Description

The Ultimate Chocolate Indulgence Cake is a rich, moist, and decadent dessert perfect for chocolate lovers. Featuring a deep chocolate flavor enhanced by optional espresso powder and semi-sweet chocolate chips, this layered cake is finished with a luscious cocoa buttercream frosting. Ideal for special occasions or any time you crave an irresistible chocolate treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups granulated sugar
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 teaspoons baking powder
1½ teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon espresso powder (optional)
1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
½ cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Frosting Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3½ cups powdered sugar
1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
½ cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

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Instructions

Prepare Oven and Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and optional espresso powder until well combined.
Add Wet Ingredients: Add the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry mixture. Beat on medium speed until the batter is smooth and fully incorporated.
Incorporate Boiling Water: Slowly stream in the boiling water while mixing. The batter will become thin; this is normal and ensures a moist cake.
Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chips to add rich chocolate bursts in each bite.
Bake the Cake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared 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: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer them to wire racks. Let cool completely before frosting.
Make the Frosting: Beat the softened butter until light and fluffy. Gradually add the cocoa powder, powdered sugar, pinch of salt, vanilla extract, and heavy cream. Start mixing on low speed to combine, then increase to high speed and whip until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
Assemble the Cake: Place one cooled cake layer on a serving plate and spread an even layer of frosting on top. Stack the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake, covering the top and sides evenly.

Notes

For an extra luxurious touch, drizzle the cake with chocolate ganache or decorate with chocolate curls.
Espresso powder is optional but enhances the chocolate flavor significantly.
Make sure cakes are completely cool before frosting to prevent melting.
Use room temperature ingredients for better batter consistency and texture.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 530
Sugar: 45g
Sodium: 310mg
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Unsaturated Fat: 11g
Trans Fat: 0.5g
Carbohydrates: 68g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 60mg