Level 1 Chef (0/100 XP)
Ultimate Chocolate Cake
Yield: 8 servings (2-layer 9-inch cake) • 12-16 slices
Tip: Ensure ingredients (eggs, buttermilk, butter) are at room temperature
Contains: Gluten, Dairy, Eggs
Prep Time:
30 mins
Cook Time:
40 mins
Servings:
Ingredients
- 1¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup (65g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
- ½ cup (115g) melted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240ml) hot water
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- Sift together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add eggs, buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes.
- Stir in hot water until combined (batter will be thin).
- Pour evenly into pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes until toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
- Frost with chocolate buttercream or your favorite frosting.
Chef's Notes
Storage
Keeps for 3 days at room temp, 5 days refrigerated, or freeze up to 2 months.
Substitutions
- Buttermilk: 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp vinegar
- Eggs: ½ cup applesauce per egg
- Gluten-free: Use 1:1 GF flour blend
Variations
- Add 1 tsp instant coffee to intensify chocolate
- Mix in 1 cup chocolate chips
- Top with fresh berries
Video Guide
Scan for demo video