Introduction

This Chocolate Cake with Vanilla Cream Cheese Frosting recipe is simple and delicious, perfect for any celebration or sweet craving. The moist, rich chocolate layers pair wonderfully with the smooth, tangy frosting. For more easy dessert ideas, try the Butterfinger Fudge Recipe or the Easy No Bake Peach Custard Mini Tarts Recipe.

Ingredients

This decadent chocolate cake delivers an incredibly moist, rich crumb with deep cocoa notes, perfectly balanced by a creamy, tangy frosting that melts luxuriously on the tongue.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk mixed with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar)
• 1 cup hot brewed coffee
• 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon fine salt
• 7 cups powdered sugar
• Heavy cream (as needed for consistency)

Timing

Prep Time	10 minutes
Cook Time	15 minutes
Total Time	25 minutes

Context: This recipe is approximately 20% faster than similar recipes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare the Dough

Combine flour, yeast, salt, and warm water in a large mixing bowl. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.

Tip: Water temperature should be between 105–115°F (40–46°C) to properly activate the yeast without killing it.

Step 2 — Knead the Dough

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

The dough is ready when it springs back slowly after poking with a finger.

Step 3 — First Rise

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours.

Tip: The dough should double in size. For best results, maintain an ambient temperature of 75–80°F (24–27°C).

Step 4 — Shape the Dough

Punch down the risen dough and divide into equal portions. Shape each into a smooth ball or desired form.

Work gently to preserve air bubbles for a lighter final texture.

Step 5 — Second Rise

Place shaped dough on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover, and let rise for 30–45 minutes until puffy.

The dough is ready when it holds a slight indentation after a gentle press.

Step 6 — Preheat and Score

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Just before baking, make shallow cuts on the dough surface with a sharp knife.

Scoring helps control expansion and creates an attractive crust.

Step 7 — Bake to Perfection

Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped on the bottom.

For a crispier crust, place a pan of water in the oven during baking to create steam.

Step 8 — Cool Completely

Transfer baked bread to a wire rack and let cool completely before slicing.

Tip: Cutting into hot bread releases steam and can make the crumb gummy. Wait at least 1 hour.

Nutritional Information

Calories	…
Protein	…
Carbohydrates	…
Fat	…
Fiber	…
Sodium	…

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Lean ground turkey — Lighter protein with savory poultry notes
• Cauliflower rice — Lower-carb base with mild, nutty flavor
• Coconut milk — Creamy dairy-free alternative with tropical sweetness
• Tamari sauce — Gluten-free soy sauce with rich umami depth
• Nutritional yeast — Cheesy flavor without dairy, adds nutty complexity
• Zucchini noodles — Fresh, low-carb pasta substitute with delicate texture
• Herb-infused olive oil — Flavorful low-sodium seasoning with aromatic notes
• Lentils — Plant-based protein with earthy, hearty character

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a crisp green salad and crusty bread for a light, satisfying lunch.
• Serve over a bed of fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting dinner.
• Perfect for a casual weeknight meal or a relaxed weekend gathering with friends.
• Brighten up the plate with a garnish of fresh, chopped herbs like parsley or chives.
• For a special occasion, serve on a warm platter with roasted seasonal vegetables on the side.
• Ideal for meal prep; it stores and reheats beautifully for easy lunches throughout the week.

These serving ideas will help you turn this simple recipe into a complete and delicious meal for any time of day.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Overmixing the batter. Fix: Mix until just combined; a few lumps are fine to prevent tough, dense results.
• Mistake: Using cold ingredients straight from the fridge. Fix: Bring eggs and dairy to room temperature for better emulsification and a smoother texture.
• Mistake: Incorrect oven temperature. Fix: Always preheat and use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking conditions.
• Mistake: Opening the oven door too early. Fix: Avoid peeking until at least the minimum bake time has passed to prevent collapse from temperature shock.
• Mistake: Not properly preparing the pan. Fix: Grease and flour the pan thoroughly, or use parchment paper, for easy, clean release.
• Mistake: Overcrowding the baking sheet. Fix: Leave adequate space between items to allow for proper air circulation and even browning.
• Mistake: Substituting ingredients haphazardly. Fix: Understand the role of each ingredient before swapping; not all alternatives behave the same way.
• Mistake: Ignoring recipe instructions for resting or cooling. Fix: Follow specified cooling times to allow structure to set, improving texture and ease of handling.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Ensure it cools to room temperature before refrigerating.
• Freezer: Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat: Reheat thoroughly until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety. Use a microwave, stovetop, or oven, adding a splash of liquid if needed to prevent drying out.

Always use clean utensils when handling leftovers and avoid leaving the dish at room temperature for more than 2 hours to maintain quality and safety.

Conclusion

This chocolate cake with vanilla cream cheese frosting is a classic dessert that’s always a crowd-pleaser. If you enjoyed this recipe, try our Decadent Cream-Filled Cake with Chocolate Ganache Recipe or Strawberry Chocolate Mousse Cake Recipe next. We’d love to hear how your cake turned out—leave a comment and subscribe for more delicious recipes!

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FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, this recipe is excellent for preparing in advance. You can assemble it up to a day ahead and store it covered in the refrigerator. This makes it perfect for easy entertaining.

What can I use as a substitute for [ingredient]?

For a great substitute, try using [alternative ingredient]. It provides a similar texture and flavor profile that works wonderfully in this recipe. The final dish will still be delicious.

How should I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For best results, reheat gently to maintain the quality and flavor of the dish.