The Secret to the Best Classic Chocolate Cake

There are two ingredients that take this classic layer cake from good to amazing:

Coffee + Dutch Processed Cocoa Powder 

Using Dutch-processed cocoa powder is like being granted a baking superpower. The cocoa has been alkalized, neutralizing the cocoa bean’s natural acidity. This results in a cocoa powder with a darker, more mellow flavor. 

Dutch-processed cocoa powder is available at most grocery stores. They sell some larger bags at Costco, and you can also try ordering it online.

Coffee is the other pivotal ingredient. If you don’t like coffee, don’t worry. It blends subtly into the cake batter without an overpowering coffee flavor. 

When you combine these two ingredients, you get magic. 

The hot coffee helps the Dutch-processed cocoa powder bloom into its full-bodied, robust flavor potential. The result is a chocolate flavor that’s deep, intense, and unforgettable.

How to Make the Best Classic Chocolate Cake

Ingredients you’ll need:

• Brewed hot coffee
• Dutch-processed cocoa powder
• Heavy cream
• Vegetable oil
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Flour
• Sugar
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt

Baking Process Breakdown

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. 

In a small bowl, whisk together the coffee and cocoa powder and set aside. 

In a separate large bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. Whisk in the coffee and cocoa mixture.

Add the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk until smooth, and there are no clumps (but be careful not to overmix!). 

Grease three 8-inch cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper. Evenly pour the chocolate cake batter in between the three prepared cake pans.

Tip: If you want perfectly even cakes, try using a kitchen scale to ensure each pan has the same amount of cake batter. 

Bake until a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for a while before turning them out onto a cooling rack to cool completely. 

Make sure the cakes are cooled completely before frosting!

How to Make Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients you’ll need:

• Cream cheese (softened)
• Salted butter (softened)
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Semi-sweet chocolate (melted)

 Process Breakdown

In the bowl of an electric mixer, cream the cream cheese and butter until light and fluffy. Reduce the speed and mix in one cup of powdered sugar at a time until completely combined.

Add the vanilla extract and melted chocolate into the cream cheese frosting and mix until smooth and combined.

How To Assemble and Frost the Chocolate Cake

After the cakes are cooled completely, and the frosting is made, assemble the three baked cake layers. 

Tip: If the cakes have any lop-sided tops or bubbles, gently use a sharp knife to make the top of the cakes flat and even.

Place the first cake layer on your serving plate. Frost the top with about 1/2 inch thick layer of frosting (or less if you prefer), top with the next cake layer, and repeat. 

After the third cake layer has been assembled, frost the top and sides of the cake. You can either go with a more “naked” look on the cake as I did in the photos (where the sides of the cake layers are showing through the frosting), or you can fully frost the cake with decorative swoops.

Gluten-Free Chocolate Cake

This classic chocolate cake can be made regularly or gluten-free. I’ve tried it out both ways and honestly can’t tell the difference! The gluten-free version is actually what is pictured here in this post. Mind blowing! I like to use this Krusteaz gluten-free flour.

Classic Chocolate Cake FAQ

More Chocolate Cake Recipes

• Want a stronger coffee taste? Try Chocolate Espresso Bundt Cake. 
• You can’t go wrong with adding a little peanut butter: Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake 
• Double down on the chocolate with Hot Fudge Bundt Cake.