Decadent Chocolate Layer Cake
Ultra-moist, rich, and deeply chocolatey — perfect for birthdays or special occasions.
Yields: 12–14 slices
Prep time: 25 minutes
Bake time: 30–35 minutes
Total time: About 1½ hours
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Cake:
1¾ cups all-purpose flour
2 cups granulated sugar
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 cup buttermilk
½ cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup hot coffee (or hot water)
For the Chocolate Buttercream:
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
3½ cups powdered sugar
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
¼ cup heavy cream (more as needed)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Instructions
Prep
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
Make the Cake Batter
In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
Add eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla. Mix until smooth.
Slowly stir in hot coffee (batter will be thin — that’s normal).
Bake
Divide batter evenly between pans.
Bake 30–35 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool in pans 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
Make the Frosting
Beat butter until creamy.
Add powdered sugar and cocoa gradually.
Mix in heavy cream, vanilla, and salt.
Beat until fluffy and smooth (3–4 minutes).
Assemble
Place one cake layer on a plate.
Spread frosting evenly on top.
Add second layer and frost top and sides.