Print

Decadent Chocolate Layer Cake with Easy Fudgy Frosting

decadent chocolate layer cake - featured image
Print Recipe

A rich and moist chocolate layer cake with a luscious fudgy frosting, perfect for special occasions or an impromptu treat. This recipe balances deep cocoa flavor with a tender crumb and a shiny, fudgy finish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 3/4 cups (220g) all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
  • 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup (65g) unsweetened dark cocoa powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 2 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 1 cup (240ml) whole milk (or almond milk for dairy-free)
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (240ml) boiling water
  • For the Fudgy Frosting:
  • 8 ounces (225g) bittersweet or semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
  • 4 tablespoons (57g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch cake pans with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk to combine.
  3. In another bowl, beat eggs lightly. Add sugar, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
  4. Slowly add wet ingredients to dry ingredients, stirring gently until just blended. Avoid overmixing.
  5. Carefully pour in boiling water; batter will be thin. Stir gently to combine.
  6. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Tap pans to release air bubbles.
  7. Bake 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
  8. Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
  9. For frosting: Place chopped chocolate in heatproof bowl. Heat cream in saucepan until just simmering.
  10. Pour hot cream over chocolate; let sit 2 minutes. Stir gently until smooth.
  11. Add softened butter, vanilla extract, and pinch of salt; stir until glossy and spreadable.
  12. Place one cake layer on serving plate. Spread frosting generously on top.
  13. Place second layer over frosting. Cover entire cake with remaining frosting using an offset spatula.
  14. Refrigerate cake for at least 30 minutes before serving. Bring to room temperature before eating.

Notes

Measure flour by spooning and leveling to avoid dense cakes. Avoid overmixing batter to keep cake tender. Pour boiling water slowly to prevent splashing. Use good quality chocolate for frosting. Chill frosting if too soft before applying. Variations include adding nuts, raspberry jam, or spices.

Nutrition

Keywords: chocolate cake, layer cake, fudgy frosting, easy chocolate cake, moist chocolate cake, homemade cake, chocolate dessert

Find it online: https://coracooks.com/decadent-chocolate-layer-cake-recipe-with-easy-fudgy-frosting-steps/