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Ultimate Ultra-Moist Chocolate Cake Recipe (From Scratch)

Close-up of a thick slice of moist chocolate cake covered in dark, glossy chocolate frosting on a white plate.

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Bake this ultra-moist chocolate cake from scratch. This one-bowl recipe delivers a rich, tender crumb and deep chocolate flavor, making it a foolproof favorite for any occasion.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or one 9×13 inch pan.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until combined.
  3. Add the eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for two minutes. The batter will be thick.
  4. Carefully pour the hot coffee into the batter and mix on low speed until just combined. The batter will be very thin; this is correct.
  5. Divide the batter evenly between your prepared cake pans.
  6. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted into the center comes out clean. For a 9×13 pan, bake for 35 to 40 minutes.
  7. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

Notes

  • Using hot coffee deepens the chocolate flavor without making the cake taste like coffee.
  • Buttermilk reacts with the baking soda to create a tender crumb and maximum moisture.
  • For an easy, rich frosting, use a simple chocolate ganache or a classic chocolate buttercream.
  • This recipe yields a tender crumb chocolate cake that stays moist for days.

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