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Chocolate Cake with Vanilla Frosting

Chocolate Cake with Vanilla Frosting


  • Author: Lina
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Chocolate Cake with Vanilla Frosting is a rich, moist, and comforting dessert that perfectly balances deep chocolate flavor with smooth, creamy vanilla frosting. Ideal for celebrations or everyday indulgence, this easy-to-make recipe promises a luscious cake that pleases every chocolate lover.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Chocolate Cake

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

For the Vanilla Frosting

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 24 tablespoons milk or cream
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Pans: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to prevent lumps and ensure even baking.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk sugar and eggs until slightly lightened. Add buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract, mixing until just combined.
  4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently. Carefully mix in the boiling water to thin the batter and intensify the chocolate flavor without cooking the eggs.
  5. Bake the Cakes: Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake 30-35 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool completely before frosting.
  6. Make the Vanilla Frosting: Beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, alternating with small amounts of milk or cream, until the frosting is smooth and spreadable. Add vanilla extract and beat until fluffy.
  7. Assemble and Frost: Place one cake layer on a serving plate, spread vanilla frosting evenly on top. Add the second layer and cover the entire cake with remaining frosting, smoothing as desired.

Notes

  • Use room temperature eggs, butter, and milk for better mixing and a fluffier cake.
  • Do not overmix the batter to avoid a dense texture.
  • Choose high-quality Dutch-processed cocoa powder for a smooth, rich flavor.
  • Chill frosting slightly before spreading to make it easier to apply.
  • Level cake layers by trimming domed tops for cleaner presentation and easier frosting.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
  • Calories: 390 kcal
  • Sugar: 36 g
  • Sodium: 320 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 50 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg

Keywords: chocolate cake, vanilla frosting, chocolate dessert, moist cake, easy cake recipe, celebration dessert