Chocolate Cake Recipe: Our Favorite Chocolate Cake

Sweet Society is a tried and true fan of chocolate. We've never met a cacao bean we haven't liked. Chocolate is especially decadent in this recipe, and is perfect for cakes, cupcakes, as well as cakepops. This recipe is quick and easy, but most importantly, delicious. And after you make this cake, try our toasted marshmallow frosting recipe which is always one of our favorites to pair with this cake. And make sure you check out this free online cake class offered by Craftsy to make sure you can cut, level, fill, and frost this cake perfectly.

Before You Get Started Making Your Chocolate Cake

Weigh/Measure all of your ingredients

Cut parchment paper for your cake pans

Butter and flour your cake pans

Brew 1cup/8oz of coffee

Preheat oven to 350 (F) degrees

Chocolate Cake Ingredients & Amounts - Yields 2 (8-inch) round cake layers or about 32 cupcakes

1 3/4 cups (220 g) all-purpose flour

2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar

3/4 cup (89 g) cocoa powder - Dutch processed

2 tsp (8 g) baking soda

1 tsp (4g) baking powder

1 tsp (6 g) salt

2 eggs (100 g) room temp

1 cup (244 g) hot black coffee

1 cup (242 g) buttermilk, room temp

1/2 cup (112 g) vegetable oil

2 tsp (8 g) pure vanilla extract

Chocolate Cake Step-By-Step Directions

1) Preheat oven to 350 (F) degrees. Butter and flour cake pans and set aside.

2) Sift flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt together. If you are using a stand mixer, you can sift your ingredients right into the bowl and then add in the sugar.

3) In another bowl combine buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla. Lightly beat the eggs and add them to this mixture.

4) With the paddle attachment, start mixing the dry ingredients on low for a few seconds to mix, then slowly pour in the liquid mixture (you may want to use a splash guard). Once all the liquid is incorporated, slowly pour in the coffee, and mix until all combined. The batter will be very liquidy, so don't panic.

5) Divide the cake mixture between the 8-inch pans, either by weighing the cake pans to ensure even layers, or use a measuring cup to divide the batter equally.

6) Bake cake for 30-35 minutes. Make sure a cake tester comes out clean. Leave cakes in the pan to cool and then turn them out onto a cooling rack.

7) Once cooled, decorate as you wish. Enjoy!

Chocolate Cake Sweet Notes

Preheat your oven at least 20-30 minutes before baking to ensure a proper baking temperature

Use an oven thermometer to ensure that your oven is accurate and is reaching the recommended temperature

Fill your cake pans about half full and space them out while baking. The middle shelf is preferred in the oven

Try to open the oven doors only when it's close to the finished baking time to avoid a change in temperature, and a fallen cake

High-altitude baking may change amounts, baking temps, and time

If you want to make this cake ahead of time, this cake freezes beautifully. We suggest letting it cool in the pan before turning it out onto plastic wrap, and be careful when wrapping as not to push in on the sides - you will distort the cake. Before placing in the freezer, put a layer of aluminum foil and label it. It will keep in the freezer for about two months, after which it may lose some moisture

Adapted from Ina Garten