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A rich, multi-layered chocolate cake with creamy chocolate frosting, a slice removed to show the texture.

Simple Chocolate Cake

This recipe makes a straightforward chocolate cake suitable for any event. It uses basic ingredients and results in a moist cake.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 12 people
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Dry Ingredients
  • 2 cups All-purpose flour
  • 2 cups Granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup Unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 tsp Baking soda
  • 1 tsp Baking powder
  • 1 tsp Salt
Wet Ingredients
  • 1 cup Buttermilk Room temperature
  • 1/2 cup Vegetable oil
  • 2 large Eggs Room temperature
  • 1 tsp Vanilla extract
  • 1 cup Hot water or coffee Boiling

Equipment

  • Two 9-inch round cake pans
  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until combined.
  3. Add the buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for two minutes.
  4. Carefully stir in the hot water or coffee until the batter is smooth. The batter will be thin.
  5. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans.
  6. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

Notes

You can substitute regular milk for buttermilk if needed, but the texture may change slightly. For a richer flavor, use hot coffee instead of hot water.