Hi Lykkers! Ready to bake up some serious chocolatey magic? There’s nothing quite as satisfying as a towering, rich homemade chocolate layer cake.
Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, an anniversary, or just want to treat yourself, this cake will hit all the right notes. Layers of fluffy chocolate sponge, creamy frosting, and endless possibilities for decorations make this a showstopper that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.
Why Bake a Chocolate Layer Cake?
There’s something about a chocolate layer cake that instantly turns any gathering into a celebration. The moist cake layers, rich with cocoa, paired with luscious chocolate frosting, bring joy with every bite. Plus, making it from scratch adds that extra touch of love, and trust us—it’s easier than you think! No need to be a professional baker, just follow these simple steps to create your own masterpiece.
The Only Chocolate Cake Recipe You'll Ever Need With Claire Saffitz
Video by NYT Cooking
Step 1: The Perfect Chocolate Sponge
The foundation of any good layer cake is the sponge. For this cake, we’re aiming for a light yet rich chocolate cake that stays moist while being sturdy enough to hold layers of frosting.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot water or hot coffee (coffee enhances the chocolate flavor!)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Batter: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans. In a large bowl, mix the dry ingredients (flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt). Add the buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla. Beat until smooth, then stir in the hot water or coffee.
2. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the cakes cool completely before assembling.
Step 2: The Dreamy Chocolate Frosting
What’s a chocolate cake without a rich, creamy frosting? For this recipe, we’re going for a smooth chocolate buttercream that complements the cake perfectly.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
Instructions:
- Whip the Frosting: Beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add in the powdered sugar and cocoa powder. Mix in the salt, vanilla, and heavy cream until light and fluffy. If the frosting is too thick, add more cream; if it’s too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar.
Step 3: Assembly Time!
Now comes the fun part—putting it all together!
1. Level the Cakes: Once your cakes have cooled, use a serrated tool to level off the tops if they’ve domed. This will give you a nice flat surface for layering.
2. Layer and Frost: Place one cake layer on your serving plate or cake stand. Spread a generous amount of frosting on top. Place the second layer on top and frost the entire outside of the cake with the remaining buttercream.
3. Get Creative with Decorations: Whether you want to keep it simple or go all out, the choice is yours! Top your cake with fresh berries, chocolate shavings, or even a drizzle of ganache. You can also use piping bags to add extra frosting designs or swirls.
Fun Ways to Customize Your Cake
Feeling adventurous? Here are a few ideas to take your chocolate layer cake to the next level:
Chocolate Ganache Drip: Pour melted chocolate ganache over the top of the cake and let it drip down the sides for a professional look.
Salted Caramel Layer: Spread a thin layer of salted caramel between the cake layers before frosting.
Nutty Surprise: Add a crunchy element by sprinkling chopped nuts (like almonds or hazelnuts) between the layers or on top.
Why You’ll Love This Cake
Not only is this cake decadent and delicious, but it’s also a crowd-pleaser! Chocolate lovers will appreciate the deep, rich cocoa flavor, and even non-cake people will love the moistness and texture. Plus, it’s the perfect cake to bring to any party, potluck, or event—it looks as impressive as it tastes.
Celebrate with Chocolate!
So, Lykkers, the next time you’re in the mood to bake something indulgent and fun, try out this homemade chocolate layer cake. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just because, this cake is guaranteed to make anyone smile. Share your creations with us, and let’s celebrate the magic of chocolate, one slice at a time!
