Ingredients
- For the Cake:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water (or hot coffee for stronger flavor)
- For the Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (plus more as needed)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Make the Cake:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Mix until smooth.
- Carefully pour in the boiling water (batter will be thin).
- Divide batter evenly between pans.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
- Make the Frosting:
- Beat butter until creamy.
- Add powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and salt. Mix on low until combined.
- Slowly add heavy cream and vanilla. Beat until fluffy and spreadable.
- Adjust with more cream or powdered sugar as needed.
- Assemble:
- Place first cake layer on a plate; spread a thick layer of frosting.
- Add second layer; frost top and sides generously.
- Decorate with swirls, drips, or keep it classically simple and glossy.
Notes
- For an even richer cake, replace some milk with buttermilk.
- Hot coffee in the batter deepens the chocolate flavor without tasting like coffee.
- Chill the cake before slicing for cleaner cuts.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 35
- Category: Desserts / Cakes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian