Classic Chocolate Birthday Cake Recipe
This Classic Chocolate Birthday Cake Recipe is rich, moist and perfect for celebrations.
Ingredients
These ingredients for Classic Chocolate Birthday Cake are simple and easy to find.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1¾ cups sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1½ teaspoons baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot water or hot coffee
For chocolate frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Prepare the Oven
- Preheat the oven to 180°C or 350°F. Grease cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, add flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Whisk gently until combined.
Add Wet Ingredients
- Add eggs, milk, oil and vanilla extract to the dry mixture. Mix slowly until smooth and well blended.
Add Hot Liquid
- Pour hot water or coffee into the batter. Mix gently. The batter will look thin, which is normal.
Pour Batter
- Divide the batter evenly between prepared cake pans. Tap pans lightly to remove air bubbles.
Bake the Cake
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Insert a toothpick in the center. It should come out clean.
Cool Completely
- Remove cakes from oven. Let them cool in pans for ten minutes, then transfer to a rack.
Prepare Frosting
- Beat butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar, cocoa powder, milk and vanilla. Beat until smooth.
Frost the Cake
- Place one cake layer on a plate. Spread frosting evenly. Add second layer and frost top and sides.
Decorate and Serve
- Decorate with sprinkles, chocolate shavings or candles. Slice and serve with smiles.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients for smooth batter.
- Do not overmix or the cake may turn dense.
- Use coffee instead of water for deeper chocolate flavor.
- Add chocolate chips to the batter for extra richness.
- Use cream cheese frosting for a lighter taste.
- Make cupcakes using the same batter and bake shorter.