Ultimate Moist Chocolate Cake Recipe with Rich Chocolate Frosting

There’s nothing quite like a perfectly moist, decadent chocolate cake to satisfy your sweet tooth. Whether it’s for a birthday, celebration, or just a weekend treat, this Ultimate Moist Chocolate Cake is guaranteed to impress. Paired with a silky chocolate frosting, this recipe delivers deep cocoa flavor, a tender crumb, and an irresistible richness.

Below, you’ll find a step-by-step guide, including ingredient lists, baking times, temperatures, and expert tips to ensure your cake turns out flawless every time.

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Ingredients for Moist Chocolate Cake

For the Cake:

• 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar

• 1¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour

• ¾ cup (75g) unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-process or natural)

• 2 tsp baking soda

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 1 tsp salt

• 2 large eggs, room temperature

• 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk, room temperature

• 1 cup (240ml) hot coffee (or hot water)

• ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)

• 2 tsp pure vanilla extract

For the Chocolate Frosting:

• 1½ cups (340g) unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup (100g) unsweetened cocoa powder

• 5 cups (600g) powdered sugar, sifted

• ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream (or whole milk)

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

• ¼ tsp salt

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pans

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

• Grease two 9-inch round cake pans with butter or non-stick spray, then line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients

• In a large bowl, whisk together:

  • Sugar

  • Flour

  • Cocoa powder

  • Baking soda

  • Baking powder

  • Salt

3. Add Wet Ingredients

• In a separate bowl, beat eggs, then add:

  • Buttermilk

  • Oil

  • Vanilla

• Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.

4. Incorporate Hot Coffee (or Water)

• Slowly pour in the hot coffee (or water) while mixing on low speed. The batter will be thin—this is normal!

5. Bake the Cakes

• Divide batter evenly between the prepared pans.

• Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

• Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

6. Make the Chocolate Frosting

• Beat butter until creamy (~2 minutes).

• Add cocoa powder and mix until smooth.

• Gradually add powdered sugar, alternating with heavy cream.

• Mix in vanilla and salt, then beat on high for 2-3 minutes until fluffy.

7. Assemble & Frost the Cake

• Place one cake layer on a plate or stand. Spread a thick layer of frosting.

• Add the second layer, then frost the top and sides.

• Optional: Decorate with chocolate shavings, sprinkles, or berries.

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Expert Tips for the Best Chocolate Cake

✅ Use room-temperature ingredients (eggs, buttermilk) for even mixing.
✅ Don’t overmix the batter—this can make the cake dense.
✅ Hot coffee enhances chocolate flavor (you won’t taste coffee, just richer cocoa).
✅ Let cakes cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
✅ For extra moisture, brush cake layers with simple syrup (equal parts sugar & water, heated).

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Serving & Storage

🍴 Serve at room temperature for the best texture.
📅 Store covered at room temp for 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
❄️ Freeze unfrosted layers for up to 3 months—thaw before frosting.

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Final Thoughts

This Ultimate Moist Chocolate Cake is a foolproof recipe that delivers intense chocolate flavor, a soft crumb, and a velvety frosting. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, this cake is sure to become a favorite.