15 Best Chocolate Cake Recipes: Moist, Decadent, and Perfect for Chocolate Lovers
If you’re a chocolate lover, you’ve come to the right place! I’ve gathered a list of some of the most amazing chocolate cake recipes, including the best chocolate cake that’s guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth. Whether you’re in the mood for a moist chocolate cake recipe from scratch, a decadent chocolate cake, or a simple easy cake recipe, I’ve got you covered. These chocolate dessert recipes are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re craving a dense chocolate cake or something with an extra layer of indulgence like a chocolate overload cake. From chocolate crazy cake to the ultimate chocolate cake, each recipe is designed to deliver the perfect chocolate cake every time.
You’ll find homemade chocolate cake recipes that are moist and rich, ideal for those who love a good slice of chocolate lovers cake. If you’re looking for something a bit more aesthetic, these chocolate cake ideas will inspire you to bake something truly beautiful and delicious. Whether you want to try a double chocolate cake recipe or make your very own DIY chocolate cake, these recipes will help you create the best ever chocolate cake—all made from scratch! So, get ready to dive into these irresistible cakes that are perfect for any chocolate fan.
1. Classic Chocolate Cake
There’s nothing like a simple, classic chocolate cake to bring back childhood memories. I remember baking this with my mom on lazy Sundays—it’s rich, fluffy, and totally satisfying. This cake is perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or just because you’re craving chocolate. Trust me, it’s easier to make than you think, and the results are so worth it.
Servings: 8-10
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup cocoa powder
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla to the dry ingredients. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes.
- Stir in the boiling water—don’t panic, the batter will be thin.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool for 10 minutes in the pans before transferring to a wire rack. Frost with your favorite chocolate frosting.
2. Chocolate Fudge Cake
This one’s for all the serious chocoholics out there. Chocolate fudge cake is dense, gooey, and rich, with a melt-in-your-mouth texture. It’s the kind of dessert you save for when you need a little extra comfort—or maybe just to impress your guests!
Servings: 10
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Bake Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Ingredients:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ cup melted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot coffee
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch pan.
- Mix flour, cocoa, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
- Beat in eggs, buttermilk, butter, and vanilla. Add hot coffee last, mixing gently until smooth.
- Pour into prepared pan and bake for 35 minutes or until set.
- Let cool before covering with a thick layer of fudge frosting.
3. Chocolate Layer Cake
Who doesn’t love a towering chocolate layer cake? This cake is perfect for a special occasion, but honestly, it’s good enough for any day you want to indulge. With soft, moist layers and a smooth chocolate frosting, it’s simple, delicious, and so impressive when you serve it. You can easily customize this with fruit or a fancy drizzle if you want to make it extra special.
Servings: 10-12
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Bake Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla. Beat until smooth.
- Stir in boiling water—don’t worry, the batter will be thin.
- Pour the batter evenly into the pans and bake for 25-30 minutes.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove from pans and cool completely.
- Frost with chocolate frosting, and stack the layers one on top of the other.
4. Chocolate Lava Cake
If you’re looking for a fun and fancy dessert, chocolate lava cake is the way to go. With its molten center that spills out when you cut into it, it’s a crowd-pleaser every time. Plus, it’s super easy to make, so you can wow your guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
Servings: 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 12-15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 6 oz semisweet chocolate
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease 6 ramekins.
- Melt butter and chocolate together in a heatproof bowl over simmering water, stirring until smooth.
- Stir in powdered sugar until combined.
- Add eggs, egg yolks, and vanilla, and whisk until smooth.
- Fold in flour until just combined.
- Divide batter evenly between ramekins and bake for 12-15 minutes, until the edges are set but the center is soft.
- Let cool for 2 minutes, then carefully invert onto plates. Serve immediately with ice cream or whipped cream.
5. Rich Moist Chocolate Cake
I love this chocolate cake because it’s just so moist and decadent! It’s perfect for when you’re craving something really indulgent but don’t want to spend all day baking. It’s super easy and always turns out delicious.
Servings: 8
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round pan.
- In a bowl, combine flour, cocoa, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Beat in eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla until smooth.
- Stir in the boiling water (the batter will be thin).
- Pour into the pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool before frosting.
6. Chocolate Ganache Cake
A chocolate ganache cake is like a dream come true for chocolate lovers. The ganache is smooth, glossy, and perfectly complements the soft chocolate cake layers. If you want to impress someone or just spoil yourself, this cake is the answer!
Servings: 10
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Bake Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup cocoa powder
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
- 8 oz heavy cream
- 8 oz semisweet chocolate
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a bowl, sift flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Beat in eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla until smooth.
- Stir in boiling water.
- Pour batter into pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cakes cool completely.
- To make ganache: Heat heavy cream in a saucepan until simmering. Pour over chopped chocolate and let sit for 2 minutes, then stir until smooth.
- Pour ganache over cooled cakes and let it set before serving.
7. Black Forest Chocolate Cake
This cake is a total showstopper! It’s not only a chocolate cake, but it’s got layers of sweet cherries and whipped cream that make every bite feel like a celebration. If you’ve ever had the chance to try a Black Forest cake, you know how amazing this combo is. I love making it for birthdays or special gatherings!
Servings: 12
Prep Time: 40 minutes
Bake Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 jar (24 oz) maraschino cherries, drained
- 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, mix together flour, cocoa, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla, and beat until smooth.
- Stir in boiling water, and pour batter into prepared pans.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool completely.
- Whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
- To assemble, place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread whipped cream, then top with cherries. Add the second cake layer and frost the top and sides with whipped cream. Garnish with more cherries.
8. Chocolate Drip Cake
A chocolate drip cake is as fun to make as it is to eat! The glossy chocolate drips down the sides of the cake, and it’s an instant showstopper at any party or celebration. It’s basically a cake that has been dressed up for a night out, and who doesn’t love a little chocolate drama?
Servings: 10-12
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Bake Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
- 6 oz semisweet chocolate (for the drip)
- ½ cup heavy cream
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, combine flour, cocoa, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Mix until smooth.
- Stir in boiling water and pour into pans.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool completely.
- To make the chocolate drip: Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan until simmering. Pour it over chopped chocolate and stir until smooth.
- Place one cake layer on a plate, frost with your favorite chocolate frosting, then add the second layer.
- Pour the chocolate ganache over the top, letting it drip down the sides.
9. Chocolate Marble Cake
Chocolate marble cake is like the best of both worlds. You get the richness of chocolate and the softness of a regular vanilla cake, all in one! The swirls of chocolate throughout the cake make it look so pretty, and it’s such a nice treat to serve when you want something that’s a little fancy, but not too complicated.
Servings: 8-10
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9-inch round cake pan.
- In a large bowl, mix together flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla, and beat until smooth.
- Pour half of the batter into the pan.
- Stir cocoa powder into the remaining batter and spoon it over the white batter in the pan.
- Use a knife to swirl the batters together.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
10. Chocolate Buttercream Cake
A chocolate buttercream cake is perfect if you love a cake that’s sweet, rich, and creamy all at once. The fluffy buttercream frosting adds the perfect balance to the moist, chocolatey layers of cake. This one’s sure to be a family favorite!
Servings: 8-10
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Bake Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 ½ cups unsalted butter (for frosting)
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a bowl, mix together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla, and mix until smooth.
- Stir in the boiling water (batter will be thin).
- Pour batter into pans and bake for 30-35 minutes.
- Let cakes cool completely.
- For the frosting: Beat butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and vanilla, and mix until creamy.
- Frost the cakes and serve!
11. Chocolate Swiss Roll Cake
Chocolate Swiss roll cakes are always a hit at parties. The thin, spongy chocolate cake rolled up with a creamy filling is perfect for when you want something light, but still super indulgent. It’s also fun to make because of the rolling technique—you feel like a baking pro once you’ve got this down!
Servings: 8
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup warm water
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 10×15-inch baking sheet.
- In a bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat eggs and sugar until light and fluffy. Add vanilla extract and warm water.
- Gently fold in the dry ingredients.
- Pour the batter onto the prepared sheet and spread evenly.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Once the cake is done, invert it onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar.
- Whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
- Spread the whipped cream over the cake, then carefully roll it up.
- Chill for 30 minutes before serving.
12. Chocolate Raspberry Cake
Chocolate and raspberries are a match made in heaven. This cake is rich and decadent with a hint of tartness from the raspberries. It’s perfect for a romantic dinner or an indulgent dessert to share with friends or family. The combination of flavors is simply irresistible!
Servings: 8
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Bake Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh raspberries
- 1 cup heavy cream (for frosting)
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a bowl, mix together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth.
- Gently fold in the raspberries.
- Divide the batter between the two cake pans.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool completely.
- Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
- Frost the cake layers with the whipped cream, and top with more fresh raspberries.
13. Double Chocolate Cake
When it comes to chocolate, why settle for just one kind? This double chocolate cake is loaded with both cocoa powder and melted chocolate for an extra rich flavor. It’s like the ultimate chocolate lover’s dream, and it’s so decadent, it’s hard to stop at just one slice.
Servings: 10
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Bake Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup cocoa powder
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, chocolate chips, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth.
- Stir in boiling water until well combined.
- Divide the batter between the pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool completely.
- Frost with chocolate buttercream or ganache, and top with extra chocolate chips if desired.
14. Chocolate Coffee Cake
The combination of chocolate and coffee is magical, and this chocolate coffee cake is no exception. It’s moist, flavorful, and has a nice, slightly sweet coffee flavor that complements the richness of the chocolate. I love serving this cake with a hot cup of coffee for a real treat!
Servings: 8
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup cocoa powder
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup strong brewed coffee
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9-inch round pan.
- In a bowl, mix together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Beat sugar, eggs, coffee, oil, and vanilla in a separate bowl until smooth.
- Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the pan and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool before serving with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of chocolate ganache.
15. Simple Chocolate Cake
This simple chocolate cake is what I always make for my kids’ parties. It’s fun, festive, and just so chocolatey that it makes everyone smile. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or just want to make someone’s day a little brighter, this cake is always a hit!
Servings: 12
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Bake Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups cocoa powder
- 2 ½ cups sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, mix together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla. Mix until smooth.
- Stir in boiling water.
- Divide batter between the two pans and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool before frosting with a rich buttercream or whipped cream. Add sprinkles for extra fun!
Whether you’re a baking novice or a seasoned pro, these chocolate cake recipes will help you create the most amazing chocolate cake you’ve ever tasted. From the best chocolate cake recipe moist to the best ever chocolate cake that’s both rich and indulgent, these cakes are sure to become your go-to desserts for any occasion.
If you’re in the mood for something unique, try a chocolate crazy cake or a double chocolate cake recipe—each recipe offers something new and exciting! These chocolate dessert recipes are perfect for any chocolate lover, featuring everything from dense chocolate cake to chocolate overload cake, all made homemade and from scratch. And if you’re looking to impress with a chocolate cake aesthetic, these recipes provide the perfect inspiration with plenty of chocolate cake ideas to get you started.
Whether you prefer a super moist chocolate cake recipe or want to make a decadent treat with decadent chocolate desserts, these cakes will always deliver the perfect chocolate cake experience. So go ahead, bake one of these ultimate chocolate cakes and enjoy a slice of chocolate heaven!
