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Chocolate Layer Cake

Indulge in the rich and moist Chocolate Layer Cake, a perfect dessert for celebrating special occasions or enjoying a sweet moment in everyday life.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Celebration, Dessert
Cuisine: American, Bakery
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the cake
  • 1 3/4 cups All-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup Cocoa powder, unsweetened Use high-quality cocoa powder for best flavor.
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons Baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon Baking powder
  • 1 3/4 cups Sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon Salt
  • 2 pieces Eggs Ensure they are at room temperature.
  • 1 cup Buttermilk Can be substituted with milk and vinegar if needed.
  • 1/2 cup Vegetable oil
  • 1 cup Hot coffee Freshly brewed enhances chocolate flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
For the frosting
  • 3/4 cup Butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups Cream cheese, room temperature
  • 2/3 cup Cocoa powder
  • 1 1/2 cups Powdered sugar Plus 2 tablespoons.
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 8-inch round cake pans, lining bottoms with parchment paper and dusting the sides with cocoa powder.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  4. Combine the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients, whisking until blended.
  5. Slowly add hot coffee to the mixture, whisking until the batter is smooth.
  6. Divide the batter between prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks.
Frosting
  1. Beat softened butter until creamy, add cream cheese and mix until smooth.
  2. Stir in cocoa powder and vanilla, then gradually add powdered sugar until fully incorporated.
Assembly
  1. Once cakes have cooled, level if needed. Spread frosting on top of one layer, add second layer, and frost the top and sides of the cake. Chill for 2-3 hours before slicing.

Notes

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate for longer storage. Consider adding raspberry or cherry filling for a flavor contrast.