The Ultimate Chocolate Cake Recipe

A decadent and moist Chocolate Cake recipe with whipped, chocolatey & silky smooth chocolate frosting.

Ingredients:

For the Chocolate Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water

For the Chocolate Ganache:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 8 ounces semisweet or bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped

For the Chocolate Buttercream:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.

2. Make the Chocolate Cake:

• In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
• Add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed until well combined.
• Gradually add the boiling water and mix until smooth. The batter will be thin, but that's okay.

3. Bake:

• Divide the batter equally among the prepared cake pans.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
• Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

4. Make the Chocolate Ganache:

• In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it begins to simmer.
• Place the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let it sit for a minute. Stir until smooth.
• Allow the ganache to cool and thicken slightly.

5. Make the Chocolate Buttercream:

• In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
• Sift in the confectioners' sugar and cocoa powder. Add the milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat until smooth and creamy.

6. Assemble the Cake:

• Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of chocolate buttercream on top.
• Add the second layer and repeat the process. Place the third layer on top.
• Pour the chocolate ganache over the top of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides.

7. Decorate (Optional):

• Decorate the cake with additional buttercream, chocolate shavings, or sprinkles if desired.

8. Chill (Optional):

• For a firmer ganache, chill the cake in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving.

9. Slice and Enjoy:

• Slice and serve your ultimate chocolate cake. It's rich, moist, and incredibly indulgent!