting Ingredients
- 6 oz chopped semi sweet or bittersweet chocolate (180 g)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temp (226 g)
- 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted (230 g)
Step by Step: How I Make the Perfect Chocolate Cake
1: Prep the Pans
- Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Grease and flour two 9 inch round pans. Line the bottom with parchment for easy release.
2: Mix the Batter
- In a large bowl, whisk sugar, flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add eggs, warm water (or coffee), milk, oil, and vanilla. Whisk until smooth and pourable.
3: Bake the Layers
- Divide batter evenly into prepared pans.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
4: Make the Frosting
- Melt chocolate in microwave or double boiler and let it cool slightly.
- Beat butter until smooth, then slowly add powdered sugar.
- Add melted chocolate and beat until light and creamy.
5: Assemble and Decorate
- Place one cake layer on serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting on top.
- Top with second cake layer and frost the top and sides generously.
- Decorate with sprinkles, chocolate curls, or nothing at all it’s that good plain.
