Dark Chocolate Cake With Buttercream Frosting

Prep: 20 min Cook: 35 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

Indulge in a rich, moist dark chocolate cake layered with buttery vanilla frosting, perfect for celebrations or any occasion craving a decadent treat.

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Ingredients

  • 1 3/4 cups flour
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 3/4 cup cocoa
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla
  • 1 cup boiling water

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven and grease and flour two 9-inch round baking pans or one 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking pan.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. Add beaten eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla to the dry ingredients and mix until well combined.
  4. Gradually add boiling water to the batter, mixing constantly until smooth.
  5. Pour batter evenly into prepared pans.
  6. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. Allow cakes to cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
  8. Once cooled, frost with buttercream frosting as desired.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer chocolate flavor, consider using dark cocoa powder instead of regular cocoa. If you need a dairy-free option, substitute the milk with almond or soy milk. To prevent the cake from sticking, make sure to grease the pans thoroughly and use parchment paper. If you want to add a twist, mix in a teaspoon of instant coffee granules to enhance the chocolate taste.

Serving Suggestions

This dark chocolate cake pairs beautifully with Jean Blanc'S Hot Fudge Sauce drizzled on top. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent treat. Fresh berries can add a nice contrast and brighten the flavors. Consider serving with a Child Cold Shake for a fun dessert combo.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. For freezing, wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Dark Chocolate Cake With Buttercream Frosting contains roughly 219 calories, with 4g protein, 32g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 995mg per serving (43% of the Daily Value).

219 kcal 11% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 3.9g 8% DV
Total Fat 4.9g 6% DV
Carbs 32.4g 12% DV
Fiber 4.9g 17% DV
Sugar 11.3g 23% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 995.5mg 43% DV
Potassium 392.2mg 8% DV
Cholesterol 3.3mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 44.8mcg 5% DV
Vitamin C 17.6mg 20% DV
Vitamin D 0.3mcg 2% DV
Calcium 194.4mg 15% DV
Iron 3mg 16% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of flour?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with cake flour for a lighter texture. If you're gluten-free, use a gluten-free all-purpose blend, but be aware that this may alter the cake's texture slightly.

How do I know when the cake is done baking?

To check if the cake is done, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If it comes out with wet batter, bake for a few more minutes and check again.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the cakes a day in advance and store them, wrapped, at room temperature. Frost them just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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