- Preheat Oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients – In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add Wet Ingredients – Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Beat with a hand mixer or whisk until smooth.
- Add Hot Coffee – Slowly mix in hot coffee (batter will be thin—this is normal!).
- Bake – Divide batter evenly between the cake pans and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool Completely before frosting.
Step 2: Make the Frosting
- Beat the Butter – In a bowl, beat butter until creamy.
- Add Cocoa & Sugar – Gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder, mixing until combined.
- Add Vanilla & Cream – Stir in vanilla extract and heavy cream, beating until fluffy. Adjust with more cream if needed.
Step 3: Assemble the Cake
- Frost the First Layer – Place one cake layer on a plate and spread a generous amount of frosting over the top.
- Add the Second Layer – Place the second cake on top and frost the entire cake.
- Decorate – Add chocolate shavings, sprinkles, or fresh berries for a beautiful finish!
Serving & Storage Tips
- Serve at room temperature for the best texture.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freeze unfrosted cake layers for up to 3 months, then frost when ready to serve.
Variants & Customizations
- Mocha Chocolate Cake – Add 1 teaspoon espresso powder for a deeper chocolate flavor.
- Extra Moist Cake – Replace milk with buttermilk for a richer texture.
- Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake – Layer with peanut butter frosting instead of chocolate.
- Vegan Chocolate Cake – Use almond milk, coconut oil, and flax eggs as substitutes.
FAQ
1. Can I use hot water instead of coffee?
✔️ Yes! Coffee enhances the chocolate flavor, but hot water works fine too.
2. Can I make this as a sheet cake or cupcakes?
✔️ Yes! Bake in a 9×13-inch pan for 35–40 minutes or as cupcakes for 18–20 minutes.
3. Can I use Dutch-process cocoa instead of regular cocoa?
✔️ Yes! It gives a deeper, richer chocolate flavor.
4. What if I don’t have buttermilk?
✔️ Mix 1 cup of milk + 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice and let sit for 5 minutes.
5. How do I make my frosting smoother?
✔️ Add more heavy cream or warm slightly to make it silkier.
Final Thoughts
This Ultimate Chocolate Cake is rich, moist, and absolutely irresistible. Whether for a birthday, special occasion, or a weekend treat, this cake is guaranteed to impress and satisfy your chocolate cravings!