Decadent Chocolate Layer Cake Recipe

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When only the most indulgent dessert will do, this Decadent Chocolate Layer Cake rises to the occasion. Each bite is an explosion of deep cocoa richness, layered with velvety smooth chocolate buttercream that melts on the tongue. Whether it’s for a birthday, celebration, or just to satisfy that serious chocolate craving, this cake is pure luxury in every slice—moist, tender, and unapologetically rich.

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Cake:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour

  • 2 cups granulated sugar

  • 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

  • 2 tsp baking powder

  • 1 1/2 tsp baking soda

  • 1 tsp salt

  • 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature

  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil

  • 2 large eggs, room temperature

  • 2 tsp vanilla extract

  • 1 cup hot coffee (or hot water for milder flavor)

For the Chocolate Buttercream:

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature

  • 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar

  • 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (more as needed for texture)

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • Pinch of salt

  • Instructions

    1. Make the Cake:

    1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans (or line with parchment).

    2. In a large bowl, sift together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

    3. Add buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes.

    4. Carefully stir in hot coffee. Batter will be thin—don’t worry, that’s what makes it moist!

    5. Divide batter evenly between the pans and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

    6. Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

    2. Make the Frosting:

    1. In a large bowl, beat the butter until creamy.

    2. Sift in cocoa powder and powdered sugar, add vanilla and salt, then mix.

    3. Slowly add cream, beating until fluffy and smooth. Adjust cream amount to get desired consistency.

    3. Assemble:

    1. Level cakes if needed. Place one layer on a cake stand, frost the top.

    2. Add the second cake layer and cover the whole cake with a generous layer of frosting.

    3. For extra decadence, garnish with chocolate shavings, curls, or a drizzle of ganache.

    4. Pro Tip:

      For a deeper flavor, make the cake layers a day ahead. Wrap and chill—they’ll be easier to frost and even more chocolatey!

      Want to add a raspberry or espresso twist? I can give you variations too!

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