The best chocolate cake recipe is my forever favorite and I swear it’s the dessert that brings everyone to the kitchen, every single time. If you’ve ever wanted the best chocolate cake recipe for birthdays, holidays, or “just because” moments, this is it! It’s that one cake you can always count on to make people smile, and honestly, I’d pick it over any other dessert. Since sharing my recipes at My Recipe Cast, I’ve watched this best chocolate cake recipe become a total reader favorite, and I can’t wait for you to try it too.
For chocolate lovers and cake fans alike, this is the best chocolate cake recipe for sharing, celebrating, and creating happy memories with every slice. By the way, if you’re in the mood for something fruity, my lemon blueberry shortbread bars are always a hit too.
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What Makes The Best Chocolate Cake Recipe Special?
When I think about the best chocolate cake recipe, it’s all about that dreamy combination: deep, chocolatey flavor, a moist and tender crumb, and a simplicity that makes you want to bake it again and again. Best chocolate cake recipe isn’t flashy or complicated with ingredients, it’s warmth, nostalgia, and a dash of everyday magic. What makes this best chocolate cake recipe so great is it’s simple and reliable but never fails to taste like it’s from the bakery. For birthday parties or lazy Sundays, this is the ultimate best chocolate cake recipe to share and devour. For a fun chocolate twist, I sometimes swap the cocoa with dark chocolate like I do in my double chocolate chip cookies.
Ingredients Overview
All-Purpose Flour: The foundation for that tender, classic crumb in the best chocolate cake recipe.
Natural Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Delivers bold, real chocolate flavor.
Baking Powder & Baking Soda: Help your best chocolate cake recipe rise tall and fluffy every time.
Salt: Enhances the chocolate, making every bite pop.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetness plus moisture = that melt-in-your-mouth feel.
Eggs: Essential for structure and a little richness.
Whole Milk (or Buttermilk): Adds extra moistness. You can use almond or oat milk if you want a dairy-free best chocolate cake recipe.
Vegetable Oil: Keeps your cake soft and light. Melted coconut oil works for a hint of coconut.
Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the best chocolate cake recipe with warmth and depth.
Hot Water or Freshly Brewed Coffee: Coffee is my secret for bringing out even more chocolate flavor, try it!
Frosting: Unsalted butter, powdered sugar, cocoa, milk or cream, and vanilla. My go-to, but feel free to experiment!
Substitutions: Gluten-free all-purpose flour for a gluten-free best chocolate cake recipe; flax eggs for egg-free. Sometimes I sneak in ground hazelnuts or add a pinch of cinnamon, inspired by my apple pie snickerdoodle cookies.
Step-By-Step Instructions For The Best Chocolate Cake Recipe
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch cake pans and line with parchment, easy removal every time!
- Whisk together your flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar in a big bowl.
- In another bowl, beat the eggs, then add milk, oil, and vanilla. Mix well.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir gently.
- Slowly add hot water or coffee. Your best chocolate cake recipe batter will be thin (trust me, this is the secret to moist cake).
- Divide between pans, bake for 28–33 minutes, then cool.
- Whip up your frosting and get generous! Spread it between layers and all over the top.
When I tested this best chocolate cake recipe for the first time, I was a little nervous about the thin batter, but the result? A super moist cake that beats even the classic pound cake for tenderness.
Sweet Ways To Serve The Best Chocolate Cake Recipe
You simply can’t go wrong with a big slice of the best chocolate cake recipe and a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream or a spritz of berries. If you want a little extra, chocolate curls or fresh strawberries are my go-to. This best chocolate cake recipe also makes amazing cupcakes, just like my chewy snickerdoodle cookies but chocolate!
Tips For The Perfect Best Chocolate Cake Recipe
- Use room temperature eggs and milk for a fluffier cake.
- Coffee over water for a deeper chocolate flavor.
- Non-dairy milk and flax eggs for dietary needs.
- Stir in mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts for a fun surprise.
- Try a whipped ganache or cream cheese frosting for a twist (I use ganache from my salted caramel pecan chocolate chip cookies sometimes).
Q&A: Your Best Chocolate Cake Recipe Questions
How do I make the best chocolate cake recipe gluten-free?
Swap all-purpose flour for gluten-free, and double-check your other ingredients.
Can I use this best chocolate cake recipe for cupcakes?
Yes! Fill cupcake liners 2/3 full and bake about 20 minutes.
Do I have to use coffee in the best chocolate cake recipe?
Nope! Hot water works too, but coffee is my secret for a richer chocolate taste.
What cocoa is best for this chocolate cake recipe?
Natural cocoa is best, Dutch-processed will give a different flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Best Chocolate Cake Recipe
Honestly, this best chocolate cake recipe is heaven for chocolate lovers. It’s soft, rich, and easy enough for the new baker. A showstopper for a celebration party? A weekend treat to work on? A show-you-care something for someone truly special? Best chocolate cake recipe is the ultimate choice. And it’s easy to adjust it to gluten-free and dairy-free substitutions so it’s a winner with all crowds.
More Recipe Ideas
- Blueberry Muffin Cookies: Soft, cakey, bursting with blueberries.
- Chai Tres Leches No Bake: Dreamy, spiced, no-bake fun.
- Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies: Creamy, fruity, totally addictive.
- Berry Crumble: Sweet-tart berries with a golden, crumbly top.
- Mango Crepe Cake: Light, airy, and full of mango flavor.
Best Chocolate Cake Recipe
Equipment
- 9-inch round cake pans
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Wire rack
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend)
- 3/4 cup natural 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 or buttermilk (dairy-free if needed)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot water or brewed coffee
- 1 batch chocolate frosting (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and line with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat eggs, then add milk, oil, and vanilla. Stir well to combine.
- Add wet mixture to dry and stir until almost combined. Slowly pour in hot water or coffee, stirring gently. Batter will be thin.
- Divide batter between pans. Bake 28–33 minutes, until a toothpick in the center comes out mostly clean.
- Let cakes cool 10 minutes in pans, then turn out onto wire racks. Cool completely before frosting.
- Frost generously with chocolate frosting. Decorate as you wish and slice to serve!
Notes
Nutrition
Behind The Scenes
Let’s get real, I had a couple of fails before I landed on this version of the best chocolate cake recipe. Once I tried oil instead of butter, and coffee instead of water, it changed everything. Suddenly, the crumb was just right and the chocolate flavor was next-level. Now, I make this best chocolate cake recipe for nearly every celebration, and sometimes just because I crave chocolate! Check out my Pinterest for more behind-the-scenes fun and new dessert inspiration.
