Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
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.
PrintChocolate Cake with Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting
This is the most amazing moist chocolate cake made with sour cream, buttermilk, and unsweetened cocoa, topped with rich and silky smooth chocolate cream cheese frosting for a decadent treat.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 12 1x
- Method: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 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
- 1 cup hot water or hot coffee
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- For 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, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 2-4 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch cake pans. Whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Add eggs, buttermilk, hot water, oil, vanilla, and sour cream; mix until smooth.
- Divide batter evenly between pans. Bake 30-35 minutes until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
- For frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until fluffy. Add cocoa, vanilla, and salt. Gradually add powdered sugar and milk until thick and spreadable. Frost cooled cake layers, stacking them, and chill 30-60 minutes before serving.
Notes
For extra moisture, use hot coffee instead of water in the batter. Ensure frosting is chilled before spreading for best results. This cake can be made ahead and refrigerated up to 2 days.
Nutrition
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 55g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 70g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Get our 10 best recipes — free
Join the Receipster newsletter and we’ll send you Dorothy’s 10 most-loved recipes as a free PDF.
Free PDF + new recipes every week. Unsubscribe anytime.
