The Best Chocolate Cake
This is the best chocolate cake recipe; we use it for every birthday! It is a simple yet decadent, moist chocolate cake with chocolate frosting. You can add strawberries or any fruit of your choice as a garnish. It is one of the easiest cakes to make, which is why I stick to using the same recipe. It tastes delicious and is a versatile baked good. With a simple cake topper, you can personalize it, or with a change in garnish, the look completely changes. What a treat! Enjoy.
Equipment
- 2 9 Inch cake pans
- 2 Large mixing bowls
- 1 Sifter
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Parchment Paper
- Electric mixer
- Spatula
Ingredients
- INGREDIENTS FOR CHOCOLATE CAKE
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 cups warm coffee not hot
- 2 Tbsp white vinegar
- 1 Tbsp vanilla extract
- 2/3 cup light olive oil not extra virgin
- Strawberries optional garnish
- INGREDIENTS FOR CHOCOLATE FROSTING:
- 12 oz cream cheese room temperature
- 1 cup 16 Tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature
- 5 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Instructions for Chocolate Cake Layers
- Preheat the oven to 350˚F. Butter cake pans and line the bottoms with a ring of parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl sift 3 cups of flour and 1/2 cocoa powder.
- Then add the dry ingredients: 2 cups sugar, 2 tsp baking soda, and 1 tsp salt.
- Mix the wet ingredients in a separate bowl: 2 cups warm coffee, 2 tbsp vinegar, 1 tbsp vanilla extract, and 2/3 cup olive oil.
- Lastly, add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and whisk until combined. Divide equally between prepared cake pans and bake in a preheated oven for 35 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting. This will help the cake stay together.
- Instructions for Chocolate Frosting
- Using an electric hand mixer with a large bowl, mix 12 oz cream cheese with 1 cup butter on medium/high speed until creamy.
- Sift in 5 cups powdered sugar with 1 cup cocoa powder.
- Then add 1/2 tsp salt. Then increase to medium/high speed and beat until smooth and whipped.
- Add 2 tsp vanilla and beat on medium/high until smooth.
- Instructions to Frost a Cake
- Set a cake layer onto a serving platter. Apply 1/3 of the frosting over the first layer.
- Add the second layer, placing it top-side-down for an even top.
- Frost the top and sides of the cake.