Home made Chocolate Cake Recipe

The Dreamy Home Made Chocolate Cake Recipe Everyone Loves

Crafting a delectable home made chocolate cake can transport you to childhood memories of sweet kitchen adventures.

Memories flood back with each whisk and fold of ingredients.

Rich cocoa aromas fill the kitchen, promising pure indulgence.

Soft, moist layers melt on your tongue, creating moments of pure bliss.

Baking becomes an art form when passion meets simple ingredients.

Culinary magic happens when you mix love with classic techniques.

You’ll want to savor every single crumb of this irresistible dessert.

Homemade Chocolate Cake Packed With Flavor

  • Create Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: This chocolate cake delights everyone with its rich, moist texture and deep cocoa flavor that brings instant smiles to family and friends.
  • Master Baking Skills: Perfect for home bakers wanting to improve their skills, the recipe offers straightforward steps that guide you through creating a professional-looking cake without advanced techniques.
  • Versatile Celebration Centerpiece: Whether it's a birthday, holiday gathering, or casual weekend treat, this chocolate cake serves as a stunning centerpiece that impresses guests with minimal effort.
  • Simple Ingredient List: Requires basic pantry staples like flour, sugar, cocoa powder, and common baking ingredients, making it accessible for cooks of all experience levels without requiring specialty items.

Ingredients for Homemade Chocolate Cake

Cake Base Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: A key structural component that provides the cake's fundamental texture and framework.
  • Cocoa Powder: Delivers rich chocolate flavor and deep brown color to the cake.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender cake crumb.
  • Eggs: Provide structure, moisture, and help bind the cake ingredients together.
Liquid Ingredients:
  • Milk, Oil, Boiling Water: Contribute moisture and help create a soft, tender cake texture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances and rounds out the chocolate flavor profile.
Leavening and Seasoning Ingredients:
  • Baking Powder, Baking Soda, Salt: Help the cake rise and balance the overall flavor.
Frosting Ingredients:
  • Butter: Creates a creamy base for the frosting with rich flavor.
  • Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps achieve a smooth frosting consistency.
  • Cocoa Powder: Adds chocolate depth to the frosting.
  • Milk, Vanilla Extract: Help adjust frosting texture and enhance flavor.

How to Bake Homemade Chocolate Cake

How to Bake Homemade Chocolate Cake

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Warm up your oven to 350°F.

Grab two round cake pans and coat them with a light butter layer, then dust with flour to prevent sticking.

Line your workspace with all necessary tools and ingredients.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Gather these ingredients:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Cocoa powder
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Salt

Sift all dry ingredients together in a large mixing bowl to eliminate any lumps and create a smooth, consistent blend.

Step 3: Combine Wet Components

Whisk together in a separate bowl:
  • Sugar
  • Eggs
  • Milk
  • Vegetable oil
  • Vanilla extract

Blend these ingredients until they form a silky, unified mixture.

Step 4: Create Cake Batter

Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients.

Stir gently until everything combines smoothly.

Slowly add boiling water and mix – the batter will become thin and runny.

Step 5: Bake Cake Layers

Divide batter evenly between prepared pans.

Slide into preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean.

Step 6: Cool Cake Layers

Let cakes rest in pans for 10 minutes.

Transfer to wire cooling racks and allow to reach room temperature completely.

Step 7: Whip Up Chocolate Frosting

Beat softened butter until creamy.

Gradually incorporate:
  • Powdered sugar
  • Cocoa powder
  • Vanilla extract
  • Milk

Adjust liquid to achieve smooth, spreadable consistency.

Step 8: Assemble Chocolate Masterpiece

Place first cake layer on serving plate.

Spread frosting across top.

Carefully position second layer.

Cover entire cake with remaining frosting.

Decorate as desired.

Helpful Tips for Homemade Chocolate Cake

  • Add boiling water to thin batter, creating an incredibly soft and tender chocolate cake texture that melts in your mouth.
  • Cool cake completely before frosting to lock in moisture and ensure smooth, even spreading without crumbling.
  • Beat butter until creamy and add powdered sugar gradually to achieve a silky, lump-free chocolate frosting that spreads like silk.
  • Adjust milk in frosting by adding small amounts to reach perfect spreadable texture, avoiding too thick or runny results.
  • Sift dry ingredients to eliminate lumps and create a more uniform, rich chocolate cake with intense flavor throughout.

Variations to Explore with Homemade Chocolate Cake

  • Gluten-Free Chocolate Cake: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for those with wheat sensitivities. Reduce baking time by 5 minutes and check cake doneness carefully.
  • Vegan Chocolate Cake: Substitute eggs with mashed bananas or applesauce, use plant-based milk like almond milk, and replace butter with coconut oil in frosting. Select dairy-free chocolate powder for complete vegan adaptation.
  • Low-Sugar Chocolate Cake: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar, reduce overall sweetness, and incorporate Greek yogurt for moisture. Select dark cocoa powder with higher antioxidant content for deeper flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions for Homemade Chocolate Cake

  • Celebration Centerpiece: Position this decadent chocolate cake as the star of birthday parties, family gatherings, or special weekend dessert moments.
  • Elegant Presentation Twist: Dust the frosted cake with cocoa powder or chocolate shavings for a sophisticated restaurant-style finish that adds visual appeal.
  • Sweet Pairing Magic: Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cold glass of milk to enhance the rich chocolate flavor and create a delightful dessert experience.
  • Leftover Love Hack: Store cake slices in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days, or refrigerate to extend freshness and maintain moisture.

Storage Advice for Homemade Chocolate Cake

  • Store covered cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out and preserve moisture.
  • Carefully wrap entire unfrosted cake layers in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Store in freezer for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before frosting.
  • Cut individual slices, place between parchment paper, and store in sealed container in refrigerator for 3-4 days. Prevents cake from becoming soggy.
  • Warm refrigerated cake slice at room temperature for 15-20 minutes. Microwave gently for 10-15 seconds on low power to restore softness without drying out cake.

FAQs

  • Why does the recipe call for boiling water?

Boiling water helps to bloom the cocoa powder, intensifying the chocolate flavor and creating a richer, more moist cake texture.

  • Can I replace oil with butter in this recipe?

While possible, oil keeps the cake more moist and tender compared to butter, so it’s recommended to stick with the original recipe.

  • How do I prevent my cake from being dry?

Avoid overbaking by checking the cake a few minutes before the suggested baking time and using the toothpick test to ensure it comes out clean with a few moist crumbs.

  • What makes this chocolate cake different from other recipes?

The addition of boiling water creates a uniquely light and tender crumb, making this cake exceptionally soft and rich in chocolate flavor.

Print
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Home made Chocolate Cake Recipe

Home made Chocolate Cake Recipe


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4.5 from 14 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Chocolate lovers will adore this homemade chocolate cake recipe that brings Italian dessert traditions to life. Rich cocoa layers promise pure indulgence with classic ingredients blending seamlessly for you to savor each delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

  • 1 3/4 cups (220 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup (75 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups (400 grams) sugar

Wet Ingredients:

  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) whole milk
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) vegetable oil
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) boiling water

Frosting Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (230 grams) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 1/2 cups (420 grams) powdered sugar
  • 1/2 cup (50 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) whole milk (adjust as needed)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the cake foundation by combining dry ingredients: sift flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together in a mixing bowl, ensuring no lumps remain.
  2. Create a smooth wet mixture by whisking sugar, eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract until fully integrated and glossy.
  3. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently to maintain a uniform texture without overmixing.
  4. Introduce boiling water into the batter, which will create a thin, silky consistency essential for a moist chocolate cake.
  5. Prepare two 9-inch round cake pans by greasing and flouring to prevent sticking, then evenly distribute the batter between them.
  6. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick inserted into the center that comes out clean.
  7. Allow cakes to rest in pans for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer to wire cooling racks to reach room temperature.
  8. Craft the frosting by beating butter until creamy and smooth, creating a rich base.
  9. Gradually blend powdered sugar and cocoa powder into the butter, mixing on low speed to prevent sugar clouds.
  10. Enhance frosting with vanilla extract and milk, adjusting liquid until achieving a spreadable, velvety consistency.
  11. Once cakes are completely cooled, apply frosting to the first layer, then carefully position the second layer on top.
  12. Generously coat the entire cake with remaining frosting, creating an even, luscious chocolate exterior.

Notes

  • Check cake doneness by inserting a toothpick near the center; if it comes out clean with minimal crumbs, the cake is perfectly baked.
  • For a richer chocolate flavor, use high-quality cocoa powder and replace some milk with strong brewed coffee.
  • Create a gluten-free version by substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and adding xanthan gum for better texture.
  • Reduce sugar content by using alternative sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit, keeping the cake’s moisture intact with applesauce or Greek yogurt.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 425 kcal
  • Sugar: 44 g
  • Sodium: 230 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 58 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 45 mg
Amanda Bennett

Amanda Bennett

Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing and Development, Culinary Instruction, Food Styling and Photography

Education

​Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, Asheville, NC
​Diploma in Culinary Arts
Emphasized practical cooking skills, nutrition, and kitchen management.​

Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, Cambridge, MA
Certificate in Professional Pastry Arts
Specialized in baking techniques, dessert presentation, and flavor profiling


Amanda’s roots run deep in the Southern hills, where every meal started fresh from the garden and every dessert came with a story. She trained at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and sharpened her pastry skills at the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, blending classic technique with everyday charm.
At The Liffey, Amanda’s passion is making baking and home cooking feel natural and joyful. She’s all about single recipes that are simple enough for a busy afternoon, but special enough to make someone’s day a little sweeter.

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