The Perfect Chocolate Cake (Print Version)

Rich, moist chocolate cake with creamy frosting

# What You'll Need:

→ Dry Ingredients

01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 2 cups granulated sugar
03 - 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
04 - 2 teaspoons baking powder
05 - 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
06 - 1 teaspoon salt

→ Wet Ingredients

07 - 1 cup whole milk, room temperature
08 - 1/2 cup vegetable oil
09 - 2 large eggs, room temperature
10 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
11 - 1 cup boiling water

→ Chocolate Frosting

12 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
13 - 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
14 - 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
15 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
16 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
17 - 1/4 cup whole milk, plus more if needed

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, line bottoms with parchment paper.
02 - Sift flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl.
03 - Add milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla to dry ingredients. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes until well combined.
04 - Reduce mixer to low speed. Carefully add boiling water and mix until smooth. The batter will be thin.
05 - Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake 30-35 minutes until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
06 - Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes. Turn out onto wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
07 - Beat softened butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and salt. Mix on low until combined.
08 - Beat in vanilla and milk. Increase speed and beat 2 minutes until light and fluffy. Add additional milk if needed for spreading consistency.
09 - Place one cake layer on serving plate. Spread frosting over top. Add second layer and frost top and sides of cake. Decorate as desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The boiling water trick creates an impossibly tender crumb that stays moist for days
  • It's dangerously simple to throw together even when you're emotional or pressed for time
02 -
  • The boiling water step seems wrong but it's what creates that incredibly moist texture
  • Room temperature ingredients prevent the batter from separating and ensure even baking
03 -
  • Brush the cake layers with simple syrup before frosting if making ahead
  • Sift your powdered sugar twice if you want absolutely smooth frosting

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