The Best Chocolate Cake Recipe

If you’re looking for a chocolate cake that’s soft, moist, and full of chocolate flavor, this recipe is perfect. It’s easy to make, uses simple ingredients you probably already have, and comes together in one bowl. Whether it’s for a birthday, special occasion, or just a sweet treat, this chocolate cake will impress everyone. You’ll love how tender the crumb is and how rich the chocolate flavor tastes in every bite.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: Only one bowl and a whisk are needed.
• Super moist and soft: The cake stays tender and chocolatey every time.
• Versatile: Can be baked as layers, a sheet cake, or even cupcakes.
• Quick prep: Ready in under an hour from start to finish.
• Customizable: Add coffee, chocolate chips, or different frostings for variety.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for this delicious chocolate cake:

For the Cake:

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water

For the Chocolate Frosting:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2–3 tbsp milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Ultimate Moist Chocolate Cake Recipe

Emily Hartwell

A soft, moist, and chocolaty cake that melts in your mouth! This easy chocolate cake is perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or just a sweet treat. You’ll only need one bowl and a whisk, making cleanup a breeze.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 12 Slices

Calories 320 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Cake:

• 1 3/4 cups 220g all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup 65g unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 cups 400g granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup 240ml milk
• 1/2 cup 120ml vegetable oil
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup 240ml boiling water

For the Chocolate Frosting:

• 1/2 cup 115g unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup 25g cocoa powder
• 2 cups 250g powdered sugar
• 2-3 tbsp milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

 

Prepare the Cake:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
• In a large bowl, sift together flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar. Mix briefly.
• Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Whisk until smooth.
  
• Slowly pour in the boiling water and mix gently. The batter will be thin — this makes the cake extra moist.

Bake:

• Divide the batter evenly into the prepared pans.
  
• Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Frosting:

• Beat butter in a bowl until creamy.
  
• Add cocoa powder, powdered sugar, and vanilla. Mix slowly while adding milk until you reach a spreadable consistency.

Assemble:

• Place one cake layer on a plate. Spread frosting evenly on top.
  
• Place the second layer on top and cover with frosting all over the cake.

Notes

Tips for the Best Chocolate Cake

• Use room temperature eggs and milk for a smoother batter.
• Don’t overmix once you add boiling water — it keeps the cake light.
• For extra chocolate flavor, add 1 tsp instant coffee to the batter.
• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Variations

• Mocha Cake: Replace 1 cup of water with brewed coffee.
• Chocolate Chip Cake: Add 1/2 cup chocolate chips to the batter.
• Fudgy Cake: Use 1/4 cup more cocoa powder and 2 tbsp less flour.

FAQs