Chocolate Cake With Buttercream

Name: Chocolate Cake With Buttercream
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar; ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder; 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 large eggs; 1 cup whole milk; ½ cup vegetable oil; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 cup boiling water; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 cups powdered sugar; 1/4 cup heavy cream; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; A pinch of salt

Highlighted under: Sweet Recipes

I absolutely love making chocolate cake with buttercream because it never fails to impress everyone around me. The rich chocolate flavor, paired with the creamy texture of the buttercream, creates a dessert that's perfect for any occasion. I find it delightful to decorate this cake, allowing my creativity to shine through. It's a recipe I've perfected over the years, and I love sharing it with friends and family as a sweet indulgence that satisfies all chocolate cravings.

Created by

Cressida Northwood

Last updated on 2026-01-24T12:55:34.595Z

Each time I whip up this chocolate cake, it brings back fond memories of family gatherings and celebrations. I've learned through trial and error that a touch of coffee in the batter enhances the chocolate flavor beautifully. It’s a trick I highly recommend because it truly elevates the taste without being overpowering.

The buttercream frosting is another highlight. I've found that using the right temperature for your butter—soft but not melted—makes all the difference in creating that perfect creamy consistency. Trust me, it’s worth the effort!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Rich chocolate flavor paired with fresh orange zest
Creamy texture that melts in your mouth
Perfect for celebrations or as a sweet indulgence

Understanding the Ingredients

Each ingredient in this Chocolate Cake With Buttercream plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect texture and flavor. For instance, the combination of all-purpose flour and cocoa powder provides the structure and chocolatey base for the cake. When selecting cocoa powder, opt for high-quality unsweetened cocoa for a deeper, richer taste. Additionally, the eggs add moisture and stability, helping the cake rise properly during baking.

Granulated sugar not only adds sweetness but also contributes to the cake's moistness and helps create a tender crumb. The baking powder and baking soda work together as leavening agents, ensuring that the cake rises evenly. Skipping or mismeasuring these ingredients can lead to dense or sunken cakes, so be precise when incorporating them. If you need to reduce the sugar, consider using a sugar substitute that measures cup-for-cup.

Frosting Tips and Techniques

Making a fluffy buttercream frosting is all about achieving the right consistency. Start by ensuring your butter is at room temperature; this allows for easy creaming and prevents lumps. Beat the butter until it’s light and fluffy, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes on medium speed. Adding the powdered sugar gradually rather than all at once helps avoid a cloud of sugar dust and allows for a smoother blend.

When it comes to achieving that perfect spreadable texture, the heavy cream is key. Adjust the amount slightly if your buttercream feels too stiff; add more cream for a softer frosting or more powdered sugar if it’s too runny. If you want to intensify flavors, consider mixing in flavors like espresso or orange zest to complement the chocolate, providing a delightful twist.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create your delicious chocolate cake.

For the Cake

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
½ cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water

For the Buttercream Frosting

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup heavy cream
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
A pinch of salt

Make sure everything is at room temperature for best results!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your delicious chocolate cake with buttercream.

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Add Wet Ingredients

Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix on medium speed for 2 minutes.

Incorporate Boiling Water

Carefully stir in the boiling water until the batter is smooth. It will be thin, but that’s normal.

Bake the Cakes

Pour the batter equally into the prepared pans and bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Cool the Cakes

Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Buttercream Frosting

In a bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then heavy cream, vanilla, and salt, mixing until fluffy.

Frost the Cake

Once the cakes are completely cool, spread buttercream between the layers and over the top and sides of the cake as desired.

Enjoy a slice of your homemade chocolate cake with buttercream!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of espresso powder to the cake batter. This will enhance the chocolate taste significantly.

Storage and Make-Ahead

This chocolate cake can be made ahead of time, which is perfect for busy schedules. Once baked and cooled completely, wrap the layers tightly in plastic wrap and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. This allows you to make your cake in advance and simply frost it when you’re ready to serve. Just remember to thaw it in the fridge overnight before decorating.

For the buttercream frosting, it's best to make it fresh if possible, but it can also be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. If your buttercream has hardened, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before re-whipping it to restore its fluffy consistency.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving your Chocolate Cake With Buttercream, a simple presentation can go a long way. Garnish with chocolate shavings, fresh berries, or a dusting of powdered sugar for an eye-catching appeal. Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast in flavor and texture, balancing the rich chocolate cake beautifully.

You can also explore variations by altering the frosting. Consider using a ganache for a sleek finish or adding flavor extracts like peppermint or almond for a unique twist. This way, you can tailor the cake to fit different occasions or personal preferences, making each celebration a little more special.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day in advance and store it wrapped in plastic at room temperature.

→ What can I use instead of eggs?

You can substitute each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze this cake?

Yes! The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing.