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A slice of three-layered chocolate cake with chocolate frosting. Chocolate frosting is spread between each layer and on the top and sides of the cake. There is a cake plate with chocolate cake in the background.

The Most Perfect Moist Chocolate Cake

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 24
This is a perfectly moist chocolate cake recipe that has the BEST chocolate frosting I've ever had! So easy to make, and totally homemade!

Ingredients

Chocolate Cake:

  • 3 Cups All-Purpose Flour
  • 3 Cups Granulated Sugar
  • 1 1/2 Cups Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
  • 1 Tablespoon Baking Soda
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons Baking Powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons Salt
  • 4 large Eggs , room temperature
  • 1 1/2 Cups Buttermilk
  • 1 1/2 Cups Warm Water
  • 1 teaspoon Espresso Powder
  • 1/2 Cup Vegetable Oil
  • 1 Tablespoon Vanilla Extract

Chocolate Frosting:

  • 1 Cup Unsalted Butter , softened
  • 1 Pinch Salt
  • 12 oz. Cream Cheese
  • 1 1/4 Cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
  • 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract
  • 7-8 Cups Powdered Sugar
  • 1-2 Tablespoons Whole Milk , more if needed

Instructions

For the Cake:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  • Butter three 9-inch round cake pans and dust with flour, dumping out excess. 
  • Mix flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder and salt in a bowl. 
  • In a standing mixer, mix the eggs, buttermilk, warm water, espresso powder, oil and vanilla until combined. 
  • Add the dry ingredients and mix until smooth. 
  • Divide batter evenly between three pans. * (see note)
  • Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean.
  • Cool on wire racks, then after 20 minutes turn out to cool completely.
  • Frost and enjoy!

For the Frosting:

  • In a large bowl using a hand mixer, beat the butter and cream cheese until fluffy. 
  • Add in the cocoa powder, powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until smooth and adding 1 tablespoon at a time of milk if needed to make it spreadable.

Notes

*Note: it took me 3 heaping cups of batter per pan.
Cake will keep in the pantry for 5 days. Cover well.
Nutrition Facts
The Most Perfect Moist Chocolate Cake
Amount Per Serving (1 g)
Calories 491 Calories from Fat 180
% Daily Value*
Fat 20g31%
Saturated Fat 13g81%
Cholesterol 65mg22%
Sodium 428mg19%
Potassium 246mg7%
Carbohydrates 79g26%
Fiber 4g17%
Sugar 61g68%
Protein 6g12%
Vitamin A 491IU10%
Calcium 64mg6%
Iron 2mg11%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Course: 500+ Best Dessert Recipes, Easy Cake Recipes For Beginners
Cuisine: American
Keyword: cake, chocolate, chocolate cake, chocolate frosting, dessert, frosting