Homemade Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Frosting Recipe

If you’re searching for the ultimate homemade treat, this Homemade Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Frosting is pure chocolate bliss in every bite. Imagine two perfectly fluffy, deeply rich layers of chocolate cake, smothered in the silkiest, most luscious chocolate buttercream — it’s a crowd-pleaser that turns every day into a celebration. Whether it’s a special occasion, a cozy weekend, or a midweek pick-me-up, this dessert doesn’t just satisfy chocolate cravings; it instantly becomes the star of the table and leaves everyone asking for seconds. Let’s dive into making your new favorite cake!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t be fooled by the simple pantry staples needed for Homemade Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Frosting — every ingredient pulls its weight in the flavor and moist texture department. The magic is in the balance: deep cocoa, creamy butter, just the right amount of sugar, and a pinch of salt to make everything pop!

• All-purpose flour: Provides sturdy yet tender structure for those lofty cake layers.
• Granulated sugar: Adds essential sweetness, making every bite utterly satisfying.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: Infuses a deep, intense chocolate flavor and rich color.
• Baking powder: Gives your cake that lovely rise and lightness.
• Baking soda: Works with powder to create extra fluff and keep things moist.
• Salt: Enhances all the chocolatey goodness, balancing sweetness beautifully.
• Large eggs: Bind everything together and add fantastic richness.
• Whole milk: Helps achieve a soft, tender crumb and adds creamy flavor.
• Vegetable oil: Locks in moisture, making sure your cake stays tender longer.
• Vanilla extract: Deepens chocolate notes and rounds out the flavor.
• Boiling water: Makes the cocoa bloom for that ultra-rich taste (try brewed coffee for extra depth!).
• Unsalted butter (for frosting): The heart of a silky, luscious buttercream.
• Powdered sugar: Ensures a smooth, sweet, and fluffy frosting texture.
• More unsweetened cocoa powder (for frosting): Adds another layer of chocolate in the icing.
• Heavy cream: Makes the frosting perfectly spreadable and dreamy.

How to Make Homemade Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Frosting

Step 1: Prepare Your Pans and Preheat

To guarantee your beautiful layers come out in one piece, start by generously greasing and flouring two 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment circles for extra insurance. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so everything is warm and ready when your batter is mixed.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Grab a large bowl and whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mixing the dry ingredients first ensures everything is evenly distributed, setting the stage for an even, tender crumb in your Homemade Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Frosting.

Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients

Crack in those eggs, pour in the milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat everything until smooth and well-combined — about 2 minutes is perfect. You want the batter glossy and thick, with no streaks of flour.

Step 4: Stir in Boiling Water

This is the secret step for that melt-in-your-mouth texture! Carefully stir in the boiling water (or hot coffee, if you’re feeling fancy). The batter will become thin, but don’t worry — this is the magic that leads to super-moist, delicate cake layers.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Divide your batter evenly between the two prepared pans. Pop them in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean from the center. Let cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes before turning out onto wire racks — this patience pays off with cakes that won’t stick or crumble.

Step 6: Make the Chocolate Frosting

For that luscious chocolate frosting, beat the softened butter until creamy. Sift together powdered sugar and cocoa powder, then gradually add to the butter along with salt. Mix in the vanilla and heavy cream, beating until the frosting is smooth, fluffy, and swoon-worthy. If it’s too thick, add a touch more cream until it’s just right.

Step 7: Frost and Assemble

Once your cakes are completely cool, spread a generous layer of frosting over the first cake, then gently set the second layer on top. Smooth more chocolate frosting over the top and sides until your entire Homemade Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Frosting is beautifully cloaked and begging to be sliced.

How to Serve Homemade Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Frosting

Garnishes

This cake is a beauty on its own, but a few simple garnishes can take it from lovely to show-stopping. I love a sprinkle of chocolate shavings, a handful of fresh raspberries, or a dusting of powdered sugar. Even a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce or a crown of glossy cherries can make the presentation pop.

Side Dishes

For a delightful twist, serve your cake with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream — their cool creaminess is the perfect partner to all that rich chocolate. Fresh strawberries or a light fruit salad add a bright, juicy contrast to each decadent bite.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t be afraid to think outside the cake box! Turn your Homemade Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Frosting into adorable cupcakes for parties, or stack thin slices in parfait glasses layered with extra frosting and berries for a dessert that feels playful and modern. For extra flair, try mini cake squares on a dessert board with fruit, nuts, and candies for everyone to mix and match.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If there’s any cake left (that’s a big if!), cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, keep it in the refrigerator; just let the slices sit out a bit before serving so the frosting softens back up to its dreamy state.

Freezing

Both the cake layers and the frosted cake can freeze beautifully! Wrap cooled, unfrosted cake layers individually in plastic wrap and then foil. For frosted cake, chill it first until the icing is firm, then wrap tightly. Store for up to three months, thawing overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

If you prefer your cake a little warm (so the frosting becomes extra gooey), just pop a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This trick revives the Homemade Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Frosting, making it taste freshly baked — especially paired with a scoop of ice cream!

FAQs

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. Be sure to check that your cocoa powder and other ingredients are certified gluten-free, and your Homemade Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Frosting will be just as irresistible.

Why is my cake crumbly instead of moist?

The most common culprits are over-baking or measuring flour with a heavy hand. Make sure to spoon and level your flour when measuring, and always check with a toothpick a couple minutes before the minimum bake time.

Can I use Dutch-processed cocoa instead of natural cocoa?

Yes, either works in this recipe. Dutch-processed cocoa gives a deeper, slightly smoother chocolate flavor, while natural cocoa is a bit fruitier and more intense. Just be sure to use whichever kind you love best for your Homemade Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Frosting.

What’s the best way to frost the cake evenly?

Use an offset spatula for maximum control — start with a generous scoop of frosting in the center of each layer, smoothing outward in even strokes. Don’t forget to secure your first cake layer to the serving plate with a tiny bit of frosting, so it doesn’t slip while you work.

Can I make the frosting less sweet?

If you like a less-sweet frosting, start by reducing the powdered sugar by half a cup and taste as you go. Adding a little more cocoa powder will also amp up the chocolate flavor while balancing sweetness beautifully.

Final Thoughts

This is that rare recipe that impresses guests and comforts family — it’s pure joy in cake form! If you’ve never tried making Homemade Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Frosting from scratch, you’re in for a treat that will have everyone coming back for just one more slice. Don’t wait for a special occasion — grab your ingredients, and let’s bake a little happiness together!

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