Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Deep Chocolate Flavor – Made with high-quality cocoa powder and chocolate, this cake is packed with intense chocolate goodness.
Incredibly Moist – The perfect balance of ingredients keeps this cake soft and moist.
Easy to Make – Simple steps make this a great recipe for both beginners and experienced bakers.
Versatile – Enjoy it plain, with frosting, or even layered with fruit and cream.
Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, or just a weekend treat, this cake always shines.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour
Unsweetened cocoa powder
Baking powder
Baking soda
Salt
Granulated sugar
Eggs
Whole milk
Vegetable oil
Pure vanilla extract
Boiling water or hot coffee

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a cake pan.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
Add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until combined.
Slowly add the boiling water (or hot coffee) while stirring, ensuring a smooth batter.
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Remove from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Once cooled, frost as desired or serve as is.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 10-12 slices
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30-35 minutes
Total time: 45-50 minutes

Variations

Chocolate Ganache Topping – Drizzle with a rich chocolate ganache for extra decadence.
Layered Cake – Double the recipe and create a two-layer cake with frosting between the layers.
Nutty Twist – Add chopped walnuts or almonds for added texture.
Coffee Infusion – Replace the hot water with hot coffee to enhance the chocolate flavor.
Gluten-Free Option – Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Storage/Reheating

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Refrigerator: Keep in the fridge for up to a week. Let it come to room temperature before serving.
Freezer: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Warm slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore moisture.

FAQs

How do I make the cake extra moist?

Use oil instead of butter, add an extra egg yolk, and don’t overbake it.

Can I make this cake without eggs?

Yes! Substitute each egg with ¼ cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed egg.

What’s the best frosting for this cake?

Chocolate buttercream, cream cheese frosting, or even whipped ganache work great.

Can I use Dutch-processed cocoa instead of natural cocoa powder?

Yes, but adjust the leavening agents accordingly. Dutch-processed cocoa is less acidic.

How do I prevent my cake from sinking in the middle?

Make sure not to overmix the batter, and avoid opening the oven door too soon.

Can I use this recipe for cupcakes?

Yes! Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18-22 minutes.

What’s the benefit of adding coffee to chocolate cake?

Coffee enhances the chocolate flavor without making the cake taste like coffee.

Can I use buttermilk instead of milk?

Yes! Buttermilk adds extra tenderness and a slight tangy flavor.

How do I know when my cake is done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, it’s ready.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! Bake it a day in advance, wrap it tightly, and store at room temperature.

Conclusion

This rich and moist chocolate cake is a must-try for any chocolate lover. Whether you keep it simple or dress it up with frosting, it’s guaranteed to be a hit. With easy ingredients and simple steps, you can whip up this cake whenever a chocolate craving strikes. Enjoy every bite of this decadent homemade treat!

Rich and Moist Chocolate Cake

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Indulge in the ultimate rich and moist chocolate cake, packed with deep chocolate flavor and a soft, tender crumb. This easy-to-make cake is perfect for any occasion—whether served plain, frosted, or layered with fruit. A must-try for chocolate lovers!

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 15min
Cook Time: 30min
Total Time: 50min
Yield: 10-12 slices
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a cake pan.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
Add eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
Gradually stir in boiling water (or coffee) to form a smooth batter.
Pour batter into prepared cake pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Frost as desired or serve plain.

Notes

For extra moisture: Use oil instead of butter and avoid overbaking.
Coffee option: Enhances the chocolate flavor without making the cake taste like coffee.
Storage: Store at room temperature for 3 days, refrigerate for a week, or freeze for up to 3 months.