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The Ultimate Moist Chocolate Cake: Rich, Tender, and Foolproof

Close-up of a slice of very moist chocolate cake layered with chocolate frosting.
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Bake this rich and deeply chocolatey cake that stays incredibly moist. This foolproof recipe uses buttermilk and hot coffee to create a tender crumb perfect for any celebration.

Ingredients

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  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (natural or Dutch-process)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup hot brewed coffee (or hot water)
  • 1 cup Chocolate Buttercream Frosting (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or one 9×13 inch pan. Line the bottoms with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until combined.
  3. Add the buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for two minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
  4. Carefully pour the hot coffee into the batter and mix on low speed until just combined. The batter will be thin. This step develops the deep chocolate flavor.
  5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
  6. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes for layer cakes, or 35 to 40 minutes for a 9×13 pan, or until a wooden pick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
  8. Once completely cool, frost the cake with your favorite chocolate frosting.

Notes

  • For the best moisture, make sure your buttermilk and eggs are at room temperature before mixing.
  • Using hot coffee deepens the chocolate flavor without making the cake taste like coffee. Do not skip this step for the ultimate rich chocolate cake experience.
  • If you do not have buttermilk, mix 1 cup of whole milk with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://hearthbite.com/moist-chocolate-cake-recipe/