Classic Chocolate Cake (Rich, Moist & Truly the Best Ever!)

Introduction

First—thank you for being here. 💛 I never take it lightly when you choose to bake from one of my recipes, especially when it’s something as important as chocolate cake. This is the kind of dessert that shows up for birthdays, celebrations, comfort days, and “just because” moments.

There are a lot of bold claims out there about the best chocolate cake. I get it. But after one bite of this Classic Chocolate Cake, the room went quiet—followed by “This is the best chocolate cake I’ve ever had.” It’s deeply chocolatey, incredibly moist, and paired with a silky Swiss meringue buttercream that makes every bite unforgettable.

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Overview of the Recipe

What This Recipe Is

This is a one-bowl chocolate cake that’s simple to prepare yet elegant enough for special occasions. The cake layers are soft and tender, and the chocolate Swiss meringue buttercream is smooth, rich, and not overly sweet.

Reasons to Love This Recipe

• One-bowl cake batter

• Ultra-moist texture

• Deep chocolate flavor

• Bakery-style frosting

• Perfect for celebrations

• Anything but boring!!

What Does This Cake Taste Like?

Rich and decadent without being heavy. The cake is moist with an intense chocolate flavor, while the buttercream is silky, balanced, and melts right into the crumb.

Benefits of This Recipe

• Foolproof and reliable

• Easy to customize (gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free options)

• Slices cleanly and beautifully

• A guaranteed crowd-pleaser

Ingredients

Chocolate Cake

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 2 cups granulated sugar

• ¾ cup Dutch-processed cocoa powder, sifted

• 2 tsp baking soda

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ cup vegetable oil

• 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature

• 1 cup hot water

• 2 large eggs, room temperature

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

Chocolate Swiss Meringue Buttercream

• 5 large egg whites

• 1½ cups granulated sugar

• 1½ cups unsalted butter, room temperature

• 8 oz high-quality dark chocolate, melted and cooled

For Assembly

• Chocolate curls, sprinkles, or flakes

Kitchen Tools Needed

• Stand mixer or large mixing bowl

• Two 8-inch round cake pans

• Parchment paper

• Offset spatula

• Cake turntable (optional)

Ingredient Additions & Substitutions

Easy Variations

• Use gluten-free all-purpose flour blend

• Swap buttermilk with dairy-free milk + vinegar

• Add espresso powder to enhance chocolate flavor

• Use semi-sweet chocolate for a milder frosting

How to Make Classic Chocolate Cake