If you have a craving for something deeply indulgent yet wonderfully moist, this Double Chocolate Cake Recipe is bound to become your new favorite. Imagine layers of rich, tender cake infused with both cocoa powder and a hint of coffee to amplify the chocolate flavor, all enveloped in a luxuriously smooth chocolate frosting. It’s the perfect celebration cake or simply a treat to brighten any day with its luscious chocolate charm. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to the kitchen, this recipe brings pure joy in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Double Chocolate Cake Recipe plays a crucial role, from achieving that perfect crumb to delivering an intense chocolate kick. The simplicity of these components hides the magic they create when combined, resulting in a cake that’s both beautifully textured and decadently flavored.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation that gives structure to the cake while keeping it tender.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Brings deep chocolate flavors with a rich color to the batter and frosting.
- Granulated sugar: Balances the bitterness of cocoa and helps create a moist texture.
- Baking powder and baking soda: Leavening agents that make the cake rise perfectly light and fluffy.
- Salt: Enhances the overall flavor, making the chocolate taste even more vibrant.
- Eggs: Bind ingredients together and add richness.
- Whole milk: Adds moisture and tenderness.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and soft compared to butter.
- Pure vanilla extract: Brightens the chocolate flavor with a sweet aroma.
- Boiling water: Helps bloom the cocoa for maximum chocolate intensity and thins the batter for even baking.
- Hot brewed coffee (optional): Deepens the chocolate flavor without adding a coffee taste.
- Unsalted butter (for frosting): Creates a creamy base for the rich frosting.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting for that perfect spread.
- Heavy cream: Adds luscious smoothness and helps achieve fluffy frosting texture.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (melted): Intensifies the frosting’s chocolate richness with an irresistible glossy finish.
- Pinch of salt (in frosting): Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor depth.
How to Make Double Chocolate Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pans and Preheat the Oven
Start on the right foot by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing two 9-inch round cake pans. Dusting them lightly with flour ensures your cakes release easily after baking, giving you those perfect, clean edges.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Incorporating air during this step helps lighten the final texture and ensures even distribution of ingredients for consistent flavor throughout.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients Separately
In another bowl, beat the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until they’re completely blended. This mixture adds moisture and richness to your cake and helps all dry ingredients come together in harmony.
Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Together
Slowly add the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring gently until everything is smooth. Don’t worry if the batter looks a bit thin; the next step is where magic happens!
Step 5: Stir in Boiling Water and Coffee
Carefully fold in the boiling water and hot coffee (if you’re using it) to the batter. These hot liquids bloom the cocoa, making the chocolate flavor explode, and thin the batter for a wonderfully moist cake. It may be thin, but that’s exactly what you want.
Step 6: Bake to Chocolate Perfection
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pans and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Use a toothpick to test the center; it should come out clean when done. Then, let the cakes cool in their pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience here is key for easy frosting later.
Step 7: Prepare the Decadent Chocolate Frosting
Beat the softened unsalted butter until creamy and smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, blending well as you go. Stir in the heavy cream, vanilla extract, salt, and melted semi-sweet chocolate chips. Beat until the frosting is fluffy and luscious, perfect for layering and decorating.
Step 8: Frost and Assemble Your Cake
Once your cake layers are fully cooled, spread a generous amount of frosting on the first layer. Place the second cake on top and cover with the remaining frosting, smoothing the top and sides. Now you have a gorgeous, rich chocolate masterpiece ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Double Chocolate Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle the top with chocolate shavings, fresh raspberries, or a dusting of cocoa powder to add visual appeal and a flavor contrast to the luscious chocolate. A few chopped nuts can also bring delightful texture if you want a little crunch.
Side Dishes
Pair this rich cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream to balance the intense chocolate flavors. Fresh berries or a drizzle of raspberry sauce provide a pleasant tartness that elevates every bite.
Creative Ways to Present
For an extra-special touch, serve individual slices on pretty plates with edible flowers or a mint sprig on top. You can also turn it into a layered parfait by crumbling cake pieces and alternating with frosting and berries in clear glasses—absolutely stunning and fun!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover cake tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep fresh and moist for up to 4 days, perfect for enjoying over a few treats.
Freezing
This Double Chocolate Cake Recipe is freezer-friendly! Wrap the cooled cake layers separately in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. They can last up to 3 months. When you’re ready to serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Reheating
If you’d like to warm your cake slice slightly, place it in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. This wakes up the flavors and softens the frosting just enough without melting, making every bite feel like it’s freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I substitute coffee with something else in this Double Chocolate Cake Recipe?
Absolutely! If you prefer not to use coffee, simply replace it with an equal amount of boiling water. The coffee enhances chocolate depth but is entirely optional.
Is this cake suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this cake is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat or gelatin products, only dairy and eggs.
Can I use different types of cocoa powder?
You can, but keep in mind that natural and Dutch-processed cocoa powder differ in acidity and color, which may slightly affect the taste and texture. For best results, stick to unsweetened cocoa powder as called for.
How do I make the frosting less sweet?
If you prefer a less sweet frosting, you can reduce the powdered sugar slightly or add a touch more unsweetened cocoa powder to bring more chocolate bitterness balance.
Can I turn this into cupcakes?
Yes! Simply divide the batter into cupcake liners and bake for about 18-22 minutes. Keep an eye on them to prevent overbaking and frost as usual once cooled.
Final Thoughts
This Double Chocolate Cake Recipe is a true celebration of chocolate done right—a moist, rich, and beautifully balanced dessert that feels like a warm hug in every slice. Don’t hesitate to dive in and bake this crowd-pleaser for your next special occasion or whenever you need a sweet pick-me-up. Once you try it, I bet it will quickly become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire.
Print
Double Chocolate Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Double Chocolate Cake is a decadent and rich chocolate dessert perfect for birthdays or special occasions. Featuring moist, airy chocolate layers combined with a creamy chocolate frosting, it’s a homemade classic that satisfies any chocolate lover’s cravings. The recipe includes optional brewed coffee to deepen the chocolate flavor and tips for variations to customize your cake experience.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 cup hot brewed coffee (optional, for enhanced flavor)
For the Chocolate Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (melted and cooled slightly)
Instructions
- Prepare the pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to ensure the cakes don’t stick during baking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, whole milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Combine wet and dry mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until the batter is smooth and uniform, ensuring there are no lumps.
- Add hot liquids: Slowly stir in the boiling water and the hot brewed coffee (if using). The batter will become thin — this is normal and helps keep the cake moist.
- Divide batter and bake: Evenly divide the batter between the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the cakes: Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then remove them from the pans and transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
- Make the frosting: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, then mix in heavy cream, vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, and the melted, cooled semi-sweet chocolate chips. Continue beating until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
- Assemble and frost: Once the cake layers are completely cool, frost and layer the cakes as desired, spreading an even layer of chocolate frosting between and on top of each layer.
Notes
- For an extra-decadent cake, consider adding a layer of chocolate ganache or chocolate chips between the layers.
- Coffee intensifies the chocolate flavor but can be substituted with additional boiling water to keep it caffeine-free.
- The cake layers can be baked ahead of time and frozen wrapped tightly for convenient use later.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
