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

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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)

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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