Ingredients
Scale
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup dark cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot water or brewed coffee
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup dark cocoa powder
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven – Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch cake pans with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients – In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine Wet Ingredients – In another bowl, beat the eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine and Mix – Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients while mixing on low speed. Pour in the hot water or coffee and mix until smooth.
- Bake the Cake – Divide the batter evenly between the cake pans. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely.
- Prepare the Frosting – Beat butter until fluffy. Add powdered sugar, cocoa powder, heavy cream, and vanilla. Beat until smooth.
- Assemble the Cake – Spread frosting between layers, then cover the top and sides. Smooth with a spatula or decorate as desired.
- Serve and Enjoy – Slice and serve at room temperature.
Notes
Use high-quality cocoa powder for the best chocolate flavor.
Brewed coffee enhances the richness but won’t make the cake taste like coffee.
Room temperature ingredients mix better and create a smoother batter.
Don’t overmix the batter to prevent a dense texture.
Chill the cake layers before frosting for easier assembly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of the cake)
- Calories: 400–450 kcal
- Sugar: 35–40g
- Sodium: 250–300mg
- Fat: 20–25g
- Saturated Fat: 10–12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7–10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55–60g
- Fiber: 2–3g
- Protein: 5–6g
- Cholesterol: 50–70mg