Rich and Moist Chocolate Cake Recipe
This Rich and Moist Chocolate Cake is a decadent dessert perfect for any occasion. Featuring a velvety texture and deep chocolate flavor from high-quality cocoa powder and brewed coffee, this cake balances sweetness and moisture beautifully, making it a crowd-pleaser for chocolate lovers.
- Author: Nora
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Dry Ingredients
- 1 and 3/4 cups (220g) all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup (65g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 cup (240ml) whole milk, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240ml) boiling water
- 1 cup (240ml) brewed coffee (hot)
- Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents and a smooth batter.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, whole milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until fully combined and smooth.
- Incorporate Wet and Dry: Slowly add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently with a spatula or mixer on low speed until the mixture is just combined without lumps.
- Add Boiling Water and Coffee: Carefully stir in the boiling water and brewed coffee. The batter will be thin—that’s normal, as the hot liquids intensify the chocolate flavor and create a moist cake.
- Pour Batter into Pans: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Tap the pans gently on the counter to release air bubbles for an even crumb.
- Bake: Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
- Cool: Remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, turn the cakes out onto wire racks to cool completely before frosting.
- Frost and Serve: Once completely cooled, frost the cakes with your favorite frosting such as a rich chocolate ganache or classic buttercream. Slice and enjoy this rich, moist chocolate delight.
Notes
- Use freshly brewed coffee for the best depth of chocolate flavor; instant coffee can also be used but adjust strength accordingly.
- Room temperature ingredients help create a smoother batter and even baking.
- The batter will be thin after adding boiling water and coffee—this is normal and contributes to moisture.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend of the same quantity.
- Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Chocolate Cake, Moist Chocolate Cake, Rich Chocolate Cake, Easy Chocolate Cake, Homemade Chocolate Cake