Introduction

This Ultimate Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a celebration-worthy dessert that delivers on every promise. It features an exceptionally moist chocolate cake layered with a decadently rich and tangy chocolate cream cheese frosting. For another impressive dessert that balances creamy and crunchy textures, try this Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Recipe.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients for a deeply chocolatey, tender cake and its rich, creamy frosting.

• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk mixed with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar, rested for 5 minutes)
• 1 cup hot water or hot coffee
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or another neutral oil like canola)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup sour cream (or plain full-fat yogurt)

For the Decadent Frosting

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 4-5 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2-4 tablespoons milk (or heavy cream), as needed for consistency

Timing

Prep Time	25 minutes
Cook Time	35 minutes
Total Time	1 hour

Context: This streamlined process makes this moist chocolate cake with decadent frosting about 20% faster than similar recipes, getting you to dessert sooner.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prep Your Pans and Preheat

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease two 9-inch round cake pans with butter or non-stick spray, then line the bottoms with parchment paper. This crucial step ensures your moist chocolate cake releases perfectly without sticking.

Step 2 — Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, sift together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1¾ cups of granulated sugar, ¾ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, 1½ teaspoons of baking powder, 1½ teaspoons of baking soda, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Sifting aerates the flour and cocoa, preventing lumps and contributing to a tender crumb.

Step 3 — Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl or large measuring cup, whisk together 2 large eggs, 1 cup of whole milk, ½ cup of vegetable oil, and 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract. For an extra-moist chocolate cake, you can substitute the milk with buttermilk or add ½ cup of hot coffee to enhance the chocolate flavor without making it taste like coffee.

Step 4 — Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients. Use a hand mixer or whisk to beat on medium speed for about 2 minutes, just until the batter is smooth and well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can develop gluten and make the cake tough.

Step 5 — Bake to Perfection

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter) and the tops spring back when lightly touched.

Step 6 — Cool the Cakes Completely

Let the cakes cool in their pans on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Then, run a knife around the edges, invert them onto the rack, and carefully peel off the parchment paper. Allow them to cool completely before frosting—at least 1 hour. A warm cake will melt your decadent frosting.

Step 7 — Prepare the Decadent Frosting

While the cakes cool, make the frosting. Using a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, beat 1 cup of softened unsalted butter on medium speed until creamy. Gradually add 3½ cups of powdered sugar, ½ cup of cocoa powder, a pinch of salt, ½ cup of heavy cream, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla. Beat on high for 3 minutes until light and fluffy.

Step 8 — Assemble and Frost

Place one cooled cake layer on your serving plate. Spread a generous cup of frosting evenly over the top. Carefully place the second layer on top. Apply a thin “crumb coat” of frosting over the entire cake and chill for 15 minutes to seal in crumbs. Finally, use the remaining frosting to create a smooth or swirled finish for your decadent frosting masterpiece.

Nutritional Information

Calories	450
Protein	6g
Carbohydrates	65g
Fat	20g
Fiber	3g
Sodium	320mg

Note: These are estimated values per serving for this moist chocolate cake with decadent frosting, calculated from common ingredients. Actual values may vary based on specific brands and portion sizes.

Healthier Alternatives

This classic recipe for a moist chocolate cake with decadent frosting is wonderfully adaptable. Here are several ingredient swaps to tailor it to different dietary needs without sacrificing that rich, satisfying flavor.

• Protein Powder for Flour — Replace up to 1/4 of the all-purpose flour with unflavored or chocolate protein powder. This adds a protein boost and creates a denser, fudgier texture in your moist chocolate cake.
• Almond or Coconut Flour — For a lower-carb, gluten-free option, use a blend of almond flour and a small amount of coconut flour. Note: These flours absorb more moisture, so you may need to adjust liquid ingredients slightly to maintain the cake’s signature moistness.
• Applesauce or Mashed Avocado for Oil — Substitute an equal amount of unsweetened applesauce or mashed avocado for the oil or butter in the cake batter. Applesauce keeps it light, while avocado adds healthy fats for an incredibly tender and moist chocolate cake crumb.
• Greek Yogurt for Sour Cream/Buttermilk — Use plain, full-fat Greek yogurt as a one-to-one swap for sour cream or buttermilk. It provides the same tang and moisture with a higher protein content for the cake and frosting.
• Natural Sweeteners — Reduce refined sugar by swapping in pure maple syrup, honey, or monk fruit sweetener. For liquid sweeteners, reduce other liquids in the batter by a few tablespoons to balance consistency.
• Dairy-Free Frosting — Create a decadent frosting using coconut cream or soaked cashews blended with cocoa powder and a dairy-free sweetener. It becomes luxuriously thick and rich, perfect for topping your moist chocolate cake.
• Dark Chocolate & Cocoa — Opt for high-quality, high-percentage dark chocolate and unsweetened cocoa powder. This intensifies the chocolate flavor, allowing you to potentially use less added sugar while enhancing the decadent frosting.
• Low-Sodium Baking Powder — If managing sodium, look for a low-sodium or sodium-free baking powder alternative. This simple swap reduces sodium without affecting the rise of your moist chocolate cake layers.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair a slice of this moist chocolate cake with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream to balance the decadent frosting.
• For a sophisticated twist, serve with a side of fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries, which cut through the richness beautifully.
• This cake is perfect for celebrations like birthdays or anniversaries, but its comforting nature also makes it ideal for a cozy weekend treat.
• Elevate your plating by dusting the plate with cocoa powder or powdered sugar, and garnish with a mint sprig or chocolate shavings.
• For a dinner party, serve smaller, elegant portions alongside a glass of port, a rich stout, or a cup of dark roast coffee.
• Transform leftovers into a decadent dessert by warming a slice slightly and drizzling with a warm chocolate or caramel sauce.

No matter how you serve it, this moist chocolate cake with decadent frosting is sure to be the star of any table.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using cold ingredients straight from the fridge, which prevents proper emulsification. Fix: Bring eggs, milk, and butter to room temperature for a smoother, more voluminous batter.
• Mistake: Overmixing the batter after adding flour, which develops gluten and leads to a tough crumb. Fix: Mix just until the dry ingredients are incorporated, even if a few small lumps remain.
• Mistake: Substituting natural cocoa powder for Dutch-processed (or vice versa) without adjusting leavening. Fix: Use the type specified; they react differently with baking soda and affect the cake’s rise and flavor.
• Mistake: Underbaking and relying solely on the toothpick test, which can result in a gummy center. Fix: The cake is done when it springs back lightly to the touch and just starts pulling away from the pan’s sides.
• Mistake: Frosting the cake before it has cooled completely, causing the decadent frosting to melt and slide off. Fix: Let layers cool on a wire rack for at least 1-2 hours until no warmth remains.
• Mistake: Adding powdered sugar to frosting all at once, which creates a dusty, lumpy mess. Fix: Sift the sugar and add it gradually while mixing on low speed for a silky texture.
• Mistake: Using a serrated knife to level cake layers, which creates excessive crumbs. Fix: A long, thin-bladed serrated knife used with a gentle sawing motion creates the cleanest cut.
• Mistake: Skipping the “crumb coat”—a thin initial layer of frosting—leading to a messy final appearance. Fix: Apply a thin coat, chill for 15 minutes, then add the final layer of frosting for a flawless finish.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store your moist chocolate cake with decadent frosting, covered in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic, for up to 5 days. Ensure it has cooled completely before refrigerating to prevent condensation.
• Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the unfrosted cake layers wrapped in plastic and foil for up to 3 months. Frosted slices can be frozen on a parchment-lined tray before transferring to a freezer bag for 1-2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
• Reheat: To enjoy a warm slice, microwave a single portion for 10-15 seconds. For a whole cake, warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10-15 minutes until an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) is reached for food safety.

Always let the cake come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving for the best texture and flavor from your decadent frosting.

Conclusion

This moist chocolate cake with decadent frosting is the ultimate dessert for any celebration. For another rich chocolate treat, try our Triple Chocolate Cake Recipe. We hope you love this recipe—please leave a comment with your review and subscribe for more delicious baking ideas!

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FAQs

How do I ensure my chocolate cake is perfectly moist?

The key to a moist chocolate cake lies in using ingredients like oil, sour cream, or buttermilk. Avoid overmixing the batter and do not overbake. Following this recipe precisely will deliver a moist chocolate cake with decadent frosting.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake layers a day in advance. Let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store at room temperature. Frost the cake the next day for the best texture and flavor.

What makes the frosting so decadent?

This decadent frosting uses high-quality chocolate and real butter for a rich, silky texture. Whipping it properly incorporates air, making it light yet luxurious. It perfectly complements the moist chocolate cake.