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Best Chocolate Cake

This classic American chocolate cake recipe delivers rich, decadent chocolate flavor and a moist, tender crumb. The secret ingredient, a touch of espresso powder, intensifies the chocolate notes without adding a coffee taste. It’s the perfect celebration cake, customizable with your favorite frostings and toppings.

  • Total Time: 50-55 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 12

Ingredients

  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup milk (or dairy-free alternative)
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp espresso powder
  • 1 cup boiling water

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch cake pans.
  2. Whisk dry ingredients: flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt.
  3. Whisk wet ingredients: eggs, milk, oil, vanilla.
  4. Dissolve espresso powder in boiling water.
  5. Slowly add dry ingredients to wet, mix until just combined (don’t overmix).
  6. Stir in espresso mixture.
  7. Divide batter between pans. Bake 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick in the center comes out mostly clean.
  8. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then invert onto wire racks to cool fully.
  9. Frost as desired!

Notes

  • Cocoa choice: Natural unsweetened cocoa powder is the standard here. Dutch-processed cocoa can be used, but it has a milder flavor. You may need to adjust leavening agents slightly if you substitute.
  • Dairy-free option: Replace milk with a plant-based alternative like almond or oat milk and use a dairy-free oil substitute.
  • Gluten-free option: Substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking flour for the all-purpose flour.
  • Make-ahead: Cake layers can be prepared in advance, well-wrapped, and frozen. Frost the day you plan to serve.
  • Author: Juana M. Benedict
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 25g
  • Sodium: 120mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 35mg