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The Ultimate Moist and Fudgy Chocolate Cake Recipe

This bakery-style chocolate cake delivers rich, decadent flavor with an incredibly tender crumb that melts in your mouth. The secret to its perfect balance between moist richness and fudgy decadence lies in quality cocoa powder and careful mixing technique.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup milk
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ¼ cup milk
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, then line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined and lump-free.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add sour cream and mix until incorporated.
  4. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and mix on low speed until just combined (do not overmix - a few small lumps are fine).
  5. Carefully pour in boiling water and mix until batter is smooth (batter will be thin, which is normal).
  6. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
  8. Beat softened butter until light and fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder, alternating with milk and vanilla. Beat until smooth and creamy.
  9. Place one cake layer on serving plate, spread with buttercream, then top with second layer. Frost entire cake with remaining buttercream.

Notes

Use high-quality cocoa powder for best flavor. Don't overmix batter. Use room temperature ingredients. Boiling water helps 'bloom' cocoa powder. Cool cakes completely before frosting.