Ultimate Moist Chocolate Cake
A simple, forgiving chocolate cake recipe that yields a moist, tender, and flavorful cake perfect for any occasion. Made with pantry staples and a splash of coffee to enhance the chocolate richness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 3/4 cups (220 grams) all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup (65 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder (preferably Dutch-processed)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups (400 grams) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk, room temperature
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) vegetable oil
- 1 cup (240 ml) boiling water
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) strong brewed coffee (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch (23 cm) round pans. Line with parchment paper for extra insurance.
- In a large bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Whisk to combine evenly.
- In a separate bowl, beat eggs with sugar until slightly thickened. Add milk, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and brewed coffee if using. Mix until smooth.
- Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry mix, stirring gently with a spatula or mixer on low speed. Add boiling water last. Stir until just combined; do not overmix.
- Divide batter evenly between pans. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with moist crumbs.
- Let cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
Notes
Use room temperature eggs and milk for better batter consistency. Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake light and moist. Boiling water blooms the cocoa powder for richer chocolate flavor. Fresh leavening agents ensure proper rise. For vegan or gluten-free adaptations, see variations section.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cak
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 30
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 2.5
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 4
Keywords: chocolate cake, moist chocolate cake, easy chocolate cake, chocolate dessert, homemade cake, chocolate recipe