Heavenly Chocolate Cake with Vanilla Frosting Recipe

Decadent chocolate layers melt seamlessly with creamy vanilla frosting in this irresistible dessert.

Sweet aromas will drift through your kitchen while mixing these simple ingredients.

Our recipe combines rich cocoa with smooth buttercream for a classic treat.

Baking enthusiasts love how straightforward this cake becomes with careful steps.

Professional pastry techniques meet home kitchen comfort in each delightful slice.

Subtle hints of vanilla complement deep chocolate notes perfectly.

We promise this dessert will become your new favorite celebration centerpiece.

How To Keep Chocolate Cake With Vanilla Frosting Fresh

• Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover the cake loosely with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
• Wrap individual cake slices or the entire cake tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
• Keep the cake at room temperature for 1-2 days if covered with a cake dome or plastic wrap, ensuring it stays away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
• Thaw frozen cake in the refrigerator overnight. Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or bring to room temperature naturally for the best texture and flavor.

Questions On Chocolate Cake With Vanilla Frosting

• What makes the batter so thin?

The hot water added to the chocolate cake batter helps create a super moist texture and enhances the deep chocolate flavor by activating the cocoa powder.

• Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

No, buttermilk provides unique acidity and tenderness to the cake. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of regular milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.

• Why do I need to mix ingredients just until combined?

Overmixing can develop gluten in the flour, which will make the cake tough and dense instead of light and tender. Gently mix until the ingredients are just incorporated to ensure a soft, delicate cake texture.

Why Chocolate Cake With Vanilla Frosting Is A Favorite

• Create Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: This chocolate cake delights everyone with its rich, moist texture and classic vanilla frosting that brings smiles to faces.
• Boost Baking Confidence: Perfect for bakers of all skill levels, the straightforward recipe guides you through each step, making cake-making feel like a breeze.
• Celebrate Any Moment: Whether it's a birthday, holiday, or just because, this cake transforms ordinary days into special occasions with its decadent chocolate goodness.
• Customize with Ease: Simple ingredients and flexible preparation allow you to personalize the cake with extra toppings or decorative touches that match your style.

What Goes In Chocolate Cake With Vanilla Frosting

• All-Purpose Flour: The base structure for the chocolate cake that provides a soft and tender crumb.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a moist texture in the cake.
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Delivers rich chocolate flavor and deep color to the cake.

• Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and creates a light, fluffy texture.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the chocolate cake.

• Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender with a smooth texture.
• Eggs: Provides structure and helps bind the cake ingredients together.
• Buttermilk: Adds moisture and creates a tender crumb with a slight tangy flavor.
• Vanilla Extract: Brings depth and enhances the chocolate flavor of the cake.
• Hot Water: Helps to bloom the cocoa powder and create a smooth, thin batter.

Steps To Bake Chocolate Cake With Vanilla Frosting

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Crank up your oven to a toasty 350F. Grab two 9-inch round cake pans and give them a generous coating of grease and flour to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• Flour
• Sugar
• Cocoa powder
• Baking soda
• Baking powder
• Salt

Whisk these dry ingredients until they’re perfectly blended and look like a chocolatey dust cloud.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

• Vegetable oil
• Eggs
• Buttermilk
• Vanilla extract

Blend until the ingredients dance together smoothly.

Step 4: Create Cake Batter

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until everything just comes together – don’t overmix! This keeps your cake tender and light.

Step 5: Add Liquid Magic

Slowly introduce hot water to the batter, stirring until the mixture becomes silky and slightly thin. This secret step ensures an incredibly moist chocolate cake.

Step 6: Fill Cake Pans

Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans. Give the pans a gentle tap on the counter to release any air bubbles.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pans into the preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes. To check doneness, insert a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 8: Cool and Relax

Let the cakes rest in their pans for 10 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting or decorating.

Tips To Perfect Chocolate Cake With Vanilla Frosting

• Ensure ingredients are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better cake texture.
• Replace buttermilk with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar if unavailable.
• Sift dry ingredients to prevent lumps and create a more even cake consistency.
• Test cake doneness by gently pressing the center – it should spring back when fully baked.
• Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain moisture.

Fun Variations Of Chocolate Cake With Vanilla Frosting

• Mocha Madness: Replace hot water with strong brewed coffee and add 2 tablespoons of espresso powder to intensify chocolate flavor and create a rich mocha cake.
• Nutty Chocolate Delight: Fold 1 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter before baking and sprinkle additional nuts on top of the vanilla frosting.
• Red Velvet Revolution: Swap cocoa powder with 2 tablespoons of red food coloring and add 1 tablespoon of white vinegar to transform the chocolate cake into a classic red velvet version.
• Berry Chocolate Dream: Layer fresh raspberries or strawberry preserves between cake layers before frosting and garnish with fresh berries on top.

What To Serve With Chocolate Cake With Vanilla Frosting

• Complement with Chilled Milk: Cold whole milk provides a smooth, creamy contrast that balances the cake's intense chocolate profile and helps cleanse the palate.
• Match with Vanilla Ice Cream: Smooth vanilla ice cream creates a classic dessert combination, offering a cool, silky texture that elevates the cake's decadent chocolate layers.
• Select Red Wine Pairing: A glass of full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon harmonizes with the cake's deep chocolate intensity, creating a luxurious dessert experience.

Chocolate Cake with Vanilla Frosting Recipe

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4.5 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Heavenly chocolate cake with vanilla frosting delivers pure dessert bliss through rich, moist layers and silky smooth cream. Chocolate lovers will savor each luxurious bite of this classic sweet treat that melts perfectly on your palate.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 3/4 cups (220 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 3/4 cups (350 grams) sugar
• 3/4 cup (75 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) buttermilk
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) hot water

Leavening and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt

Liquid and Flavoring Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) oil (canola, vegetable, or coconut)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 350F (175C) and prepare two 9-inch round cake pans by coating with grease and flour.
2. Combine all dry ingredients – flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt – in a large mixing bowl using a whisk.
3. In a separate bowl, thoroughly blend the liquid components including oil, eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla extract.
4. Integrate the liquid mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until ingredients are just incorporated without overmixing.
5. Stream hot water into the batter, continuing to mix until the consistency becomes smooth and slightly thin.
6. Distribute the batter equally between the prepared cake pans, ensuring even coverage.
7. Place pans in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the cake’s center – it should emerge clean when the cakes are fully baked.
8. Remove cakes from oven and let them rest in the pans for 10 minutes to stabilize, then carefully transfer to a wire cooling rack to reach room temperature completely.

Notes

• Swap buttermilk with dairy-free alternatives like almond milk mixed with apple cider vinegar for a vegan-friendly option.
• Add a pinch of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor without making the cake taste like coffee.
• Check cake doneness by gently pressing the center – it should spring back when lightly touched, indicating perfect moisture and texture.
• Cool cakes completely before frosting to prevent melting and ensure a smooth, even frosting application.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 273 kcal
• Sugar: 26 g
• Sodium: 221 mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 39 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 37 mg