How to Make the Best Amazing Chocolate Cake

By: Sarah

June 8, 2025

Hey there, fellow chocolate lovers! Today, I’m super excited to share with you my secrets for making the most divine chocolate cake you’ve ever tasted. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is sure to become your new favorite. So, grab your apron and let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Moist and decadent, this cake is a chocolate lover’s dream come true.
  • Perfect for special occasions or just because—it’s that good!
  • A classic recipe with a twist that ensures it’s the best you’ve ever had.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this incredible cake:

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 1/2 cups unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 tablespoon baking soda
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
  • 1 1/2 cups warm water (or brewed coffee)
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups butter (softened)
  • 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
  • 1 1/2 cups unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 3 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 7 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup milk (as needed)

Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.

How to Make the Recipe

Let’s get baking! Here’s how you bring this chocolatey goodness to life:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans or two 9×13-inch rectangular pans.
  2. Prepare the batter by mixing dry ingredients in a large bowl. In another bowl, combine wet ingredients, then gradually add them to the dry mix, stirring until smooth.
  3. Bake for 30-35 minutes for round pans or 35-40 minutes for rectangular pans. Let cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks.
  4. Make the frosting by creaming butter and cream cheese, then adding cocoa, vanilla, and powdered sugar. Adjust with milk for consistency.
  5. Assemble and frost the cake, then serve with your favorite toppings like berries or ganache.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Here’s how to ensure your cake turns out perfectly every time:

  • Use room temperature ingredients for a moist texture.
  • Substitute water with brewed coffee for a deeper flavor.
  • Check out our guide on making perfect chocolate ganache for a luxurious touch.

How to Serve

This cake is versatile! Serve it as a centerpiece for quick family dinners or alongside a 30-minute meal. It’s also perfect with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh berries for a special treat. If you’re looking for more easy pasta recipes or weeknight dinner ideas, this cake pairs wonderfully with a creamy garlic pasta for a balanced meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

You can bake the cake layers up to 2 days in advance. Store unfrosted layers in an airtight container at room temperature. The frosted cake keeps well in the fridge for up to 5 days—just let it come to room temperature before serving.

There you have it—your new go-to chocolate cake recipe! Rich, moist, and utterly divine. Don’t forget to share your creations and tag me. Happy baking!

The Most Amazing Chocolate Cake

A rich, moist, and decadent chocolate cake with a creamy frosting that's sure to impress any chocolate lover.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8 people
Calories 3500 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 1/2 cups unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 tablespoon baking soda
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
  • 1 1/2 cups warm water (or brewed coffee) (or brewed coffee)
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups butter (softened) (softened)
  • 8 ounces cream cheese (softened) (softened)
  • 1 1/2 cups unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 3 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 7 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup milk (as needed) (as needed)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
  • In another bowl, combine eggs, buttermilk, warm water, oil, and vanilla extract. Pour into the dry ingredients and mix until smooth.
  • Pour batter into prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  • For frosting, beat butter and cream cheese until smooth. Add cocoa powder, vanilla, and powdered sugar, mixing until combined. Add milk as needed for consistency.
  • Once cakes are cool, spread frosting on top of one layer and sandwich with the second layer. Frost the outside and serve.

Notes

For a deeper flavor, use brewed coffee instead of warm water in the batter.
Keyword chocolate

Sarah smiling warmly at the camera.

Sarah — cake lover, flavor explorer, and the heart behind CakesByVibes!

Driven by a passion for joyful baking, I created this blog to show that making beautiful, delicious cakes can be fun, easy, and full of creativity. Here, you’ll find vibrant recipes, step-by-step tips, and all the sweet inspiration you need — whether you're just starting out or already a baking pro.

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