Ingredients
- 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1½ cups sugar
- 1½ tsp baking powder
- 1½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot water or coffee
- Chocolate Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3½ cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- ¼–½ cup heavy cream or milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Decoration
- 30–40 Kit Kat bars (full-size fingers)
- Chocolate ganache or extra frosting (optional)
- Sprinkles or M&M’s (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch cake pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk flour, cocoa, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla; mix until smooth.
- Stir in hot water/coffee (batter will be thin).
- Divide batter between pans and bake for 30–35 minutes. Cool completely.
- Beat butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar, cocoa, vanilla, and cream; beat until fluffy.
- Frost cake layers and cover the sides evenly.
- Press Kit Kat bars vertically around the cake.
- Top with ganache, frosting, or candies. Chill briefly before slicing.
Notes
- Coffee enhances chocolate flavor (no coffee taste).
- Use a springform pan ring to help keep Kit Kats straight.
- Tie a ribbon around the cake for a classic look.
- Prep Time: 30
- Cook Time: 35
- Category: Dessert / Cake
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian