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Easy Chocolate Cake with Rich Buttercream Frosting Recipe

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4.1 from 7 reviews

This easy chocolate cake recipe yields a moist and rich chocolate cake layered with a smooth and creamy chocolate buttercream frosting. Perfect for celebrations or any chocolate craving, it combines classic ingredients like cocoa powder, coffee, and buttermilk to enhance the deep chocolate flavor. With simple steps and everyday ingredients, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for bakers of all skill levels.

Ingredients

Cake Ingredients

  • 2 cups all purpose flour
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 cup cocoa powder (Hershey's)
  • 1 ½ tsp baking powder
  • 2 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup hot coffee (or hot water)
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract

Chocolate Buttercream Frosting Ingredients

  • 2 cups chocolate chips
  • ½ cup corn syrup
  • ¼ cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups unsalted butter (softened)
  • 2 cups powdered sugar (sifted)
  • 1 cup cocoa powder (sifted)
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare Oven and Pans: Preheat your oven to 335ºF (170ºC). Prepare two 9-inch cake pans by greasing them with cake goop or your preferred pan release to prevent sticking.
  2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, add the all purpose flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix on low speed for about 5 seconds until just combined to avoid overmixing.
  3. Add Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry mixture. Mix on medium speed for 2 minutes to create a smooth batter. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to incorporate all ingredients evenly.
  4. Incorporate Hot Coffee: Lower the mixer speed to low and slowly add the hot coffee (or hot water). Mix just until combined to help enhance the chocolate flavor and keep the batter smooth.
  5. Pour and Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  6. Cool Cakes: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 15 minutes or until the pans are barely warm to the touch. Then invert the cakes onto wire racks and let them cool completely before frosting.
  7. Make Chocolate Buttercream - Melt Chocolate Mixture: In a heatproof bowl, combine the chocolate chips, corn syrup, milk, and vanilla extract. Microwave for 30 seconds, stir, then continue heating in 10-second increments, stirring after each, until the mixture is fully melted and smooth. Let it cool until it’s barely warm.
  8. Prepare Buttercream Base: Using a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, beat the softened butter, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and salt on low speed until combined. Increase speed to high and beat for about 1 minute until the mixture is light and fluffy.
  9. Combine and Finish Buttercream: Add the cooled melted chocolate mixture to the butter mixture. Beat until smooth, fluffy, and well combined, creating a luscious chocolate buttercream.
  10. Frost the Cake: Use the frosting immediately to cover the cooled cakes or transfer to a piping bag for decorative accents and layering.
  11. Storage: Cover the frosted cake with plastic wrap and store at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer to maintain freshness.

Notes

  • The hot coffee can be substituted with hot water if you prefer, but coffee enhances the chocolate flavor intensively.
  • Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for best mixing results.
  • Do not overmix the batter once wet and dry ingredients are combined to ensure a tender crumb.
  • If you don’t have cake goop, greasing and lightly flouring cake pans works well.
  • The frosting should be at room temperature and slightly fluffy for easy spreading or piping.
  • Store leftover cake covered tightly to prevent drying out.

Find it online: https://cozyplatter.com/easy-chocolate-cake-with-rich-buttercream-frosting-recipe/