Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Buttercream Frosting Recipe

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Baking Time: 30-35 minutes
Assembly Time: 20 minutes
Yield: One decadent chocolate cake

Ingredients:

For the Chocolate Cake:

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup hot water

For the Chocolate Buttercream Frosting:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 3 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

For the Chocolate Cake:

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients:

• In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

3. Add Wet Ingredients:

• In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until well combined.

4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:

• Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

5. Add Hot Water:

• Stir in the hot water until the batter is smooth. The batter will be thin, but that’s perfectly fine.

6. Divide and Bake:

• Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

7. Cool and Remove:

• Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then remove them from the pans and place them on wire racks to cool completely.

For the Chocolate Buttercream Frosting:

8. Cream the Butter:

• In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until it becomes creamy and smooth.

9. Sift and Combine Dry Ingredients:

• In a separate bowl, sift together the confectioners’ sugar and cocoa powder. Add this mixture to the creamed butter.

10. Add Wet Ingredients: – Pour in the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat the mixture until it’s smooth and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

Assembly:

11. Frost the Cake: – Once the cakes have cooled, place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of chocolate buttercream frosting on top.

12. Add Second Layer: – Place the second cake layer on top of the first and press gently to secure.

13. Frost the Top and Sides: – Frost the top and sides of the entire cake with the remaining chocolate buttercream frosting.

14. Decorate (Optional): – You can decorate the cake with chocolate shavings, sprinkles, or any desired toppings.

15. Slice and Enjoy: – Slice the cake and savor the rich, chocolaty goodness!

This Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Buttercream Frosting is perfect for birthdays, special occasions, or any time you crave a delicious chocolate treat. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.