Easy Chocolate Cake – Spend With Pennies

This easy chocolate cake recipe is moist with a decadent fudgy texture and a rich chocolate flavor.

It’s easy to make in either layers or a 9×13 pan and can be frosted or even served with ice cream. It will become a family favorite all year long!

Rich and Moist Every Time

• This from-scratch cake is just as easy as making a box mix but with a much better flavor and texture.
• Bakery-beautiful with a deep, dark chocolate flavor, this cake is an adaptation of an old Hershey’s favorite.
• Every home cook needs a from-scratch chocolate cake recipe that’s got a fudgy melt-in-your-mouth texture!
• I love to layer this cake with a thick and rich frosting (buttercream or creamy chocolate frosting) but it can be served on its own with ice cream too.

Ingredients and Variations

BASICS: Sugar, flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt are the basics for any cake. Cocoa powder gives the cake its distinctive chocolate flavor, and the amount can be adjusted more or less.

BATTER: Buttermilk is the tangy complement to the rich dark taste of the chocolate and espresso. If buttermilk is not available, an excellent substitute is to use plain yogurt or sour cream in the same amount. Vanilla extract acts as a flavor binder in almost all baked goods and the espresso (or strong coffee) intensifies the cocoa powder and adds depth to the chocolate flavor.

How to Make Chocolate Cake

This chocolate cake recipe could not be easier to make in just one bowl!

1. Whisk dry ingredients. Beat in eggs, buttermilk, espresso, oil, & vanilla.
2. Pour batter evenly between two pans & bake until a wooden pick comes out clean.
3. Prepare frosting (see linked recipe).
4. Cool completely, frost, and enjoy.

How to Frost

1. Place bottom layer on a cake plate, top side down (bottom facing up). Trim the cake if needed to make it even.
2. Pipe or spread a layer of frosting over the top of the first layer to create the filling layer.
3. Top the bottom layer with the top & apply a ‘crumb coat’ (a thin, first coat securing the layers together).
4. Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before adding the final coating of frosting.

Tips for a Moist Cake

A perfect chocolate cake needs only a few tips and tricks for cake perfection!

• Be sure to measure flour by gently spooning it into the measuring cup.
• Use room-temperature eggs because they will be easier to whip into the batter.
• This batter will be very thin, this is expected and produces a beautiful cake. Do not add extra flour. Do not overmix the batter.
• Do not overbake, you want the cake to be nice and moist.
• Before frosting the bottom layer, secure it to the serving plate by spreading a little frosting on the bottom of the cake plate. This prevents the cake from slipping off the plate during frosting or serving.

Storing (make ahead and leftovers)

• This cake can be made in advance, the fully frosted cake can be stored in the refrigerator or at room temperature for 1 day uncut.
• Be sure to let the cake (and frosting) sit at room temperature for 3 to 4 hours before serving. Just make sure not to leave it in a really warm area or in direct sunlight.
• The slices of cake will remain good at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Although the frosting has milk in it, it’s cooked and stabilized by the sugar. It can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• The cakes themselves (unfrosted) can be frozen. Cool completely and then wrap in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag, squeezing out any excess air and freeze for up to 3 months.

Did you make this Chocolate Cake? Leave a rating and a comment below!