How to Bake a Chocolate Cake

A cake and frosting recipe.

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Ingredients

Chocolate 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

Ingredients

Chocolate Cream Cheese Buttercream Frosting

1 1/2 Cups Softened Butter
8 Ounces Softened Cream Cheese
1 1/2 Cups Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
3 Teaspoons Vanilla Extract
7 Cups Powdered Sugar
1/4 Cup Milk As Needed

Cake Instructions

Frosting Instructions

Step 1 of 7

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (176°C). Lightly grease three 9-inch cake rounds or dust with flour or cocoa powder. Alternatively, you can lightly grease the pans and line them with parchment paper.

Step 2 of 7

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a stand mixer using a low speed until combined.

Step 3 of 7

Step 3

Add the eggs, buttermilk, warm water, oil, and vanilla. Beat on a low speed until smooth, scraping the sides and bottom of the bowl to ensure everything is mixed in.

Step 4 of 7

Step 4

Divide the batter evenly among the three prepared pans, about 3 cups per pan. Tap the cake pans gently on the counter to allow any bubbles to rise to the top and escape.

Step 5 of 7

Step 5

Bake for 30-35 minutes in a 350°F (176°C) oven until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 6 of 7

Step 6

Cool the cakes on wire racks for 15 minutes, then remove them from the pans and place them on the wire racks to cool completely.

Step 7 of 7

Step 7

Frost with your favorite frosting and enjoy!

Step 1 of 4

Step 1

In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat together the butter and cream cheese until fluffy, about 3 minutes.

Step 2 of 4

Step 2

Add the cocoa powder and vanilla extract. Beat until just combined, about 30 seconds.

Step 3 of 4

Step 3

Beat in the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time. Add milk as necessary to make a spreadable consistency. The frosting should be very thick and will thicken even more once refrigerated.

Step 4 of 4

Step 4

Use the frosting to frost and assemble the cake or transfer it to a piping bag for decorating. Once frosted, the cake should be refrigerated, but it can remain at room temperature for up to 4 hours.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts