Moist Chocolate Cake
This butter-free chocolate cake is a lighter twist on a classic dessert, delivering rich flavor that's perfect for special occasions or just a sweet treat.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 2 cups 2 cups (250 g) flour All-purpose flour
- 1.75 cups 1 + 3/4 cups (350 g) granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup 3/4 cup (75 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1.5 teaspoons 1.5 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup 1 cup (240 ml) milk or buttermilk Can use buttermilk for a richer taste
- 1/2 cup 1/2 cup (120 ml) vegetable oil
- 2 large 2 large eggs Room temperature
- 2 teaspoons 2 teaspoons vanilla
- 1 cup 1 cup (240 ml) hot water or hot coffee Using coffee can enhance the chocolate flavor
For the Frosting
- 3.5 cups 3 + 1/2 cups (440 g) powdered sugar
- 3/4 cup 3/4 cup (75 g) unsweetened cocoa powder (for frosting)
- 1/4 cup 1/4 cup (60 ml) milk (for frosting)
- 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon vanilla (for frosting)
Instructions
Bake the Cake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 8-inch (20 cm) round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Pour in the milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla, then whisk everything until smooth.
- Gradually add hot water or coffee to the mix; the batter will be runny, and that’s okay!
- Divide the batter evenly into the prepared pans.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Once baked, let them cool completely.
Make the Frosting
- Whip the butter until it’s creamy.
- Gradually mix in the cocoa powder and powdered sugar.
- Add milk a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
- Finally, stir in the vanilla and give it one last beat.
Assemble the Cake
- Take one cooled cake layer and place it on a serving plate.
- Spread a layer of frosting on top.
- Place the second layer on top and cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting.
- You can smooth it out or create some waves if you like.
- For extra flair, consider decorating with chocolate ganache, shavings, sprinkles, or fresh fruit.
Notes
Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature for the best mixing results. Don't rush the cooling process—properly cooled cakes will hold together better when layered and frosted. If you prefer a denser cake, consider using less hot water or coffee to adjust the consistency.