Name: Best Chocolate Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: PT-485416H41M30S
Total time: PT-485416H41M30S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 2 cups sugar; 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1 tsp salt; 2 eggs; 1 cup milk (or dairy-free alternative); 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tsp espresso powder; 1 cup boiling water

Best Chocolate Cake

This classic American chocolate cake recipe delivers rich, decadent chocolate flavor and a moist, tender crumb. The secret ingredient, a touch of espresso powder, intensifies the chocolate notes without adding a coffee taste. It’s the perfect celebration cake, customizable with your favorite frostings and toppings.

Total Time: 50-55 minutes
Yield: Serves 12

Ingredients

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups sugar
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
2 eggs
1 cup milk (or dairy-free alternative)
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp espresso powder
1 cup boiling water

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch cake pans.
Whisk dry ingredients: flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt.
Whisk wet ingredients: eggs, milk, oil, vanilla.
Dissolve espresso powder in boiling water.
Slowly add dry ingredients to wet, mix until just combined (don’t overmix).
Stir in espresso mixture.
Divide batter between pans. Bake 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick in the center comes out mostly clean.
Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then invert onto wire racks to cool fully.
Frost as desired!

Notes

Cocoa choice: Natural unsweetened cocoa powder is the standard here. Dutch-processed cocoa can be used, but it has a milder flavor. You may need to adjust leavening agents slightly if you substitute.
Dairy-free option: Replace milk with a plant-based alternative like almond or oat milk and use a dairy-free oil substitute.
Gluten-free option: Substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking flour for the all-purpose flour.
Make-ahead: Cake layers can be prepared in advance, well-wrapped, and frozen. Frost the day you plan to serve.

Author: Juana M. Benedict
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 350
Sugar: 25g
Sodium: 120mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 35mg