The Best Chocolate Layer Cake Recipe – Super Moist, Rich, and Easy to Make at Home

You know that feeling when you just need chocolate? Not a store-bought cupcake, not a tiny bite of a candy bar—but a real, homemade chocolate cake. The kind that’s rich, soft, and super moist, with layers of chocolate goodness that make you close your eyes and just enjoy every bite.

Well, friend, you’re in the right place. This is The Best Chocolate Cake Recipe, and I don’t say that lightly. As a mom of three, I’ve baked my fair share of cakes—quick chocolate cake, classic chocolate cake, even those so-called “foolproof” recipes that somehow still come out dry. But after a whole lot of trial and error, I’ve finally found the one—the best chocolate cake recipe moist, fluffy, and full of rich, chocolatey flavor. And guess what? It’s easy. Like, “throw it together on a weeknight because you’re craving something sweet” kind of easy.

This homemade chocolate cake recipe moist is made from scratch, but don’t let that scare you. It’s not one of those old-fashioned chocolate cake recipes that require a million steps or ingredients you’ve never heard of. Nope—this is a simple chocolate cake recipe, made with pantry staples and a few tricks to keep it soft, rich, and ridiculously delicious.

Whether you’re looking for a chocolate cake recipe easy homemade for a birthday, a celebration, or just because you need chocolate (no judgment!), this one is a winner. I’ll walk you through how to make a chocolate cake that’s better than anything from a box—a homemade chocolate cake from scratch that’s so good, you’ll find yourself making it again and again.

So grab your mixing bowl, and let’s make the best chocolate cake recipe you’ve ever had.

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Cake

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1½ teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon vinegar, let sit for 5 minutes)
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup hot coffee (or hot water if you don’t do coffee)

For the Chocolate Frosting

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3½ cups powdered sugar
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ½ cup heavy cream (or whole milk in a pinch)

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Step 1: Make the Cake Batter

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper if you don’t want to deal with sticking.

Now, grab a big mixing bowl and whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. My little one always wants to help with this part—until she gets flour on her face, then suddenly she’s done.

In another bowl, mix the buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Slowly add this wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring just until combined.

Now, here’s the secret ingredient: hot coffee. Slowly pour it in while stirring. The batter will be thin, and you might panic thinking you did something wrong—don’t worry, that’s exactly how it should be! This is what makes the cake super moist.

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Step 2: Bake the Cake

Divide the batter evenly between your two cake pans and pop them in the oven for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then carefully turn them out onto a wire rack. This part is tricky when you have little ones grabbing at the cake, but just remind them that frosting makes everything better—and they’ll wait.

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Step 3: Make the Frosting

While your cake layers are cooling, let’s make the best chocolate frosting ever.

In a large bowl, beat the butter until it’s smooth and creamy. Slowly add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, mixing on low speed so you don’t end up with a cloud of sugar in your face (ask me how I know).

Add the salt, vanilla, and heavy cream, then beat until it’s light and fluffy. If it’s too thick, add a little more cream. If it’s too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar. You’re the boss here.

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Step 4: Assemble the Cake

Once your cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a plate. Spread a thick layer of frosting on top—I’m not judging if you sneak a taste.

Now, add the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides. If you want to get fancy, you can use an offset spatula to smooth it out, but honestly, no one in my house has ever complained about a rustic-looking cake.

At this point, you can decorate however you like. Sprinkles, chocolate chips, even fresh berries if you’re feeling fancy. Or, do what I do and let the kids go wild with toppings (just prepare for a mess).

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Tips for the Best Chocolate Cake

Use hot coffee instead of water – It makes the chocolate flavor deeper, but if you don’t do coffee, hot water works too.

Make sure the cake is completely cool before frosting – Otherwise, you’ll have a melty, sliding mess (which my kids would still eat, but still).

Don’t overmix the batter – Just stir until combined; overmixing can make the cake dense.

Chill before slicing – If you want perfect slices, refrigerate the cake for 15 minutes before cutting.

FAQs: Chocolate Layer Cake

Chocolate Layer Cake Recipe

Well, there you have it—The Best Chocolate Cake Recipe that’s been a family favorite in my house for years. If you’re looking for a chocolate cake recipe easy homemade, this is the one. It’s got the perfect chocolate cake layers, a rich, chocolatey flavor, and that super moist texture that makes every bite melt in your mouth.

I know how busy life can get, especially with kids running around, but this homemade chocolate cake from scratch is totally doable. You don’t need fancy ingredients or a full afternoon in the kitchen—just a few simple steps, and you’ve got a classic chocolate cake recipe that tastes like it came from a bakery. And trust me, once you make this moist chocolate cake recipe from scratch, you’ll never want to go back to a boxed mix again.

Whether you’re making it for a birthday, a celebration, or just because you’re craving a tasty chocolate cake, this recipe will never let you down. It’s right up there with the most popular cake recipes, and once you try it, I know it’ll be a keeper in your home, too.

So next time someone asks how to make a chocolate cake that’s rich, soft, and completely irresistible, you’ll have the answer. This isn’t just any old-fashioned chocolate cake—it’s the best chocolate cake recipe moist, easy, and absolutely delicious.

Now go ahead and bake up this quick chocolate cake, grab a fork, and enjoy every bite. And if you have little hands sneaking tastes of frosting along the way? Well, that just makes it even better.