Chocolate Cake Recipe From Scratch

Indulge in the ultimate chocolate experience with The Most Amazing Chocolate Cake. Moist, rich, and made in a single bowl, this chocolate cake has received thousands of rave reviews. Satisfy your chocolate cravings with the chocolate cake of your dreams.

Are you ready for the most heavenly chocolate cake you’ve ever tasted? After years of testing, we have finally perfected the ultimate chocolate cake recipe. This rich, fudgy chocolate cake will melt in your mouth with every bite. Its fluffy, moist crumb is coated in a thick layer of decadent chocolate frosting, making it a true indulgence for chocolate lovers. And the best part? It’s so easy to make, with just one bowl for the batter.

Our recipe has been tried and loved by tens of thousands of people worldwide, all of whom agree that it is the most amazing chocolate cake ever. In fact, it has gained the nickname “The Matilda Cake” because it resembles the decadent cake eaten by Bruce Bogtrotter in the movie Matilda.

Buttermilk is a liquid that is left over after churning butter. It is an important ingredient in this recipe due to the way it interacts with other ingredients. Buttermilk can be easily substituted with a mixture of milk and vinegar or lemon juice, or with almond or soy milk and white vinegar. You can also find more in-depth information on how to make a buttermilk substitute in this post.

Yes, you can make this recipe dairy-free. Simply add 2 tablespoons of white vinegar to almond or soy milk, let it stand for 5 minutes, and use the mixture in place of the buttermilk. You can also use a dairy-free frosting option for the frosting.

Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be gluten-free by using a “Cup for Cup” gluten-free flour blend in the same amounts as the regular flour called for in the recipe.

chocolate cake recipe from scratch

The Best Chocolate Cake Recipe {Ever}

chocolate cake recipe from scratch

The Best Chocolate Cake Recipe – A one bowl chocolate cake recipe that is quick, easy, and delicious! Updated with gluten-free, dairy-free, and egg-free options!

Prep: 15min

Total: 45min

Serving Size: 1 serving

Nutrition Facts: calories 124 kcal, Carbohydrate 27 g, Protein 3 g, Fat 1 g, Saturated Fat 1 g, Cholesterol 15 mg, Sodium 178 mg, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 17 g, servingSize 1 serving

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon espresso powder (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1 cup milk (or buttermilk, almond, or coconut milk)
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or canola oil, or melted coconut oil)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • Chocolate Buttercream Frosting Recipe

Instruction:

  1. {‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘Preheat oven to 350º F. Prepare two 9-inch cake pans by spraying with baking spray or buttering and lightly flouring.’, ‘name’: ‘Preheat oven to 350º F. Prepare two 9-inch cake pans by spraying with baking spray or buttering and lightly flouring.’, ‘url’: ‘https://addapinch.com/the-best-chocolate-cake-recipe-ever/#wprm-recipe-31552-step-0-0’}
  2. {‘@type’: ‘HowToSection’, ‘name’: ‘For the chocolate cake:’, ‘itemListElement’: [{‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘Add flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, salt and espresso powder to a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer. Whisk through to combine or, using your paddle attachment, stir through flour mixture until combined well.’, ‘name’: ‘Add flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, salt and espresso powder to a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer. Whisk through to combine or, using your paddle attachment, stir through flour mixture until combined well.’, ‘url’: ‘https://addapinch.com/the-best-chocolate-cake-recipe-ever/#wprm-recipe-31552-step-1-0’}, {‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘Add milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla to flour mixture and mix together on medium speed until well combined. Reduce speed and carefully add boiling water to the cake batter until well combined.’, ‘name’: ‘Add milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla to flour mixture and mix together on medium speed until well combined. Reduce speed and carefully add boiling water to the cake batter until well combined.’, ‘url’: ‘https://addapinch.com/the-best-chocolate-cake-recipe-ever/#wprm-recipe-31552-step-1-1’}, {‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘Distribute cake batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, until a toothpick or cake tester inserted in the center of the chocolate cake comes out clean.’, ‘name’: ‘Distribute cake batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, until a toothpick or cake tester inserted in the center of the chocolate cake comes out clean.’, ‘url’: ‘https://addapinch.com/the-best-chocolate-cake-recipe-ever/#wprm-recipe-31552-step-1-2’}, {‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘Remove from the oven and allow to cool for about 10 minutes, remove from the pan and cool completely.’, ‘name’: ‘Remove from the oven and allow to cool for about 10 minutes, remove from the pan and cool completely.’, ‘url’: ‘https://addapinch.com/the-best-chocolate-cake-recipe-ever/#wprm-recipe-31552-step-1-3’}, {‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘Frost cake with Chocolate Buttercream Frosting.’, ‘name’: ‘Frost cake with Chocolate Buttercream Frosting.’, ‘url’: ‘https://addapinch.com/the-best-chocolate-cake-recipe-ever/#wprm-recipe-31552-step-1-4’}]}

The Most Amazing Chocolate Cake

chocolate cake recipe from scratch

The Most Amazing Chocolate Cake is moist, decadent, chocolatey perfection with a batter that is made in just one bowl. With thousands of rave reviews, this is the chocolate cake you’ve been dreaming of!

Prep: 10min

Total: 45min

Yield: 3

Serving Size: 1 large slice

Nutrition Facts: servingSize 1 large slice, calories 767 kcal, Carbohydrate 119 g, Protein 8 g, Fat 33 g, Saturated Fat 21 g, Cholesterol 105 mg, Sodium 668 mg, Fiber 5 g, Sugar 91 g

Ingredients:

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 1/2 cups unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 tablespoon baking soda
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
  • 1 1/2 cups warm water ((or brewed coffee))
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups butter (softened)
  • 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
  • 1 1/2 cups unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 3 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 7 cups powdered sugar
  • about 1/4 cup milk (as needed)

Instruction:

  1. Frost with your favorite frosting and enjoy!
  2. Use the frosting to frost and assemble the cake or transfer it to a piping bag for decorating. Once frosted, the cake should be refrigerated, but it can remain at room temperature for up to 4 hours.

Hershey’s “perfectly chocolate” Chocolate Cake

chocolate cake recipe from scratch

Hershey’s “perfectly chocolate” chocolate cake with 5 ingredient chocolate frosting is our favorite homemade chocolate cake recipe.

Prep: 10min

Total: 40min

Serving Size: 1 serving

Nutrition Facts: calories 438 kcal, Carbohydrate 74 g, Protein 6 g, Fat 15 g, Saturated Fat 5 g, Cholesterol 41 mg, Sodium 364 mg, Fiber 4 g, Sugar 48 g, Trans Fat 0.3 g, unSaturated Fat 9 g, servingSize 1 serving

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 3/4 cup + 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1/2 cup oil ((vegetable or canola oil))
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup boiling water (, or hot coffee)
  • 1/2 cup melted butter
  • 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/3 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instruction:

  1. {‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘Heat oven to 350°F. Line two 8 inch round baking pans with parchment paper and then spray lightly with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.’, ‘name’: ‘Heat oven to 350°F. Line two 8 inch round baking pans with parchment paper and then spray lightly with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.’, ‘url’: ‘https://tastesbetterfromscratch.com/hersheys-perfectly-chocolate-chocolate-cake/#wprm-recipe-13824-step-0-0’, ‘video’: {‘@id’: ‘#wprm-recipe-13824-step-0-0’}}
  2. {‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘Stir together sugar, flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt in large bowl.xa0’, ‘name’: ‘Stir together sugar, flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt in large bowl.xa0’, ‘url’: ‘https://tastesbetterfromscratch.com/hersheys-perfectly-chocolate-chocolate-cake/#wprm-recipe-13824-step-0-1’, ‘video’: {‘@id’: ‘#wprm-recipe-13824-step-0-1’}}
  3. {‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘Add eggs, milk, oil and vanilla and mix until well combined.’, ‘name’: ‘Add eggs, milk, oil and vanilla and mix until well combined.’, ‘url’: ‘https://tastesbetterfromscratch.com/hersheys-perfectly-chocolate-chocolate-cake/#wprm-recipe-13824-step-0-2’, ‘video’: {‘@id’: ‘#wprm-recipe-13824-step-0-2’}}
  4. {‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘Stir in boiling water (or hot coffee). Batter will be thin, but that’s okay! Pour batter into prepared pans.’, ‘name’: ‘Stir in boiling water (or hot coffee). Batter will be thin, but that’s okay! Pour batter into prepared pans.’, ‘url’: ‘https://tastesbetterfromscratch.com/hersheys-perfectly-chocolate-chocolate-cake/#wprm-recipe-13824-step-0-3’, ‘video’: {‘@id’: ‘#wprm-recipe-13824-step-0-3’}}
  5. {‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean.’, ‘name’: ‘Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean.’, ‘url’: ‘https://tastesbetterfromscratch.com/hersheys-perfectly-chocolate-chocolate-cake/#wprm-recipe-13824-step-0-4’, ‘video’: {‘@id’: ‘#wprm-recipe-13824-step-0-4’}}
  6. {‘@type’: ‘HowToSection’, ‘name’: ‘Chocolate Frosting:’, ‘itemListElement’: [{‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘Combine butter and cocoa powder.’, ‘name’: ‘Combine butter and cocoa powder.’, ‘url’: ‘https://tastesbetterfromscratch.com/hersheys-perfectly-chocolate-chocolate-cake/#wprm-recipe-13824-step-1-0’, ‘video’: {‘@id’: ‘#wprm-recipe-13824-step-1-0’}}, {‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘Add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix for several minutes until smooth and fluffy.’, ‘name’: ‘Add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix for several minutes until smooth and fluffy.’, ‘url’: ‘https://tastesbetterfromscratch.com/hersheys-perfectly-chocolate-chocolate-cake/#wprm-recipe-13824-step-1-1’, ‘video’: {‘@id’: ‘#wprm-recipe-13824-step-1-1’}}]}
  7. {‘@type’: ‘HowToSection’, ‘name’: ‘Assemble:’, ‘itemListElement’: [{‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘Place one cake layer on serving tray. Spread a generous amount of frosting on top. Add second cake layer. Frost top and sides of cake with remaining frosting.’, ‘name’: ‘Place one cake layer on serving tray. Spread a generous amount of frosting on top. Add second cake layer. Frost top and sides of cake with remaining frosting.’, ‘url’: ‘https://tastesbetterfromscratch.com/hersheys-perfectly-chocolate-chocolate-cake/#wprm-recipe-13824-step-2-0’, ‘video’: {‘@id’: ‘#wprm-recipe-13824-step-2-0’}}, {‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘Cut and serve.’, ‘name’: ‘Cut and serve.’, ‘url’: ‘https://tastesbetterfromscratch.com/hersheys-perfectly-chocolate-chocolate-cake/#wprm-recipe-13824-step-2-1’, ‘video’: {‘@id’: ‘#wprm-recipe-13824-step-2-1’}}]}

How to Make the Most Amazing Chocolate Cake

FAQ

What is the difference between cake mix and cake from scratch?

While cake mixes have a certain nostalgic comfort-factor, they typically taste flat, sugary, and vaguely chemically while the texture leaves a lot to be desired. Cakes made from scratch just taste better: rich, buttery, and moist with lots of sweet flavor nuances that make it hard to stop eating more.

Can you just put melted chocolate on a cake?

Chocolate drip made with heavy cream and chocolate

If you try to simply melt down chocolate and drip it on a cake, it will look very thick and the edges will not smooth out. The reason for this is chocolate by itself is not very liquid and as soon as it hits a cake, it starts to harden.

How do you make Martha Stewart chocolate cake from scratch?

Ingredients
  1. 1 ½ cups unsweetened cocoa powder, plus more for dusting.
  2. 1 ½ teaspoons salt.
  3. 3 cups all-purpose flour.
  4. 1 tablespoon baking soda.
  5. ¾ cup vegetable oil.
  6. 1 ½ cups buttermilk.
  7. 3 cups sugar.
  8. 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract.

Is chocolate cake with butter better than oil?

The texture of cakes made with oil is—in general—superior to the texture of cakes made with butter. Oil cakes tend to bake up loftier with a more even crumb and stay moist and tender far longer than cakes made with butter.

About the author

Helen is an author and editor at helenbackcafe.com, who has a passion for writing about recipes. She loves to experiment with different ingredients and cooking techniques to create delicious and unique dishes.

Among all the foods, pizza holds a special place in her heart, and she loves exploring different variations and toppings to create the perfect slice. Through her writing, Helen hopes to inspire others to get creative in the kitchen and share their love for food with the world.

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