Simple Chocolate Birthday Cake with Whipped Chocolate Buttercream + Video.
It is cake time!! Specifically simple chocolate birthday cake with whipped chocolate buttercream frosting…YES.
Yay!!
So…..
My power went out while writing this post and ALL the words were lost. Ugh. I am actually re-writing this via candlelight and the hotspot on my phone!
I had written so much!
Things like how this big three-layer cake was for my mom’s birthday.
And how for all birthdays around here, two layers simply won’t do.
Nope, not two.
Three.
Because when cake is involved… three layers are always better than two.
More layers mean more frosting, which is just all around awesomeness.
This is my all time favorite chocolate cake.
I know the ingredients by heart and could probably make this cake in my sleep. It is that easy.
This cake never fails and the frosting will forever be my family’s favorite.
It is almost mousse-like. So light and fluffy. My mom could not stop saying how incredibly moist and delicious it was.
She even did the roll the eyes to the back of her head thing. I LOVE when she does that!
Well, I have to cut this one short, sorry for the very quick post. As I said before, our power is completely out and I only have limited time on my phone’s hotspot before my battery dies.
Ten percent to be exact, gotta wrap it up!
Hopefully the photos will do the talking.
Oh, and did you notice? The gotta little love from the amazing WoodenSpoons Kitchen! What do think? I will be talking about it more soon, but the battery is now at 3%.
Watch the How-To Video here:
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
(2 LAYER CAKE) Simple Chocolate Birthday Cake with Whipped Chocolate Buttercream.
By halfbakedharvest
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: chocolate cake
A decadent a delicious chocolate cake
Ingredients
Cake For 2 Layers
- 2 eggs (at room temperature)
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup plain greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup canola oil
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup hot black coffee
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)
Whipped Chocolate Buttercream
- 3 sticks (1 1/2 cups) salted butter (softened to room temperature)
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3-4 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
Instructions
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1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease 2 (8-inch) round cake pans. Line with parchment paper, then butter/spray with cooking spray.
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2. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the eggs, buttermilk, greek yogurt, canola oil, and vanilla until smooth. Add the flour, sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt and mix until there are no longer any clumps of flour. Add the hot coffee and mix until combined. The batter should be pourable, but not super thin. Stir in the chocolate chips, if using.
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3. Pour the batter among the 2 cake pans and bake 20 to 25 minutes, until the tops are just set and no longer wiggly in the center. Remove and let cool five minutes, then run a knife around the edges of the pan. Invert the cakes onto a cooling rack. Cover and let the cakes cool completely before frosting.
Whipped Chocolate Buttercream
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1. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the butter and powdered sugar until the butter is light and fluffy, about 4 minutes. Add the cocoa powder and vanilla and beat, scraping down the sides as needed, another 2 minutes or so, until there are no streaks of white. Add 3 tablespoons of the heavy cream and whip the frosting for 2-4 minutes or until light and fluffy. If desired add the remaining tablespoon of the heavy cream (I normally do) and whip until combined. Taste the frosting and add more powdered sugar if you like a sweeter or thicker frosting.
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2. Place 1 layer, flat side up, on a plate or cake stand. With a knife or offset spatula, spread the top with frosting. Place the second layer on top, rounded side up, and spread the frosting evenly on the top and sides of the cake. Decorate with sprinkles, chocolate curls, or whatever your heart desires.
Recipe Notes
*To quickly bring eggs to room temperature place them in a bowl and fill with warm water. Let them sit five minutes.
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
(3 LAYER CAKE) Simple Chocolate Birthday Cake with Whipped Chocolate Buttercream.
By halfbakedharvest
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: triple layer cake
A delicious and easy 3 layered chocolate cake.
Ingredients
Cake For 3 Layers
- 2 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 cups unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 1/4 teaspoons baking soda
- 2 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 eggs at room temperature
- 1 cup + 2 tablespoons buttermilk
- 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons plain greek yogurt
- 3/4 cup canola oil
- 1 1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup + 2 tablespoons hot black coffee
- 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)
Whipped Chocolate Buttercream
- 4 sticks (2 cups) salted butter softened to room temperature
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 4-5 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
Instructions
-
1. Preheat the oven to 350° F. Grease 3 (8-inch) round cake pans. Line with parchment paper, then butter/spray with cooking spray.
2. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the eggs, buttermilk, greek yogurt, canola oil, and vanilla until smooth. Add the flour, sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt and mix until there are no longer any clumps of flour. Add the hot coffee and mix until combined. The batter should be pourable, but not super thin. Stir in the chocolate chips, if using.
3. Pour the batter among the cake pans and bake 20 to 25 minutes, until the tops are just set and no longer wiggly in the center. Remove and let cool five minutes, then run a knife around the edges of the pan. Invert the cakes onto a cooling rack. Cover and let the cakes cool completely before frosting.
Whipped Chocolate Buttercream
-
1. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the butter and powdered sugar until the butter is light and fluffy, about 4 minutes. Add the cocoa powder and vanilla and beat, scraping down the sides as needed, another 2 minutes or so, until there are no streaks of white. Add 3 tablespoons of the heavy cream and whip the frosting for 2-4 minutes or until light and fluffy. If desired add the remaining tablespoon of the heavy cream (I normally do) and whip until combined. Taste the frosting and add more powdered sugar if you like a sweeter or thicker frosting.
2. Place 1 layer, flat side up, on a plate or cake stand. With a knife or offset spatula, spread the top with frosting. Place the second layer on top, rounded side up, and spread the frosting. Add the 3rd layer and spread the frosting evenly on the top and sides of the cake. Decorate with sprinkles, chocolate curls, or whatever your heart desires.
Recipe Notes
*To quickly bring eggs to room temperature place them in a bowl and fill with warm water. Let them sit five minutes.
Hey, I had a thought, there could be a good side to this power outage. Kinda the perfect time for cake!
Lastly, if you make this Simple Chocolate Birthday Cake with Whipped Chocolate Buttercream be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
OMG NEW LOOK!!! LOVE IT!!!!!
I was seriously thinking you were going to get a makeover any day now and bam, here it is. Awesome! I know makeovers are such a labor of love, each and every element from the font on this to the button shape and size on that, needs to be chosen. And your site looks wonderful! So much more you!
And this cake. Such a beauty! Happy Bday to your mama! I bet she was thrilled to have a cake like this! I think anyone would be!
Oh and I pinned your naan tutorial on a group board earlier today and ppl went nuts over it 🙂
Pinning this!
Thank you!!
It has been a huge labor of love, very time consuming. We had some issues with things today, but hopefully all the kinks will be worked out soon!
Thanks for all the pins. I noticed something was going on with the naan. Thanks so much!!
OMG I LOVE YOUR NEW LOOK GIRL! IT IS SOO CUTE! Totally jealous, but SO happy for you!!! Next you just need your barn and you are SET.
I am loving this cake. It’s 6am and, again, too early for cake
Buttt I want it anyway. Nom nom nom.
I still can’t get over how cute your new look is.
Thank you, Taylor!
So happy you like the new look!
Hey Tieghan! I was wondering if your site was getting a new look ! –
LOVE IT! This cake looks crazy good and I will be making it very soon. Wish I had a piece now to go with my morning coffee !
Thank you so much, Kathy!
Glad you like site and hope you get to make it soon!
I love the new look! I got here and wasn’t sure I was in the right place!
That frosting! I always make buttercream frosting for cakes and cupcakes but it is usually very dense so I can’t wait to try this one. It looks like a chocolate cloud 🙂
Haha! There were some kinks this morning so I am happy everything will get perfect soon!
Thanks Jaqui!
Congrats on the new design Tieghan!! I know that you’ve been waiting for this for a long time–and its so exciting when it finally happens. Can’t wait to check out all the new features : )
This looks AMAZING! I must have this NOW!
Thanks Rachel!
I love the new site design! And I love this cake! I want the frosting for breakfast!
Thank you so much! Hope you have a great weekend!
That is a beautiful cake! I will be dreaming of it all day!
Thanks Janet!
Ok, #1 HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM! #2 yes, three is always better than two when talking about chocolate layers. #3 this new site design is soooo freakin’ cute!!
Thanks so much, Steph!!
Tieghan, I LOVE the new site design! Everything looks amazing! And this cake?…whoa I can see the moistness shining through those pictures! And that frosting looks like one of those frostings that I would end up eating half the batch plain…;) Happy birthday to your mother!
Thank you so much, Sarah!!
I canNOT resist a chocolate layer cake, it’s my sweet, sweet indulgence! Yours is gorgeous. And wow, your new site design is just lovely, too. Congrats!!
Thanks Brenda! Chocolate cake is my all time favorite! Love a good simple one!
the blog looks awesome T! and umm hiii this cake is INCREDIBLE. so hungry right now
Thank you so much, Christine!
So, this looks simply divine. That buttercream! I’ve just stumbled across your blog, by the way, and you have a new follower. Your photos are simply fantastic.
Thank you so much, Rachel!
So happy to have a new follower!
I LOVE the new site! Congrats, it all looks so great! And this birthday cake looks and sounds incredible, I can never get enough chocolate!!
Thank you so much, Chelsea! Never enough chocolate!
Love the blog! I’m looking to shnaz mine up soon, so I am going to give your designer a look. I really want a piece of that yummy cake NOW! And it’s only 7am 🙁
Thanks Liz!! Have a great weekend!
This cake looks craaaazy delicious! And the new design is FAB!! Awesome work WSK!
Thank you so much, Katrina!
Oh my gosh, your design? Gorgeous. This cake? Stunning. YERRRRM.
Thanks Sophie!!
The new design, GIRL! I LOVE IT. And I love this cake. Just so much love, basically.
Thank you so much, Stephanie!!! Glad you love the site!
Wishing so much I could share some with you!
Tieghan!! Your website looks amazing!! I always leave your site with such a smile on my face. I don’t mean to make light of your situation (with the power being out and all) but just trying to imagine you sitting there in the dark with a candle and a huge cake typing away just made my morning. Plus, this cake looks freakin perfect..
Haha! Thank you so much, Todd! I am so happy you leave my site with a smile. That makes my day! 🙂
And the dark + cake was not all that bad of a thing!
Oh my goodness! I love your revamp! It’s perfect. The fonts and colors blend so well together – perfect choice!
And this cake looks so freaking good.
Thanks so much, Abbie! Glad you like the new design!
The site looks amaaazing Tieghan! I totally love it and I’m a little jealous. 😉 And that cake… Holy moly! Chocolate on chocolate… My kind of cake exactly!
Thank you so much, Alexandra! Happy you like site!
And the cake too! 🙂
Well obviously the chocolate cake looks amaze! But more importantly look how fab your blog looks!?!!!! I just love the new look!
Thank you, Heather!!
Have a great weekend!
Hi Tieghan! This recipe looks so delicious! I was just wondering if there are any chocolate chips in this recipe? I didn’t see it in the ingredient list but one of the pictures showed chocolate chips so I wasn’t sure. BTW your site looks great!
Hey Jackie!
Yes, there are! I forgot to add them in the recipe. I will now, thanks for catching that! Hope you love the cake! 🙂
This cake looks beyond incredible! So much chocolate, three layers, mousse frosting. Yes. 🙂
Thank you so much, Beth!
LOVE the new look!! And that cake…..OMG! It looks sooooo good! Cake is my all time fav….especially for breakfast!
Thank you so much, Helen!! Have a great weekend!
Oh, my Lord! Tieghan, your cake is gorgeous! I have been working with this same recipe variation since the New Year. (I kid you not! Post coming soon to the blog.) It is my favorite all-time chocolate cake recipe and I, too, do the 3 layered version and prefer it. (There’s more frosting to cake ratio and servings seem more balanced that way, don’t you think?) Meanwhile, I hope your power is back up and that you have a great weekend. Cheers to you for working without electricity, girl. I think you are Wonder Woman! xo
No way!! I go my recipe from a card of my moms, but I have not a clue were see got the recipe from. I adapted it to make it much more chocolatey and moist and yes, 3 layers is a MUST!!
Thanks Stacy!
oh and yes, the powder is back up!
By the way, I love your new digs! The site loads so much faster now, too. 🙂
The site loads faster? Nice! I have been trying to get that to happen forever!
Thanks so much, Stacy!
The site looks so amazing, Tieghan! Gorgeous job! Um, my eyes are rolling into the back of my head, too. What a cake! That frosting looks incredible! Haha, I’ve had that happen once; a super long post all deleted like *that.* You could’ve just posted pictures and that would have been enough. What a cake.
Thank you so much, Mary Frances!
Have a great weekend!
I’m just parroting everybody else when I say that I love your new look. That little pie is just the cutest.
Thank you so much, Annie! 🙂
Your new site looks so great!!!
And I’m all about the three layer cake 🙂
Thanks Jackie!!
And three layers all the way!!
Ummm sooo could I possibly just like that paddle attachment?? 😀 haha and I love the look of your new layout! Be sure to stop by my link party today, #OmNomNomFriday, to share some of your fantastic creations. Have a great weekend!
Happy Blogging!
Happy Valley Chow
Haha! Thank you so much!! Glad you like the site!
“Writing by candlelight’ – yes, we’ve all been there! The cake and the site both look incredible, love! 🙂
Haha! Yeah, that was hard and it was at like midnight, so I was just done by then.
Thanks so much, Laura!!Have a great weekend!
This cake looks sooo delicious! So you mentioned you made your cake 3 layers, but the recipe is for 2 layers – did you increase it by half, or make a double batch? Just wondering how it would turn out increased by half to make 3 layers.
Thanks! 🙂
Hey Niki!
I actually included the recipe for the 3 layers below the the 2 layer recipe, so it is all there for you! Hope you love this cake as much as my family does!
I am LOVING the new look! It is fantastic!
Thank you so much, Hannah! Have a great weekend!
Oh my wooooord. You keep making me drool, it’s not fair.
Love the new blog design! Though I have suddenly completely forgotten what the old one looked like.
Thank you so much, Becca!
First of all, I love the new design! It’s fantastic!
Happy birthday to your mom. I have no doubt that she loved this cake. You can never go wrong with a classic chocolate cake, especially one with 3 delicious layers of cake.
Thanks Kelli!
This is her favorite cake. I make it every single year!
Oh, damn, I am just gonna call this the butt buster cake. I am going to explode after eating every bit of this cake. Simple chocolate cake is my favorite! And I am always looking for a new frosting recipe and this looks perfect. Thanks!
Haha! It is worth it. 120% !!
Chocolate cake is also our favorite over here! Thanks Amber and have a great weekend!
Exactly! Doesn’t she know some of us are on diets? And now I am going to have to make this tomorrow! It looks fabulous!
I will make the two-layer since I am on a diet – then it will be alright 🙂
Today happens to be my birthday, so thank you for a new recipe (to me) that sounds like a keeper!
Love the newsite – well done.
Thank you so much, Vicki!
need to make (and eat!) this today!!! looks so delicious =)
Thanks so much! 🙂
Firstly love the new site.
Secondly, chocolate cake. Yes please. I love the fluffyness of your buttercream, looks like chocolate clouds.
Thanks so much, Rochelle!!
Hope you have a great weekend!
So many things to say right now! Okay, first of all, love this cake. That frosting looks craaaaazy luscious and I am all about the three layers! Secondly, I love that you included recipes for both two layers and three layers…look at you, being all helpful and one step ahead of the game. Third of all, LOOVE this layout! It’s so you! Clean and sophisticated and all around lovely!
Three layers all the way!!
Thanks so much for all the sweet words, Mimi!!
I LOVE LOVE LOVE the new look! What better way to bring in a site makeover than with cake? It must be incredibly moist with the combination of buttermilk, greek yogurt, AND oil.
Thank you so much, Faith!! It is our favorite cake!
LOVELY new site! Just looks so professional and I think it really makes your photos stand out more. As for the choccy cake, wow your mum is a lucky lady!
Thank you so much, Helen!
When I opened your blog, I thought it was someone else’s. I have to look for your picture to make sure I am in your site. I love the new look too. It looks quirky.
I love the cake. But, I am note sure if I am going to make this. I will just enjoy looking at the pretty pictures.
Hah! So happy you like the new look!!
Thanks Shobelyn!
OMG I was craving cake, how did you know?! I need to make this STAT! I actially have to get cake pans, I don’t have any! LOL!
Girl! get some cake pans!! 🙂
I got my cakepans just to make this recipe! It was amazing!!! I made some small substitutions to reduce the fat a bit, but it did not mater, it was soooooo goood! I loved the frosting. I actually used half butter and half lowfat cream cheese, just as delish and some half and half instead of cream. Thanks for the amazing recipe and now my craving for chocolate cake has been cured!
OMG!! YEAH! So happy you loved it! Thanks Sophia!
OMG!! YAY! So happy you loved this!
Thanks Sophia!
I like the new look. I also like the simplicity of your cake. My son’s birthday is next week and this will be perfect.
Thank you so much, Sherry!!
I really hope you guys love this cake and Happy birthday to your son!!
Loving the new blog look! I made a simple chocolate cake a couple weeks ago, and nothing beats it! Sometimes the simple classic desserts are the best!
Thank you so much, Carrie! Simple is good!
I love your new layout, it’s so perfect!! So happy for you. Also, this cake looks delicious!! By the way, I sent you an email before the weekend, but now I know you were mid blog design. Just look out for it 🙂
Thanks so much, Jessica!!
I will be emailing you back within the next day. Promise!
I’m a sucker for 3 layer cakes, and this one looks amazing!
Thank you so much!
This cake looks amazing! Love layer cakes- will have to make this! 🙂
Thanks Jess! Hope you get to make this!
oh I am dying for a slice of this cake, it’s so wonderful.
I loooooove the new look, lady! And this cake… HEAVEN! xo
Thanks Ashley! Hope you had a great weekend!
Tieghan, I simply love your site makeover! So simple, so elegant, and so perfect for all of Half Baked Harvest’s goodies. Gorgeous. Happy birthday to your mom! This layer cake has me setting my Chinese take-out aside for some chocolate. I could go for a huge slice right now!
Thank you so much, Sally!! It was a ton of work (as you know), but I am so excited to finally have it looking a bit more professional!
Hope you had one of those gorgeous white chocolate dipped red velvet cookies instead! 🙂
OMG.. what a gorgeous cake.. looks absolutely inviting.. awesome!!!
Thanks so much!
there’s nothing like a chocolate cake!
I agree!!
I agree! Thanks Dina!
Ohhhh Tieghan. This cake is absolutely amazing. My church life group’s food theme this week is “best of blogs” and to be fair, I’m not making something from my own blog–this is definitely going at the top of my list of things to make for it! 🙂 Also, I’m loving the redesign! I just launched my own redesign and I know it takes tons of work so congrats on all the hard work paying off with a beautiful site! Loving it. And totally pinning this cake! 🙂
Ahh wow! Thank you so much, Erin!
I’m loving how your site is looking Tieghan- so cute! This cake is just total perfection – pinned and shared on FB!
Thank you SO much, Trish!!
You are so sweet for sharing too!
I am in love.
That is all.
<3
Thanks Kammie! 🙂
You probably know that I do LOVE a good frosting! Especially one that is mousse like! I also LOVE the redesign! The colors, the typeface everything!
Thanks so much, Julianne! So happy you like the redesign!
I’m in heart with your redesign and totally in heart with chocolate cake to celebrate!! It’s gorgeous, all of it!
Thanks Megan!
I LOVE YOUR NEW LOOK! Blog design can be a serious pain, but just know that it looks AWESOME and I love everything about it. Very clean and modern, but still sweet and fun like you 🙂
I also LOVE this cake! Normally I’m not a big choco cake girl (I’m more Funfetti– sue me) but this looks so irresistible that I doubt I could turn down a slice… or uh, five slices.
Oh my stars! This cake looks SO soft, moist and fluffy… I want to dive right in with double forks! What a fabulous dessert. Absolutely love your redesign, too!
What a great birthday cake! I’m glad you were comitted to posting even though your power was out!
Thank you, Laura!
Thanks Laura!
the blog is looking gorgeous, really! Happy birthday to your mama 🙂
Thank you!
OMG Tieghan, This new look is wonderful!! Woodenspoon are great! Congrats, I’m so happy for you! With your food and photos you really deserved something that matches your skills!!
On a side note, I love the cake! It’s like a classic but still amazing!!
Thanks Layla!! The girls over at WoodenSpoons did and incredible job!
I am all about cake time! Especially when it is this big, beautiful cake! Beautiful pictures!
Thank you so much, Paula!
Just made the cake today. Oh my word! Just so darn yummy! We all loved it and it is a “keeper”. My only modification was to use mini choc chips instead of regular ones. Was just a perfect cake. Thanks!
SO happy you loved it!! Thanks Cherrie!!
So I made this cake for birthday. First of all the 3 layer cake is the TALLEST cake I have ever made and it’s BEAUTIFUL! A few things I will do differently, 2 layers so the some can fit cover the cake and not add all the powdered sugar initially-just a little too sweet for us. It was an easy cake to make and very tasty-so try it people!
Ha! It is pretty tall!
Thanks so much and I am so happy you loved this cake!!
Is the coffee a very noticeable taste in the end result? This cake looks fantastic, but my little brother is adamant in his hatred for coffee, so I wondered if I could sneak it in there without him really noticing 🙂
I think you can totally sneak it in there and I am pretty positive he would never know, but if you do not want to take any chances you swap water. Coffee is better and highlights the chocolate, but hot water will work too.
Hope you guys all love this!
You made this cake for me, didn’t you? My birthday is on Friday and I love chocolate + coffee soooo 😉
LOVE the new look!! I love redesigns!!
Happy earlier Birthday!! I so wish I could send you this cake and if I had your address (and if it was not creepy) I would 100% send a big old cake!
Oh and I love redesigns too. Did I see you are working on one too?
Such dedication to bring us this amazing-looking cake! I love whipped frostings–everything else in my experience is just too heavy, too sugary. This looks absolutely perfect. Pinning!
Beautiful, beautiful cake, and the new site looks lovely!
Thanks Winnie!
Hi…. This looks delicious – thank you for sharing. I’d like to make it for my son’s bday, but we aren’t coffee drinkers…. do you think this would turn out ok… minus the coffee? I am not a big baker so your advice is much appreciated. 🙂 Thanks so much!!
Hey Cris!
Just swap the coffee for hot water, no big deal at all! Hope you love this cake and happy B-day to your son!
I need to make chocolate cupcakes and would love to use this recipe. How many cupcakes do you think the 2 layer recipe would make…and how long would you bake them? It looks DELICIOUS!!
Hey Cindy!
This will make 20-24 cupcakes and I would bake them for about 18-22 minutes. Hope that helps and I hope you love these!
Beautiful cake! Making it today to “practice” for my birthday in a couple of weeks. So, today it is a Super Bowl cake. I’m curious what you use to cover the cakes while they are cooling completely. Thanks!
I use a tea towel or plastic wrap. Hope you love the cake!! 🙂
Hi Tieghan! I’d like to make this cake but don’t have greek yogurt on hand. . .what could I use as a substitute?
Thanks! Looking forward to trying this!
Hey Tori!
Do you have sour cream? That would work, but if not just use equal an amount of buttermilk or milk (buttermilk would be better). Hope you love this cake!
I used this substitution and it worked out great! Gorgeous cake- thanks for the excellent recipe! 🙂
Ya! SO happy you loved this. Thanks Tori!
I made this for my daughter’s birthday today and it is so good! Best cake I have ever had in all seriousness. Nobody wanted the prettycupcakes I had a made because the cake was unbelievable! Thanks!
YES!! So happy you loved this! Thanks Beth and Happy Birthday to your daughter!
I am making this for a party at the weekend and I cannot wait! It looks amazing!
Also Tieghan can I ask what camera you use? Your pictures always look so clear and amazing! Xx
Thanks Megan!
I use a Cannon 7d, but before used the 60d. Love them both!
I made this the day before I’m serving it. Do I leave this out or put in the refrigerator?
I leave mine out, but you can put it in the fridge and just take it out 30 minutes prior to serving.
Hope you love this!
This is THE BEST cake and THE BEST chocolate icing I’ve ever made and I’m so thankful that you decided to share this recipe. You’re better than me because I’m not sharing (the cake or the recipe with anyone I know) This will now be my own special chocolate cake recipe. 🙂
Ya!! YOu keep this recipe all to yourself and tell know one!! HAha! It’s the only way! 🙂
Thanks Terry and I am so excited you love this cake!
Would the 2-layer cake recipe convert easily to a single 9×13? I am looking for a recipe for my son’s birthday party and want a larger rectangle shape to feed lots of toddlers smaller pieces and have room on top for construction trucks. 🙂
Hey Rhianna!
The 2-layer does work great using a 9×19 inch dish. Sounds like a fun party!
This cake was AMAZING!! So moist and rich. I made it for my sister for her birthday and she loved it:) It was easy to make too. Will definitely be putting this recipe in my recipe box for the future!
YAY!! So happy you love it!! Thanks for letting me know! 🙂
Coffee and I do not mix and I can’t find a cake recipe wihout it. Is there a substitute I can use ?
Hey Sara, just sub hot water. It would work great! Hope you love this cake! Let me know if you have any more questions.
The cake looks and sounds amazing. what do you suggest that I substitute the coffee with? We dont drink coffee or caffeine.
Hey Veronica, just swap hot water for the coffee. It will work great!
Hope you love this cake!
Just had to stop by to tell you that I made the 2-layer version of your cake for a birthday party yesterday and it was a huge hit! Very moist and delicious and the frosting was amazing. I used 1/2 cup less sugar in the frosting and was generous with the heavy cream and it was just right for us. Thank you very much for sharing the recipe!
SO happy you loved this, Susan!! Thanks so much!
quick question, will the frosting hold well for decorating with? not fussy but large loosely piped rosettes perhaps? Need to know would be making tomorrow (April 11) Thanks much!
Hey Kathy, the frosting is not really for decorating, but I think if you make it stiffer and less whipped it would work. Just use less heavy cream, BUT if you want nice tight, roses I would use another recipe. Hope that helps and I hope you loved this cake!!
This looks amazing and simple! One quick question, do you have to line w/ parchment paper? Thanks!!
I like too, but it is not a must. Just make sure to really grease your pans,
Hope you love this! Thanks!
Would you PLEASE send me your recipe for the “3”layer cake in the picture…..you sent it to me once and I guess I lost it 🙁 Thank you very much. I served this cake for our church potluck and we all LOVED IT!!’
I Shirley,
The recipe for the 3-layer cake is right below the recipe for the 2-layer cake. Let me know is you have any more questions. THANKS!
Hey the cake looks so yummy…it took me back to India,reminded me of my birthday cake.. Can u give me a substitution for Greek yogurt and buttermilk,I don’t have tht in hand..I want to make this first thing tomorrow morning..
Hi! I would sub milk for the yogurt and buttermilk. Just use equal amounts.
Hope you love this! Thanks!
Hi, just wondering if I could leave the coffee out? My husband and I are not fans of coffee or coffee flavor.
Yup, just swap the coffee for hot water. Hope you love this cake!
I LOVE THIS CAKE! I’ve made it twice now and it makes me feel like a total bada** 😉 I’ve never made homemade butter cream but always will now! It was so easy and so delicious! I’ve made this twice now and everyone always ooooo’s and ahhhh’s over it and I seriously beam with pride! Thank you for sharing it. It’ll be in my recipe box, always!
SO excited you love this cake! Thanks!
Hope you have a great weekend!
I just want to tell you I’ve made this frosting now twice (the 3-layer recipe, halved, for a 9×13 Betty Crocker starlight yellow cake (from scratch)) and it is amazing. Thank you, and thank you to Google for leading me here. I’ve dissolved a teaspoon of espresso powder in the vanilla each time for a smidgen more flavor.
LOVE the addition of expresso powder. That must be so good!!
Thanks for the kind words. I am so happy you love this frosting! 🙂
This cake is wonderful, I have made this once in the process of making it again’ it is well worth the effort, all three layers. It is too good to just make two layers. Would not change a thing.
I agree, three layers is where it is at! 🙂
Thanks so much, Janie! So happy you like this cake!
This looks absolutely amazing!! I’m wanting to make this for my sons birthday, but am wondering if you have a substitute for the coffee (or if it is an optional thing)? Thank you!!
Hi Tieghan
Thanks so much for the recipe! I made the 2 layered version and it was amazing. I omitted the coffee as it was for kids since I didn’t want the caffeine and it was still great (just used water). I would like to make the 3 layered one for my daughters birthday party but for some reason that recipe is no longer there. Both recipes look identical to me. Let me know if I have missed something!
Thanks.
Hi Riona!
So happy you love this recipe! I was having some issues with the recipes on my site before, but the problem is all fixed and the recipe is back up. SO sorry about the issues.
Yum! I would love to make this… should I use dutch process or natural cocoa powder?
Thanks!
Thanks Grace!! I just use Hershey’s Unsweetened Coca Powder. So I guess natural, not dutch.
Ridiculously good cake. Thank you. I’ve made it twice now (second time I ran out of cocoa for frosting, so subbed in melted chocolate chips; worked well).
SO happy you loved it!!
Hey
This is my very first time on your site.
Thank you very much for this recipe. This cake is absolutely out of this world.. 🙂
I usually use butter for all my cakes and This was first experience without it.
but Everything was just perfect and i love the frosting 🙂
I Made this two days ago and everybody loved it and I’m so gonna make again and again and again.
Thanks 🙂
Hello! Sunflower Oil will Work As well?
I have used sunflower oil and it was fine. I’ll be making this a third time tomorrow for a birthday. Enjoy it!
What would happen if we omit the coffee?
Just replace it with hot water. Hope you love the cake!
This cake is UNBELIEVABLE. This was my first time making a layer cake and it exceeded my expectations. Super moist and delicious. The tip about warming eggs was fantastic and for anyone scared to put the coffee in…you CANNOT TASTE IT. My kids didn’t detect it at all. Also – I used the chocolate chips but I don’t think you even need them. Love this blog so much – cannot imagine why you don’t have a book yet.
This cake was fantastic and moist! I did not omit the coffee and hardly tasted the coffee in the recipe! Thank you so much again!
So happy you loved it! THANKS!
SO excited you loved this!! THANK YOU!!!
Hi Tieghan, Came across your website recently, and made the cake–AND for the first time in my life, a cake I baked was perfect!! Would like to say a million thanks for giving me the confidence that I can bake…Many thanks again!
oh MY GOSH!! YES! This makes me so happy!! Thanks Molly!
Wow! I just made this cake and I can’t believe how good it is! I saw you post it on Facebook earlier today, and went right to the store for ingredients. Totally gonna make it for my son’s first birthday in a couple weeks. It’ll be the best tasting smash cake ever! Also, I just wanted to say I was so glad you posted the 2-layer recipe, as I don’t have 3 cake pans. Thanks for sharing this!
Hi Kathy! I want to try this cake, but I only have a hand mixer. I’d this fine? Also, when you say strong brewed coffee, any guidelines?
Thank you! I love your site and can’t wait to try my hand at baking!
I always use a hand mixer when making this cake and it comes out great. For the coffee, I use my Keurig and make a 6 oz. cup with a medium roast K cup, so it’s a bit stronger than I’d normally drink (normally I use the 8 oz setting). Hope that helps.
Hi!! Yes, a hand mixer is fine and just black coffee without and sugar or cream will work great!
Thank you so much and enjoy the cake!
thank you so much for this recipe. Made it for my hubby’s bday and it was a huge hit. I’m Fairly useless in the kitchen and this turned Out perfectly. Hopefully gave me a reputation boost with the inlaws. I made a double batch and realised when stacking them that 4 layers is way too much so one went in the freezer. Thanks again.
Thinking of making this in a large rectangular dish as another reviewer suggested. Do I need to alter baking time or temperature? Would still like to do it in layers… maybe make two two-layer cakes in singles and stack them? Is this realistic? Thanks for the recipe – can’t wait to try it!
Hey Irene,
are you using 2 8×8 inch square pans?? If so, yes, this will work! Hope you love the cake!!
Hi!
Wow – you are quick 🙂 Actually I was thinking to try a 9 x 19 inch dish as you’d suggested to another reviewer. Would I need to alter anything to adjust for the bigger size?
Hi there! I was wondering how tall the 8 inch cake when iced comes too.Thanks
The three layer maybe about 9-10 inches and the two layer about 7-8 inches. Let me know if you have any other questions. Hope you love the cake!
Hi! I discovered your awesome looking cake while looking for a recipe for my son’s first birthday. Do you think it would work as a tiered cake? I was thinking 3 layer on bottom, and 2 layer as the top?! I saw in an earlier comment you suggested making the icing thicker, I thought that might help the structure. I’ve never made a tiered cake before but keen to give it go! Many thanks
Hi! I do think it would work, but I have never done so. If you try it, I would love a photo! Let me know how it goes and I hope you love the cake!!
Hello, I’d like to know if I can cover this cake with fondant for a birthday? Also, is there a substitute for Canola oil?
hi! I think that would be fine and I personally think you you need to use canola oil, but melted coconut oil might work too. Hope you love the cake!
nice game
Hi am thinking of making this for my daughter’s b’day and topping it with ganache…do u think it will work well? TIA
Hi! Yes, I think ganache on top will be great! Hope your daughter as a great birthday! 🙂
Hi,
iM just wondering if theirs a any chance you could provided the gram measurements for the two layer cake? Its just that im in Ireland and I think the American cup measurements are different.
This cake looks amazing and id love to make it 🙂
This is my new go to chocolate cake recipe!! Its absolutely delicious! I made this for my husbands birthday and everyone loved it, especially him! We just got married and chocolate cake is his favorite so I’ll be making it for many years to come!!Thank you for this recipe!! :))
Oh that is awesome! So happy the cake is a hit! 🙂 THANKS!
Can’t wait to try this cake! It looks delicious! Can you substitute vegetable oil for the canola oil? Do you have to refrigerate this cake?
Hi! I have never tried vegetable oil and I really like to use canola. If you like vegetable oil than I think it will be fine. No the cake does not need to be kept in the fridge. Thanks!
This cake looks absolutely amazing!! I would love to make it for my dad’s birthday but my family doesn’t like coffee. Does it have any coffee flavor? Can hot water be subbed for the coffee? Thanks!! 🙂
HI! No it does not have a coffee flavor and I think it really works with chocolate, but yes, you can use hot water too. THANKS!
Hi Tieghan!
This cake looks amazing and I can’t wait to make it for my friend’s birthday tonight! Could I use espresso instead of coffee for this recipe? If so, how much would you recommend? Thanks!!
Hey Ariel! Yes that will be fine. I would use 1/2 cup expresso and 1/4 cup water. Thanks!
Thanks for your quick reply! I made this last night and it was AMAZING! Everyone at the party was raving over it. Another fantastic recipe, Tieghan!
Hi, I searched for chocolate cake recipes, found this one, and now I’m going to make it this evening for a party tomorrow night. Do you think it should be refrigerated if it won’t be eaten until tomorrow night (24 hours after its baked and frosted)? Also, your mention 3 layers but the recipe is 2 layers. I would like to make 3 layers, can I do that with this recipe? Thank you! Jeanne
HI! The 3 layer recipe is below the 2 layer, let me know if you still do not see it. And yes, you can keep this in the fridge, but remove it 30 minutes before eating. Hope you love this and let me know if you have any other questions! thanks!
Thank you so much for your quick reply! Even though I didn’t realize there were two recipes listed, I ended up following the correct one for three layers. The layers came out beautifully. I’ll make frosting and frost them tomorrow afternoon. Many thanks again for a great recipe!
That is awesome! THANK YOU!
This cake recipe is incredible!!! I added some kahlua coffee OMG amazing! My family could’nt sop eating it!
Hi! I made this cake today for a friend’s birthday tomorrow. I refrigerated it and now I’m wondering if that was a mistake?! Or will it be ok if I leave it out for a few hours to bring it to room temp tomorrow?
Thanks for your help!
Hey Becka! Keeping this in the fridge is totally fine. Just take it out 30 minutes to and hour before serving. Hope it is a hit! Thanks!
Would this cake work for decorating? My little 6 year old wants a chocolate cake with rainbow frosting…..I have the buttercream frosting ready to go, but need a great cake. thanks.
Hey Cheryl! I would think so, but I have never really tried so I cannot say for sure. Let me know if you try it. Thanks so much!
This cake is so decadent chocolatey delicious! Triple Layer is a bit much unless you are making a statement! You need Blue Bell Homemade Vanilla to balance it. I served it for my niece’s 21st birthday. She loved it!
Thanks Laurie, that sounds delicious! I might have to try that!!
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This cake look delicious, I wonder if it will keep well in the freezer without the frosting. Can you tell me your opinion about that? Thanks
Hey Sophie! This cake freezes great! I have done it a few times with good results. Let me know if you have any other questions, thanks!
Hi! I see so many positive comments on the outcome of this beautiful piece of luscious cake and I am really keen on baking it already! However would you kindly provide the measurements in scale for the benefit of accuracy?
Hope you will please provide it!! Thanks!
Hi Cathleen!! I am really sorry that I do not cook in scale measurements.. I tried to get the measurements for you by using a converter online, but I am not too familiar with these measurements so if you want to double check I just looked up on google a converter from cups to grams. I really hope this helps you!! Let me know if you need anything else!
Chocolate Cake:
192g all purpose flour
301.5g granulated sugar
128g unsweetened cocoa powder
1.5 tsp baking soda
1.5 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
2 eggs at room temp
6 US fluid ounces buttermilk
2 US fluid ounces plain Greek yogurt
4 US fluid ounces canola oil
1 tbsp vanilla extract
6 us fluid ounces brewed coffee, hot
118.3g semi-sweet chocolate
BUTTERCREAM for two layers:
340.5g salted butter, softened to room temp
384g powdered sugar
96g unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tsp vanilla extract
3-4 tbsp heavy whipping cream
I Googled choco cake and found your recipe. I like that you add less sugar in your recipe-so I tried it out today, for no reason other than to spoil ourselves with cake. My family and I LOVED the cake and icing! So moist and just delicious! It wasn’t too sweet or overly rich. Thank you! I did not add the choco chips and used melted coconut oil instead of canola. Just wonderful and simple to make.
That sounds amazing Amy!! And why need a reason for a nice treat? lol! So happy you and your family enjoyed this!! ?
About how many people would you say a three layer cake serves?
Hey Becka! About 12
We’re not big coffee fans. I know – crazy – right? Would i be ok if we left out the coffee? And should we substitute with water? I’m ok with a little coffee – just not too much. I’m making this for my granddaughter’s birthday party as a sheet cake with Pokemon decorations. 🙂 Thanks!
Hey Hilary! Yes, just us water in place of the coffee. Hope the cake is a hit! 🙂
Hi. I’m making this cake right now. I’ve cooked for 45mins till now but the center doesn’t seem to cook at all. What do I do?
Hi! 45 minutes seems like a very long time. I think it’s probably done, just let it sit in the pan and chill, then turn it out. Let me know how it goes!
The frosting was great but the cake batter is way too thin. I’m glad I decided to take the recipe for a test run before serving it for my husband’s b-day party. I tried letting it cool after an extended cook time but all I have is a tasty blob of cake-like pudding. I double checked all the ingredients and measurements before adding. I’m not sure why it turned out so thin. I can keep the frosting but I’m going to have to find a difference recipe for the chocolate cake.
Hi Kara, I am sorry for the trouble. It is hard to say what when wrong with out knowing how you made this. It’s my go-to recipe and works every time, so I am so sorry it didn’t work out for you. Glad the frosting turned out!
Hi, just wondering what the Canola Oil does? And if there is a similar replacement that I might already have.
Also, do you reckon it would be possible to make cupcakes out of this recipe?
Cat
Hi1 The canola oil keeps them extra moist. You could try using melted butter, but I like canola oil. And yes, this will make about 2 cupcakes. Hope you love these!
Thank you for this great recipe 🙂 I tried it and it was amazing ! Please see my instagram page @chirichoo to see how the cake came out.
Checking it out now! Looks amazing!! Thank you Saru!
Can you explain the butter amounts for the frosting?
Sorry for the confusion. You need 3 sticks butter. Let me know if you have questions. Hope you love the cake! 🙂
Great cake, I love it!
(Tonight I randomly decided to make it again at 10pm, because it’s the best cake to make at 10pm. Unfortunatelly, I got the salt and sugar jars wrong. Gotta say, it doesn’t improve the recipe 😀 😀 😀 )
Love your blog, keep up the good work! <3
Glad it was still good!! Thanks Maria!
Can I add a cup of choc chips – or would that be too much liquid…or something?
That sounds like a great idea!
Can I add a cup of choc chips to the 2-layer recipe – or would that be too much liquid…or something?
sorry about the double question
Been researching on the adding more choc-chips, and yes, it would be to much. So I will keep it at 1/2 cup for the two-layer. Making this today for my brother-in-law, but I get to eat it too – can’t wait!
So…we (my sis and I) have had to postpone our CharredZucchinniEnchiladaPasta salad two days in a row because of issues, and believe me my sister’s husb is really really wanting what comes at the end of the Pasta/Salad – Your Chocolate Cake, to be exact. So we are going to try both today…cross fingers.
Woo! I hope the two turn out amazing for you, Reni! Thank you + let me know how it is!
They turned out great! We had them both! This next Sunday we are having Million Dollar Spaghetti (after I raved and raved about it) …and the choc cake again! For the Choc Cake I will leave out the salt, just use a pinch in cake and frosting since I am not used to salt so much – and I am going to make a Marshmallo – Buttercream frosting between the cakes, then frost over all with choc frosting! My Sis is loving this!
HI!! So happy your loving the pasta and making it again!!
That cake is one of my favs! Actually just posted a video of it!
Frosting sounds insanely good!
Woah! This looks amazing!
Thank you!
Great recipe and easy to follow for someone who is not an experienced baker. It was actually fun to make and delicious. My family loved it!
So happy you enjoyed making it (: Thank you Vicky!
Did I read this wrong but the 3 layer cake only calls for 2 pans….a typo?
Wonderful recipe and I am looking forward to baking my own birthday cake
Using your recipe!
Thank you!
Ty
Hey Ty! yup, just a typo. So sorry about that! recipe is all fixed. Hope you love the cake! 🙂
I used two 8″ pans and it was perfect. Glad to know either will work.
Ooo! Awesome so good to know!
This cake was fantastic! I used “homemade” buttermilk and it was fine. Super miost and fluffy. Had to bribe my husband with choclate chip cookies so he wouldn’t eat that last piece!
So happy you liked it Gina! Haha bribe him thats awesome (:
Hi. Can you substitute Dutch cocoa for unsweetened and vegetable oil for the canola oil? This is for your chocolate birthday cake with whipped buttercream frosting.
Hi! Yes, dutch cocoa and vegetable ail for the canola. Let me know if you have questions. Hope you love this!
I tried this cake last night, it sunk in the middle for both layers? What went wrong??
Hi Leah, I am so sorry for the trouble. It is really hard to say what went wrong without knowing how you made the recipe. Can you give me any more details? Did you do anything differently?
Great cake!! Was craving a chocolate cake and this was perfect! Love the videos, thanks tieghan
Awh, I am so happy this cake went perfectly for you Jenna! Thank you!!
I rarely post comments but love to give credit where credit is due. Been searching for a good chocolate cake recipe…looking no further, this is it! made it today, Wonderful ! Thanks for sharing will be my go to recipe.
Awh wow well thank you for commenting it means so much. SO happy you liked the cake (:
Thank you Delaine!
Hi, I have been wanting to try to make a chocolate cake from scratch but want it moist and rich – this seem to be it to try!!
I am confused about your directions.. I thought we are supposed to slowly add the dry ingredients into the bowl with the mixed wet. So – we just dump the dry ingredients and then mix them all together?? I know cake is funny like science, plmk 🙂
nevermind about my comment above.. I just watched your video. YUM!
I am really glad the video helped you Carey! Let me know if you have any other questions! Thank you!
What a Wonderful cake!!! its contains all those INGREDIENTS which are full of Protiens.
Thanks by heart!!!
Thank you!
hi!!!
Do you think I could bake the batter in one cake form, then cut it into layers?
Yes! That will work out great. Be sure to use the 2 layer cake recipe. Let me know if you have questions. Hope you love the cake.
Hi Tieghan!
Love everything that your brilliant mind comes up with on this website! Thank you for sharing your unique and tasty recipes with us 🙂
I have Hershey’s Special Dark cocoa powder, which is apparently somewhat dutch processed. Would I be able to use this in this cake recipe? I’ve made it twice with Hershey’s natural cocoa powder with much success but would like to try something different.
Thank you for your feedback!
Hi brittany! Yes, you can use heresy’s dark, but it will leave you with a slightly darker looking cake. So glad you love this cake recipe! Please let me know if you have other questions. Thank you! ?
I know this is a really old post, but I have made this cake many times over the past few years (after having stumbled across it through a Google search, I believe) and it has become our family’s default chocolate birthday cake recipe. I just made it for my son’s birthday tomorrow, and I wanted to say thank you!! Great recipe!
Thank you so much Katie! This is so great to hear and I am so glad your family loves this cake! ?
This was one of the very best chocolate cakes that I have ever eaten, and the very best that I have ever made. It was a smashing success! It will now be my go-to recipe for chocolate cakes in the future. It came together so easily, and it was exactly what I wanted. Rich, delicate, with a wonderful depth of flavor enhanced so beautifully by the coffee.
That is so amazing Tim! Thank you!
Hey Tieghan, I’m wondering if you used Dutched cocoa or regular. I love the dark look of dutched cocoa but I know it’s acidity is different and don’t want to ruin my daughter’s cake! I think you used regular? Thanks!
I use typically use Dutch process. Please let me know if you have other questions. Hope you love this recipe! Thanks! 🙂
This is the very best chocolate cake recipe out there. I’ll never make another. Not overly sweet, rich flavor, moist and perfect. Thank you!
Thank you so much Jessie! I am so glad you loved this cake!
Hi there,
My name is Raushan and I run an online cake website (https://www.doorstepcake.com/) where I sell all types of cakes for all occasions like birthday, anniversary and so on. I like exploring websites like yours for latest and cool recipes and make delicious cakes. Thanks for sharing your ideas with us.
Regards
Thank you so much!
Hi Tieghan,
making them right now and do not see how many eggs should go in the 3 layer cake?? 3? Since you use 2 in the 2 layer one….
Hope it turns out ok 🙂
Mitsuko
Hey MJ! It is 3 eggs. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe. Thanks so much!! xTieghan
I have made so many of your recipes and they are all delicious!! Your cookbook is one of my favorites (and I have a LOT of cookbooks)!!
I made this for my mother in laws birthday this weekend and baked it for over the 25 minutes. (Probably close to 30 minutes.) I even used a cake tester that looked like it was done but when I took it out of the pan the middle sank and was still way undercooked. The outer part was done so I’m not sure why the center was so mushy. It was a delicious cake and we ate it anyway but any ideas what I did wrong? Thanks for your help!!
Hey Beth! So sorry you had trouble with this. Can you give me some info on how you made this? Did you change anything about the recipe? Is your baking powder fresh? Any details you can give will be me problem solve for you! 😉
when you see that you will feel in love with that cake
I tried that once and this course was very useful
https://bit.ly/2Fqou1Q
Thank you!
I made this cake for company, exactly to recipe (except for the sprinkles). It was the best cake I’ve ever made, bar none, and received raves from my guests.
The cake is so moist and rich, sweet but not too sweet. The chocolate buttercream icing is to die for.
Thanks so much for sharing!!
I am so glad you loved this recipe, Rebecca!
Just made it and as they were cooking the cakes started to deflate in the middle! What did I do wrong?
Hey Janelle, was there anything you changed about this recipe. Without any details on how you baked the cakes it is really hard to advise you as this recipe typically bake really nicely for most people. If you can provide me with some more info that would be helpful. Thanks!
Can you make the icing the day before or is it best to make it the day of?
HI Kristen! You can certainly make the frosting (and frost the cake!) the day before. This cake keeps really well for a couple of days! Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you! xTieghan
Super rich but absolutely delicious to this chocolate lover!
Thank you Missy! xTieghan
Absolutely AMAZING chocolate cake! Everyone always loves it and wants the recipe. Thanks so much for this crowd pleaser!
Thank you for making this Ashley! So glad you loved it! xTieghan
Can you make these into cupcakes?
Hey Melissa! Yes, this is a great cupcakes recipe. You can bake about 24-30 cupcakes with the 2 layer cake version. Bake for 22-25 minutes. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you! xTieghan
I’ve made this cake a couple of times now – it been perfect every time. Dark moist chocolate cake and fluffy, wonderful buttercream. It’s the BEST chocolate cake recipe I’ve tried! My go-to now! And so easy!
Thank you Cathy! I am so happy to hear that! xTieghan
Oh no! Critical question! Is it the same number of eggs for the three layer version of the cake? Don’t see eggs listed in that version. THANK YOU!!
Hi Shanna, you need 3 eggs for the 3 layer cake. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you! xTieghan
Hello,
Can the coffee be omitted from this recipe? Would love to make it for my son’s 3rd birthday in two weeks!
Thank you,
Sarah Nolan
Hi Sarah! Sure you can omit the coffee. Use an equal amount of warm water. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you and happy holidays! xTieghan
I have asked and do not if you replied.
so here I am again.
I believe you are not a sea level. (As I am not ) ..so are your recipes tried & adjusted for the multitudes that do not reside in Higher altitudes? I have had some significant failures in baking here so assume it is altitude. I am 3999′ and high desert basically arid most of the year. My bible is from the U of Colorado and if I try a recipe again..I will manually do adjustments..hoping it will turn out…okay. As you know, moisture, flour temp and sugars make a difference if not adjusted.
thanks Hope when you have a minute you can respond.
Have a great week.. Chocolate cake looks wonderful. Could I use butter in place of oil?
~ Leslie from Oregon.
Hey Leslie, I am sorry I must have missed your other comments. I believe this recipe should work great for you as is. I am at 9000 feet and don’t ever have any issues. Just be sure to not over bake the cake, if anything under bake it by a minute or two.
I recommend using oil for a super moist cake, but you can use an equal amount of melted butter if you’d like. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you and happy holidays! xTieghan
This was my 2nd from scratch cake I’ve evr made and it was super yummy-even though it was a tad lopsided!
I am so glad this turned out so well for you Aimee! Thank you! xTieghan
I saw this recipe on your site a few months ago, Tieghan, and made this cake about 3 weeks ago. It is a fantastic recipe. Fool-proof, easy, and delicious. It is moist, and if you add the chocolate chips in addition to the cocoa powder, you get little pockets of extra chocolately-ness in every slice: really fab surprise for those who didn’t make the cake and don’t know what’s coming! I found the rise on this cake is just great and 2 layers produced more than enough cake for my chocolate-loving spouse and cake-fiend daughter for about 4 days! The cake keeps well for that length of time, so no worries. My favourite part is the frosting: I dislike frosting from the stores, too much sugar and so fake-tasting. This is my favourite frosting ever as the whipped cream makes it both decadent and light at the same time. Anybody reading this: make this cake for guaranteed happy family members!
Hi CLare! I am so happy this turned out so well for you! I also do not like the frosting from the stores, homemade is much better! Thank you for trying this! xTieghan
Hi Tieghan,
Thank you so much for all your great recipes. I plan on making this chocolate cake for my son’s 44th birthday.
God Bless
I hope he loves this Genevieve! Thank you so much! xTieghan
Thank you for this delicious chocolate cake, I will quickly realize it to see what good taste it has!
I have a birthday soon, the dessert is found thanks to you …
A thousand thanks, it’s a sublime dessert
Thank you so much Bosha! I am so glad you enjoyed this! xTieghan
Tieghan,
curious how you develop baking recipes at altitude–how do you recommend your Colorado neighbors adjusting for 5200 feet and also for 9200 feet?
Hi Debbie! The recipes should work great for you at any! Please let me know if you have more questions! xTieghan
Every time I make this cake I get rave reviews and I am always asked to bring it to events. Simple but amazing.
Awh that is so amazing! Thank you so much Deborah! xTieghan
Hi! I only have dark chocolate chunks and not semi-sweet choc chips- would you use dark chocolate or just omit? Excited to try this recipe! Thanks!!
Hi Jenny! I would just omit from the recipe. Not a big deal. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you!! xTieghan
Hi Tieghan
All of your recipes look amazing!! Especially this chocolate cake! I just have a quick question about the measurements. I am in the UK and assume that these measurements are US? Any tips for converting to UK or is there not too much difference?
Thanks so much xx
Hi Debs!! I don’t feel comfortable converting the measurements for you as math is not my strongest skill. Have you tried using an online calculator? Most find that to be really helpful! Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe and I am sorry I could not help more. Thank you!! xTieghan
I am wondering if I can make this in a 9×13 pan? If so, would you recommend making the two layer recipe?
I apologize if this has already been addressed. I could not find it in the comments.
Thank you!
HI! Yes, you can! Just make the 2 layer cake and bake in a 9×13 inch pan for 30-35 minutes. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you!! xTieghan
Hey chocolate cake is my favorite cake. And I like it recipe.
Thank you so much Kudan! xTieghan
Hi if you don’t have buttermilk can you use something else? Also can I use chocolate flavored black coffee or needs to be plain?
Hi Janessa! You can use regular milk and I recommend plain coffee for best results. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you!! xTieghan
Fabulous cake, so delicious & moist. First time I made the 3 layer version, this time the 2-layer. This is my “go to” chocolate cake ❣️
That is so amazing to hear! Thank you Janet! xTieghan
How can this recipe’s quantity and baking time be adapted for 6 inch baking pans?
Hi Alyssa,
You can use the two layer recipe and bake 30-35 minutes. I hope you love the recipe! xTieghan
Just wondering if your recipes (as written) are the way you make them at the altitude you live at or if you adjust? I live at a higher elevation also so I’m wondering if I should adjust the baking soda/sugar or if you already taken that into account?
Is there anything else I can use in the butter cream besides heavy whipping cream?
Hi Christina,
So sorry but the heavy whipping cream is key to the buttercream! I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
Hi! I was wondering how long this cake would stay good for if it’s kept in a cake carrier? Was wanting to make for moms birthday but didn’t know whether to make it ahead or wait till I reach our destination.
Thanks!
Hey Meg,
I would want to serve this about 24 hours after making it so that it is fresh and delicious! I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
This cake is the best chocolate cake. I’ve made this without fail at least 8 times (literally every family birthday) and it’s so insanely good every time. Tonight I subbed the coffee for a milk stout and did vanilla buttercream and it’s just. so. good. Tieghan, all of your recipes are timeless go-tos in this house!
Yes!! That is so amazing to hear! Thank you for continuing to make this one, Amelia!! xTieghan
Super dense, rich and utterly luxurious! And so quick and easy!
Amazing! Thank you Bronwyn! xTieghan
Hi, want to make it for my sons birthday, can I put chocolate ganache, on top. Or is that too much???
Hey Emilia,
If you want to do that, go for it! I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
I needed a good chocolate cake base. I have been trying different ones, and this worked out well for the oreo frosting I made. I like what the coffee does for this recipe. So so good!!
Thank you so much Ashley!! I am really glad this turned out so well for you! xTieghan
Hello! I’m looking to make a chocolate cake for a co-workers birthday and obviously turned to my super simple cookbook! What is the difference between this recipe and the blackout chocolate cake recipe? Would you recommend using the Blackout cake recipe in 2 round pans?!
Hey Katherine,
So the difference between the two cakes is that the blackout cake has a pudding element. Yes, the recipe calls for 2 8 inch round pans. Let me know if you have other questions. Hope you love the recipe. Thank you! xTieghan
Hi! So excited to make this. I was wondering if I was able to make the icing vanilla if I just omit the cocoa or would I have to change the recipe a bit? Love all of the other recipes i’ve made of yours!!!! Thanks in advance 🙂
Hey Marissa,
I would just omit the cocoa, you may have to use additional powdered sugar. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
I’m interested in making this cake with a vanilla buttercream like the chocolate one in this recipe (this is my favorite cake in the world and I make it often!). If I pull out the cocoa powder, what should I replace it with? Thank you for this amazing recipe!
Hey there,
I would just omit the cocoa powder, you may have to add a little more powdered sugar in its place. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
Do you weigh the dry ingredients, or use a loose cup? This may be a silly question, but I just wanted to make sure.
Thank you, so much!
Hey Casey,
I use a measuring cup:) I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
You reposted this recipe recently and all your others have been spot on so I made this for my sons 4th birthday. It did not disappoint! So easy, so chocolate, so perfect!
Hey Jaimie,
Thank you so much for giving the recipe a go! I am thrilled it was enjoyed. xTieghan
I love all of your recipes that I’ve tried so far. Can this cake be made in two 9” pans or will the layers be too thin?
Hey Margaret,
That will work just fine! I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
Best chocolate cake I have ever made. So easy and picky cake sister approved. She usually requests a box chocolate cake but she said this one was delicious.
Hey Emily,
I am delighted that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks a bunch for making it. Happy Sunday! ☀️Tieghan
‘best cake you ever made Mama!’. That’s what I got from making this! Looooooove it.
Hey Reena,
Thanks a bunch for giving this recipe a try, I am thrilled that it was enjoyed! Have a great week:) xTieghan
Such a delicious cake! Second time making it, and it was just as amazing! Thanks for all your recipes 🙂
Hey Michelle,
Thanks so much for making this recipe, I am delighted that it was enjoyed! xTieghan
Please put measurements by weightt rather than cups.
I will add those for you Colin, I hope you love the recipe!
This looks beautiful! I have a question: I only have one 9″ cake pan, do you think it would work to leave the batter in the fridge while each cake bakes? Also, do you think this would be too much batter to divide into two batches (instead of three)? I was thinking I’d go for 2 or 4 layers, depending on the thickness of the cake. Thank you!!
Hey Amber,
Just leave the batter on the counter while each cake bakes, this should workout just fine for you. 2 cakes will also work! I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
I made this recipe for my daughter’s 3rd birthday this weekend and it was a HUGE hit! This is definitely now my ‘go to’ chocolate cake recipe. Thank you!
Hey Dani,
Fantastic! Thanks so much for making this recipe, I am it was enjoyed! xTieghan