There’s a reason I call this the best chocolate cake recipe: It’s so good, restaurants have asked me to make it! This moist, fluffy, one-bowl chocolate layer cake is going to be your go-to recipe once you try it. Finish this cake with from-scratch chocolate buttercream and homemade chocolate ganache.
After testing many chocolate cake recipes, this one is hands down the best I’ve ever tasted. This is the kind of chocolate cake everyone should have in their recipe collection. An easy, one-bowl cake with the perfect crumb that’s covered with homemade chocolate buttercream frosting. This moist cake is made completely from scratch and has incredible chocolate flavor.
If you’re familiar with my recipes, then you’ve probably seen several variations on chocolate cake, whether that’s hot chocolate cake, my chocolate Oreo cake, chocolate mousse cake, or otherwise. This is my original chocolate cake recipe, and it is still my favorite to this day! The main difference between this recipe and my others is that this one is the MOST tender and moist, it uses oil instead of butter, and it is baked at a lower temperature (which means it also takes a little longer to bake).
I literally cannot stop eating this cake whenever I make it.
I made this chocolate layer cake for my niece’s birthday last year. One of the moms asked my sister-in-law where she’d gotten the cake. After asking me about it, it turns out this mom has two restaurants in Atlanta, and was curious if I’d be interested in making cakes for her restaurant. Whaaaaaat?!?
Pretty neat, but I actually said no. However, this chocolate cake is THAT good! And who doesn’t want to be the one with a cake that’s so good you could bake for a restaurant? You know you do. 😉
So, What Makes This the BEST Homemade Chocolate Cake?
- It’s easy to make. First and foremost: There’s only one bowl!
- Baked at a lower temperature. While my easy chocolate cake recipe bakes at 350ºF, I bake this chocolate cake at 300ºF. This slower bake results in a more moist cake throughout, and a flatter top (less domes!).
- Oil-based. I make this chocolate cake recipe with oil for a more tender crumb. Other recipes, like my chocolate piñata cake, use butter instead of oil simply because some readers prefer the taste of butter! Butter-based cakes are also generally sturdier, so that cake holds up much better to being carved and filled like a piñata. 🙂 As far as great moisture in chocolate cakes goes, though, oil is the way to go.
- Triple the chocolate. This cake has a rich chocolate flavor and fluffy crumb, covered with chocolate buttercream frosting, and decorated with a chocolate ganache drip. It’s a chocolate overload!
- Simple ingredients. The best chocolate cake doesn’t need fancy or even “secret” ingredients, just a few key ones in the right ratios that make it ultra-moist, full of flavor, and still ideal for stacking.
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Here’s a quick overview of the key ingredients needed to make the chocolate cake and frosting. The exact measurements for the ingredients can be found in the recipe card below.
- All-purpose flour – I say this for every cake recipe, but it’s very important to measure the flour correctly. Use a kitchen scale or the spoon-and-level method to avoid overmeasuring, which can lead to a dry cake.
- Natural unsweetened cocoa powder – I often make this cake with dark chocolate cocoa. It gives the cake an even richer chocolate flavor. That said, regular cocoa works too and is also wonderful, just make sure it’s natural cocoa powder (not Dutch-processed) so it’ll react with the baking soda in the recipe. You can use the same cocoa powder that you use in the cake to flavor the chocolate frosting.
- Baking soda and salt – Make sure that you’re using baking soda, not baking powder, and check the expiration date. If your leavening is old or expired, your chocolate cake won’t rise properly.
- Eggs – If you can, bring these to room temperature.
- Buttermilk – Buttermilk is key to a very tender chocolate cake. If you don’t have buttermilk in the fridge, make a substitute by combining 1 scant cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar (or lemon juice). Let the mixture rest and curdle for 5 minutes. Stir, and then use it as directed.
- Vegetable oil – This cake is made with oil instead of butter. It makes SUCH a moist cake!
- Hot water – Hot water helps bloom the cocoa powder for a more intense chocolate flavor in the cake. If you use room temperature water, your cake will still turn out fine. Just not quite as rich.
- Powdered sugar – You’ll need it for a smooth, silky chocolate buttercream frosting.
- Chocolate chips – Use high-quality chocolate chips or chop up a chocolate baking bar to make the chocolate ganache. It can be dark or semi-sweet chocolate.
- Heavy cream – You’ll combine the chocolate with heated heavy cream. When it melts, you’ll have ganache! Please don’t use milk or another low-fat alternative to heavy cream, or your ganache won’t have the same rich, creamy texture.
How to Make Chocolate Cake From Scratch
One thing to note is that this cake has a very thin batter. And no, the baking temperature is NOT a typo! This best-ever moist chocolate cake uses a low-and-slow technique that bakes the cake at 300ºF for a bit longer than your typical chocolate cake recipes. This allows the chocolate cake to bake through slowly and evenly, avoiding high domes and overbaked edges. So, here’s how you make it:
Make the Cake
Prepare three 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper circles in the bottom, and grease the sides. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 300°F (148°C).
Add all dry ingredients to a large bowl and whisk together.
Add eggs, buttermilk, and vegetable oil to the dry ingredients and mix well.
Add vanilla to boiling water, and then add it to the batter. Mix well.
Divide the batter evenly between your cake pans. Bake at 300ºF for 30-33 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with a few crumbs.
Make the Chocolate Buttercream Frosting
Once baked, remove the chocolate cakes from the oven and allow them to cool for about 10 minutes. Then, remove them to cooling racks to cool completely. I usually make the chocolate frosting while the cakes cool. Here’s how:
- Beat the butter and sugar. Beat the butter in a stand mixer until smooth, then slowly add 4 cups (460g) of powdered sugar. Mix until creamy.
- Alternate adding the wet and dry ingredients. Next, mix in the vanilla and half of the water and milk. Add another 5 cups (575g) of powdered sugar, then the cocoa powder, mixing well after each addition. Lastly, add remaining water or milk until the frosting is the right consistency.
Frost the Cake
Once cakes are cool, remove cake domes from top with a large serrated knife. See my tips on how to level a cake and how to stack a cake.
Place the first cake layer on a cake plate. Spread ~1 cup of frosting on top. Add the second cake layer, then another cup of frosting on top in an even layer.
Frost the outside of the entire cake to finish things up. Feel free to use my tutorial for frosting a smooth cake if you need tips!
Decorate the Cake
Technically, you could just stop right here. By this point, you’ll have an amazing layer cake with chocolate buttercream frosting! But if you want to go a bit fancy, this chocolate ganache is an easy way to do it. To make chocolate ganache:
Heat the heavy whipping cream until it begins to simmer, then pour it over the chocolate chips.
Allow it to sit for 2-3 minutes, then whisk until smooth.
That’s it. Just two steps! Then you add the ganache to your cake. I like to use a squeeze bottle for drizzling around the edges. See my tips on making a chocolate drip cake.
Drizzle the chocolate ganache around the edge of the cake, then pour the remainder of the ganache on top of the cake and spread evenly.
Allow the ganache to firm up a bit. Pipe the remaining chocolate frosting around the top edge of the cake and pipe a border around the bottom. I used Ateco tip 844.
Add Sprinkles and Serve!
Add a few sprinkles to the cake, if desired, then serve. Sprinkles are totally optional, of course, but why not?
Different Pan Sizes
Made as-is, this chocolate cake recipe uses three 8-inch round pans for a three-layer cake. If you’d like to bake this cake in another pan size, it’s doable! The recipe and oven temperature stay the same (300ºF), but the baking times will vary depending on which pan size you’re using. Here are some quick conversions for you:
- Two 9-inch pans – Bake for 40-45 minutes
- 9×13-inch pan – 40-45 minutes
Can I Make This Cake Recipe Into Chocolate Cupcakes?
Definitely! Fill the cupcake liners about halfway and bake for 18-23 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs. You’d get about 24 or so cupcakes if you use the full recipe. You can also check out my homemade moist chocolate cupcakes. It’s the same recipe, but cut in half to make about 12 cupcakes.
How to Store a Frosted Cake
This cake can be stored for 3-4 days on the counter. It should be well covered under a cake dome if possible.
You can also store it in the fridge to extend its shelf life to 4-5 days, but the frosting will harden. When I store a frosted cake in the fridge, I usually place the cake in the fridge uncovered until the frosting hardens (about 2 hours). Then I cover it with Saran Wrap.
When you are ready to have some cake, simply cut a slice and warm it in the microwave (if desired) for about 15-30 seconds. The frosting will soften right up, and you’ll have warm chocolate cake to enjoy.
More Chocolate Cake Recipes
This recipe is so simple and easy to make. In addition to being delicious, it has actually become the base for many other flavor combinations I’ve made into cakes, and it’s always a hit!
The Best Chocolate Cake Recipe
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Ingredients
Chocolate Cake
- 2 cups (260g) all-purpose flour (measured correctly)
- 2 cups (414g) granulated sugar
- ¾ cup (85g) natural unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
- 1 cup (240ml) vegetable oil
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240ml) hot water
Chocolate Buttercream
- 2 ½ cups (560g) unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 9 cups (1035g) powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup (114g) natural unsweetened cocoa powder
- 4-5 tablespoons (60-75ml) water (or milk)
- 1 pinch salt
Chocolate Ganache
- 6 oz (1 cup | 169g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- Sprinkles
Instructions
Make the Cakes
- Prepare three 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper circles in the bottom, and grease the sides.
- Preheat oven to 300°F (148°C).
- Add all dry ingredients to a large bowl and whisk together.
- Add eggs, buttermilk and vegetable oil to the dry ingredients and mix well.
- Add vanilla to hot water and add to mixture. Mix well.
- Divide batter evenly between cakes pans and bake for 30-33 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with a few crumbs.
- Remove cakes from oven and allow to cool for about 10 minutes, then remove to cooling racks to cool completely.
Make the Frosting
- Make frosting while cakes cool. Beat the butter in a large mixing bowl until smooth.
- Slowly add 4 cups (460g) of powdered sugar and mix until smooth.
- Add vanilla and half of the water or milk and mix until smooth.
- Add another 5 cups (575g) of powdered sugar and mix until smooth.
- Add cocoa and mix until smooth.
- Add remaining water or milk until the frosting is the right consistency.
Assemble the Cake
- Once cakes are cool, remove cake domes from top with a large serrated knife. See my tips on how to level a cake and how to stack a cake.
- Place first layer of cake on cake plate. Spread about 1 cup of frosting on top in an even layer.
- Add second layer of cake and add another cup of frosting on top in an even layer.
- Add final layer of cake on top and frost the outside of the cake. Feel free to use my tutorial for frosting a smooth cake.
Make the Chocolate Ganache
- To make the chocolate ganache, add the chocolate chips to a medium sized bowl (see my tips on making chocolate ganache).
- Heat the heavy whipping cream just until it begins to boil, then pour it over the chocolate chips. Allow it to sit for 2-3 minutes, then whisk until smooth.
Finish Cake
- Drizzle the chocolate ganache around the edge of the cake, then pour the remainder of the ganache on top of the cake and spread evenly. I like to use a squeeze bottle for drizzling around the edges. See my tips on making a chocolate drip cake.
- Allow the ganache to firm up a bit, then pipe the remainder of the frosting around the top edge of the cake and pipe a border around the bottom. I used Ateco tip 844.
- Add a few sprinkles to the cake, if desired, then serve. Cake is best when well covered for 3-4 days.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
The nutrition facts provided are calculated using a third-party tool and are estimates only. Actual nutritional content may vary based on the ingredients and brands you use, as well as portion sizes. For accurate results, please consult a registered dietitian or nutritionist.
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Hi Lindsay
I really want to make this cake but I only have cake flour.
Can I use 2 cups of cake flour instead of all purpose flour or should I use 2 cups of cake flour plus 2 Tbsp of cake flour?
And would I have to sift the cake flour.
Thanks for your help
You can actually do an even swap with the cake flour. Just use 2 cups. I’ve used it before and it works great! I don’t usually sift it, I just give it a quick whisk.
HELP!!! What am I doing wrong??? 300 degrees for the specified time, the cake was not nearly done. It had to cook for about an hour and the cake turned out gummy. What might I have done??? Been cooking for 60 years, so it is not like I am a beginner at trying new recipes. Any suggestions??
Hmm, it’s really hard for me to say. I’m sorry it didn’t turn out. I’ve made it more times that I can count without a problem. Maybe some of the ingredients were off?
I made the sponge, it came out so moist but was crumbly. So while layering the cake it was breaking so pls help
You just need to be really gentle with it. It’s a very tender cake. You could try using a cake lifter.
Hi Lindsay!!
I’m make my daughter’s birthday cake next week and I need to know if I should double you chocolate cake recipe. I’m using a half sheet pan. I’ve only made your recipe as cupcakes. Thanks! Nicole
I’ve never made it as a half sheet, so I’m not sure. I’m sorry.
Can I substitute the Hershey’s cocoa powder with regular unsweetened cocoa powder?
Yes, you can.
I only have 9-inch pans. Can I use this instead? Thanks!
Yes, but if you use three 9 inch pans, you’ll probably need to reduce the baking time a bit. Probably around 25 minutes.
Made this cake for Super Bowl! This is my new chocolate cake recipe! I might double it next time because I like my cakes a little thicker. I used 3 8 in cake pans and they were done in 25 minute!
I made this for a birthday cake for my Uncle on Friday and it came out sooo good that Im going to be making it today again for the Super Bowl for my party! Thank you for sharing!!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
Hi!
I don’t have dark chocolate cocoa powder. Will regular unsweetened cocoa powder work?
Thank you so much! Can’t wait to try this out!
Yes, it’ll work fine. I just prefer the flavor of the dark cocoa. 🙂
This turned out great 🙂 Thanks for your reply!
Hi Lindsay! I was wondering, could you use your chocolate cake recipe and and make a vanilla cake out of it by omitting the cocoa. I love your chocolate cake recipe and no other vanilla cake recipe comes even close to being that good!!! Thanks in advance!!
I’m so glad you like the cake Nicole! I’ve had the same thought before, but unfortunately it isn’t very good without the cocoa. The oil really comes through and ends up not tasting so great. Have you tried my vanilla cupcake recipe? If you double it, it makes a very good cake. Though it is denser than this one. I’m actually in the process of testing more vanilla recipes to *hopefully* get a vanilla cake that’s just as good as this one. Hopefully I get it soon! 🙂
Would you please make a nutella version of this cake I would love to make it for
My sixteenth birthday!
I actually have a version that uses Nutella icing, if you’d like to try that. Nutella Chocolate Cake
I’m asking for my wife who pinned this article because she wanted to use the recipe, but she told me this morning that the recipe is no longer in the article. I’m noticing the same thing now myself? Can some one help us out here and post the recipe for this chocolate cake as a reply?
Hi Andrew! I’m not sure why you’re having trouble seeing it, but I’ll go ahead and email it to you. Thanks!
I can’t find the actual recipe on this post. It looks delicious & I would love to have the recipe. Thanks.
Hi Susan! I’m not sure why you’re unable to see the recipe – I can see it fine. I will email it to the email address associated with the comment you left though. Just let me know if you have any other questions. Thanks!
I saw the Picture and just HAD to bake ist and oh god it was sooooo delicious. my husband almost died, he ate all of it haha 😀
and I bake it twice(cus i made a double layer for my hubbys fathers birthday) and allthough the dark chocolate tastet sooo good (and my god i landed in heaven) i had to use normal cocoa powder that I use for my daughter it STILL tasted great!
So my question, I`d like to share this in german, and i would of course set in your webpage and there wouldn´t be a question that this is your creation. Would you mind terrebly?
sincerest Adoration
ScyRy
I’m so glad it was a hit! I don’t mind at all if you share it. Thanks!
Lindsey, I liked your chocolate cake recipe so well was wondering if you have yellow cake or white cake recipe also? If they are as good as this chocolate recipe then I would love to have both please. Thanks in advance!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! I have a vanilla cupcake and yellow cupcake – both can be made as a cake as well, you’ll just probably want to double the recipe. 🙂
this looks delicious! I was wondering if instead of making a cake I could do cupcakes with this recipe? How long should they be in for? I’m making them for a wedding shower.
Yes, you can do cupcakes. They’ll bake about 20-22 minutes.
Lindsay, I just want to say that I used this recipe to make cupcakes tonight and they turned out FABULOUS!!!!! They are so moist and really don’t even need frosting!!! This is definitely my permanent chocolate cake recipe from now on!!!! I am trying to start my own cake making business out of my home and this recipe just boosted my confidence…….this coming from a girl who never made a cake from scratch, but not anymore!!!!!My mom used to have her cake business and I can’t wait until she tastes your recipe!!! Thanks for sharing!!!!
Thanks Nicole! That’s great! I really love this recipe! Good luck with your business – how fun!