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Decadent Chocolate Layer Cake

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This Decadent Chocolate Layer Cake features rich, moist chocolate layers paired with a velvety chocolate buttercream. Made from scratch with deep cocoa flavor and a tender crumb, it’s an indulgent dessert perfect for celebrations or satisfying chocolate cravings.

  • Author: Ella
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 3 hours
  • Yield: 12–14 slices
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup whole milk or buttermilk
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup hot coffee or hot water
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature (for buttercream)
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (for buttercream)
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream or milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (for buttercream)
  • Pinch of salt (for buttercream)
  • Optional: Chocolate shavings, cocoa powder, berries, chocolate curls (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated and brown sugars, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla to the dry ingredients and beat until smooth. Slowly mix in hot coffee or water until fully incorporated. Batter will be thin.
  4. Divide batter evenly between pans. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
  5. Make buttercream: Beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder. Add cream, vanilla, and salt, and beat until light and fluffy.
  6. Level cake layers if needed. Spread frosting between layers, then over the top and sides. Decorate with garnishes if desired.

Notes

  • Add raspberry or cherry jam between layers for a fruity twist.
  • Use Dutch-process cocoa for deeper flavor; adjust leavening if needed.
  • Mocha variation: add espresso powder to both batter and frosting.
  • Cake layers can be made ahead and frozen.
  • Let chilled cake come to room temperature before serving for best texture.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://elladishes.com/decadent-chocolate-layer-cake/