Home made Chocolate Cake Recipe

The Best Home Made Chocolate Cake Recipe for Sweet Cravings

Sweet memories often swirl around this delectable home made chocolate cake that reminds me of grandmother’s kitchen.

Warm aromas would drift through her cozy space, promising delightful treats.

Chocolate never disappoints when baked with genuine passion and care.

Mixing ingredients becomes a delicate dance of flavor and texture.

Soft crumbs promise pure indulgence with every single bite.

Decadent layers beckon you to savor each mouthwatering moment.

Let’s create something magical that makes hearts melt faster than butter in a warm pan.

FAQs

  • Why is the batter so thin when I add boiling water?

The boiling water helps to “bloom” the cocoa powder, intensifying its rich chocolate flavor and creating a more tender, moist cake texture. Don’t worry about the thin consistency – this is exactly how the batter should look.

  • Can I use different types of cocoa powder?

Yes, you can use natural or Dutch-processed cocoa powder. Natural cocoa powder will give a more intense chocolate flavor, while Dutch-processed cocoa provides a smoother, mellower chocolate taste.

  • How do I know if I've mixed the batter correctly?

The batter should be smooth and free of lumps after beating for 2 minutes. Look for a consistent, liquid-like texture with no dry flour patches. The mixture should look glossy and well-combined.

  • Is it important to use room temperature ingredients?

Yes, room temperature eggs and milk blend more easily and create a smoother, more even cake batter. This helps ensure a better texture and more consistent rise during baking.

Reasons to Make Chocolate Cake Today!

Quick Weeknight Dessert: Whip up this chocolate cake effortlessly in under an hour, perfect for satisfying sudden sweet cravings.

Beginner-Friendly Baking: No advanced skills needed – simple mixing technique makes this recipe accessible for home bakers of all experience levels.

Family Crowd-Pleaser: Classic chocolate flavor appeals to everyone from kids to grandparents, creating delightful moments around the dinner table.

Versatile Celebration Cake: Easily transforms into a special occasion dessert by adding decorative frosting or creative toppings for birthdays, gatherings, or potlucks.

Chocolate Cake Components

Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Base for the cake's structure, provides necessary protein and texture.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning and moisture.
  • Cocoa Powder: Delivers rich chocolate flavor and deep color.
  • Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Essential leavening agents that help the cake rise and become fluffy.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Eggs: Bind ingredients together and add richness.
  • Whole Milk: Provides moisture and contributes to tender crumb.
  • Vegetable Oil: Ensures cake stays moist and tender.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and complements chocolate flavor.
Liquid Ingredient:
  • Boiling Water: Helps activate cocoa powder and creates a super moist cake texture.

Chocolate Cake Making Process

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350°F and get those cake pans ready by giving them a light coating of grease and a dusting of flour.

This prepares the perfect stage for your chocolatey masterpiece.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Grab a spacious mixing bowl and combine these delightful dry ingredients:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Granulated sugar
  • Unsweetened cocoa powder
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Salt

Whisk them together until they’re perfectly blended.

Step 3: Introduce Wet Ingredients

Time to bring some moisture into the mix!

Add these crowd-pleasing ingredients:
  • Eggs
  • Whole milk
  • Vegetable oil
  • Pure vanilla extract

Beat the mixture with an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes until everything looks smooth and well-incorporated.

Step 4: Add the Secret Weapon

Pour in some boiling water and gently stir.

Don’t worry if the batter looks thin – that’s exactly how it should be!

This magic touch will make your cake super moist.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Divide the batter evenly between your prepared cake pans.

Slide them into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean.

Step 6: Cool and Prepare

Let the cakes rest in their pans for 10 minutes.

Then carefully transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.

Once cooled, they’re ready for frosting or enjoying just as they are!

More Tips for Chocolate Cake

  • Add an extra splash of milk or replace water with strong coffee to enhance the cake's rich chocolate flavor and keep it ultra-moist.
  • Sift dry ingredients together to eliminate lumps and ensure a smoother, more even cake texture that melts in your mouth.
  • Swap all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version, and use plant-based milk and oil for a vegan alternative.
  • Let ingredients reach room temperature before mixing to help them blend more evenly and create a more consistent cake batter.
  • Allow cake to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting and ensure a clean, professional-looking finish.

Store Chocolate Cake Leftovers Right

  • Store leftover chocolate cake in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover the cake with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
  • If serving within 2 days, keep the cake at room temperature in a sealed container. Place a piece of bread near the cake to help maintain moisture.
  • Wrap individual cake slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. For best texture, let the cake sit at room temperature for 15-30 minutes before enjoying to restore its soft, moist consistency.

Best Sips & Sides for Chocolate Cake

  • Pair Sweet Red Wine: Complement the rich chocolate cake with a glass of sweet red wine like Port or Brachetto d'Acqui, enhancing the dessert's deep cocoa flavors and providing a luxurious tasting experience.
  • Create Coffee Companion: Serve a hot espresso or smooth cappuccino alongside the cake, allowing the bitter coffee notes to balance the cake's sweetness and create a classic flavor harmony.
  • Elevate with Raspberry Coulis: Drizzle a tangy raspberry sauce around the cake slice, introducing a bright, fruity contrast that cuts through the chocolate's intensity and adds a gourmet touch to the presentation.
  • Match with Vanilla Ice Cream: Top a warm slice with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, creating a delightful temperature and texture contrast that melts beautifully with the rich chocolate cake.

Homemade Chocolate Cake with Classic or Modern Twists

  • Gluten-Free Chocolate Cake: Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend, ensuring a similar texture and taste for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Vegan Chocolate Delight: Swap eggs with mashed bananas or flax eggs, use plant-based milk, and substitute oil with applesauce for a dairy-free, egg-free version.
  • Low-Sugar Chocolate Option: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar, and incorporate unsweetened cocoa powder to reduce overall sugar content while maintaining rich chocolate flavor.
  • Nutty Chocolate Variation: Add chopped walnuts or almond meal to the batter for extra crunch and nutritional boost, creating a more complex flavor profile.
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Home made Chocolate Cake Recipe

Home made Chocolate Cake Recipe


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4.9 from 33 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Indulgent chocolate cake promises pure bliss with rich layers of cocoa goodness. Moist crumb and silky frosting create a heavenly dessert you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

  • 1.75 cups (420 ml) all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups (400 g) sugar
  • 0.75 cup (75 g) cocoa powder
  • 1.5 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1.5 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
  • 0.5 cup (120 ml) vegetable oil
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Liquid:

  • 1 cup (240 ml) boiling water

Instructions

  1. Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 350°F (175°C) and thoroughly coating two 9-inch round cake pans with grease and flour.
  2. Combine all dry ingredients in a spacious mixing bowl, ensuring an even distribution of flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. Incorporate wet ingredients by adding eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry mixture.
  4. Utilize an electric mixer to blend the ingredients at medium speed, creating a smooth and consistent batter for approximately 2 minutes.
  5. Gently fold boiling water into the batter, which will create a notably thin consistency. This step is crucial for achieving the cake’s signature moisture.
  6. Evenly distribute the liquid batter between the prepared cake pans, ensuring balanced coverage.
  7. Place pans in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, monitoring doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean when the cake is fully baked.
  8. Allow the cakes to rest in their pans for 10 minutes, which helps stabilize their structure.
  9. Carefully transfer the cakes to wire cooling racks, permitting them to reach complete room temperature before applying frosting.

Notes

  • Switch out oil for unsweetened applesauce to reduce fat content and create a lighter version of the cake.
  • Add a tablespoon of instant espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor without making the cake taste like coffee.
  • For a gluten-free adaptation, replace all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for better texture.
  • Ensure ingredients are at room temperature to help them blend more smoothly and create a more consistent cake batter.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 25 g
  • Sodium: 200 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
James Walker

James Walker

Lead Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southern Cuisine & Farm-to-Table Cooking, Recipe Development & Testing, Culinary Education & Instruction​

Education

School: Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations

Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern culinary techniques, kitchen operations, and farm-to-table practices. ​


James didn’t learn cooking from a TV show, he learned it from busy kitchens, family gatherings, and long afternoons spent testing recipes the hard way.
After training at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, he brought his love for real, down-to-earth food to every dish he makes.
At Dining At Home, James loves building recipes that feel familiar but still have something special, like adding a twist to a classic or making a slow Sunday dinner feel brand new.
When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll probably find him swapping garden tips at the farmers’ market or teaching his daughter how to flip pancakes without a mess (almost).

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