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a slice of moist chocolate cake on a plate.

Moist Chocolate Cake

Angelina Papanikolaou
This moist chocolate cake with chocolate fudge frosting is a decadent dessert with a soft, rich crumb complemented by a creamy, luscious topping.
5 from 77 votes
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Dessert
Servings 12 servings
Calories 944 kcal

Equipment

  • 3 8-inch round cake pans
  • parchment paper
  • Mixing bowls
  • Stand mixer or hand held mixer

Ingredients 

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/3 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 cup cocoa powder
  • 2 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 1/4 cups buttermilk room temperature
  • 3/4 cup coffee room temperature
  • 2/3 cup vegetable oil
  • 3 eggs room temperature
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract

Chocolate Fudge Frosting

  • 2 cups unsalted butter room temperature
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 cup cocoa powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 cups chocolate chips
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease 3 8-inch round cake pans, and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
  • In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, coffee, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract.
  • Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until combined. Make sure there are no pockets of flour but avoid overmixing.
  • Divide the batter equally between the prepared cake pans. Tap the pans on the countertop to remove any air bubbles. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few crumbs.
  • Remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before removing from pans and transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Fudge Frosting

  • In a microwave-safe bowl or using a double boiler, melt the chocolate chips, honey, and heavy cream. Cool slightly.
  • In a large mixing bowl or bowl of stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment, beat the butter until smooth and creamy.
  • Add in the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and salt. Beat to combine.
  • Add the melted chocolate mixture and vanilla to the frosting mixture and beat until smooth and creamy.

Assemble Cake

  • Place one cake layer on a serving platter. Spread a generous amount of frosting on top. Place the second cake layer on top of the frosting and spread a layer of frosting. Add the final cake layer and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining chocolate frosting.
  • Optional, you can decorate with chocolate shavings, sprinkles, or anything else you like.

Notes

How to Store:Wrap any leftover cake in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to a week.
How to Freeze: Place cake uncovered in the freezer for 1 hour. After 1 hour, wrap the cake with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature.
How to Prepare Ahead of Time:You can prepare the cake layers a day ahead. Once cooled, wrap the unfrosted layers in plastic wrap to maintain their moisture. Store the cake layers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Prepare the frosting on the day of assembly.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 944kcalCarbohydrates: 111gProtein: 8gFat: 57gSaturated Fat: 30gPolyunsaturated Fat: 9gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 131mgSodium: 646mgPotassium: 420mgFiber: 6gSugar: 84gVitamin A: 1119IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 146mgIron: 3mg
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