Ultimate Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Swiss Meringue Buttercream

There’s chocolate, and then there’s ultimate chocolate—a decadent, rich cake that melts in your mouth, paired with a silky-smooth chocolate Swiss meringue buttercream. This dessert isn’t just a treat; it’s an experience. Follow this step-by-step guide to create a cake that will impress any chocolate lover.

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Cake

2 ¾ cups (345 g) all-purpose flour
2 ½ cups (500 g) granulated sugar
1 cup (85 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tsp baking powder
1 ½ tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
½ cup (120 ml) vegetable oil
2 large eggs
2 tsp pure vanilla extract
1 cup (240 ml) boiling water
½ cup (120 ml) hot coffee (optional, intensifies chocolate flavor)

For the Chocolate Swiss Meringue Buttercream

5 large egg whites
1 ¼ cups (250 g) granulated sugar
1 ½ cups (340 g) unsalted butter, softened and cubed
1 tsp vanilla extract
¾ cup (90 g) high-quality cocoa powder
Pinch of salt

Step-by-Step Method

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch (20 cm) round cake pans with parchment paper. Dust lightly with cocoa powder to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk until evenly combined. This ensures a light, tender cake.