There’s nothing quite like a classic chocolate cake with creamy vanilla frosting to satisfy your sweet tooth. Whether it’s for a birthday, a special occasion, or just because, this chocolate cake with its rich, moist crumb and velvety vanilla frosting will have everyone coming back for seconds. The cake itself is made from simple ingredients, resulting in a rich, tender texture and deep chocolate flavor. Paired with either a buttery vanilla frosting or a tangy cream cheese frosting, this cake is a true crowd-pleaser. Perfectly balanced, it’s indulgent without being overwhelming and is sure to be a hit with family and friends. The best part? The recipe is straightforward, making it easy enough for both beginner and experienced bakers alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Classic Flavor Combination

Chocolate and vanilla are a timeless pairing, and this recipe brings them together in the best way possible with rich chocolate cake and a silky vanilla frosting.

2. Moist and Tender Cake

This chocolate cake is incredibly moist, thanks to the combination of oil, buttermilk, and hot water. It stays soft and fresh for days, if it lasts that long!

3. Easy-to-Follow Instructions

Even if you’re a beginner baker, this recipe is simple and straightforward, with easy-to-find ingredients and a step-by-step guide that makes baking a breeze.

4. Versatile Frosting Options

Choose between a classic vanilla buttercream frosting or a tangy cream cheese frosting—both are delicious and complement the rich chocolate cake perfectly.

5. Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you’re hosting a birthday party, celebrating an anniversary, or just craving something sweet, this cake is versatile enough for any occasion.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

Flour (1 3/4 cups)
Sugar (1 3/4 cups)
Unsweetened cocoa powder (¾ cup, high-quality)
Baking soda (2 teaspoons)
Baking powder (1 teaspoon)
Salt (1 teaspoon)
Oil (½ cup, canola, vegetable, or coconut)
Eggs (2 large)
Buttermilk (1 cup)
Vanilla extract (½ teaspoon)
Hot water (1 cup)

For the Vanilla Frosting:

Butter (1 cup, softened)
Cream cheese (1, 8-ounce package, softened)
Powdered sugar (4 ½ cups)
Vanilla bean paste (2 teaspoons)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting (Optional):

Butter (1 cup, softened)
Cream cheese (2, 8-ounce packages, softened)
Powdered sugar (5 to 5 ½ cups)
Vanilla bean paste (2 teaspoons)

Variations

Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting: If you want to intensify the chocolate flavor, you can add cocoa powder to the cream cheese frosting. Start with ¼ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder.
Add Mix-ins: For extra texture, consider adding chocolate chips, chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans), or even shredded coconut to the batter before baking.
Cupcakes: This recipe works perfectly for cupcakes as well! Simply divide the batter into cupcake liners and bake at 350°F for about 18-20 minutes.
Fruit Garnish: For a fresh twist, top the frosted cake with fresh berries, such as strawberries or raspberries, for added color and flavor.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pans

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Make sure the ingredients are well combined.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Add the oil, eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until fully combined, ensuring the batter is smooth.

Step 4: Incorporate Hot Water

Gradually add the hot water to the batter, mixing until smooth. The batter will be thin, but that’s normal—it helps create a moist cake.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Prepare the Frosting

While the cakes are cooling, prepare your frosting. For the vanilla frosting, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, and then mix in the vanilla bean paste. Beat until light and fluffy.

For cream cheese frosting, follow the same process, but use two packages of cream cheese instead of one. Adjust the powdered sugar to your desired consistency.

Step 7: Frost the Cake

Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of frosting on top, and then place the second cake layer on top. Frost the entire cake with the remaining frosting, smoothing it out with a spatula.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Once frosted, the cake is ready to serve. Cut into slices and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, cream cheese, and eggs are at room temperature to ensure smooth frosting and batter.
Don’t Overmix the Batter: Once you add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake.
Testing for Doneness: Test the cake by inserting a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, the cake is done. If not, bake for a few more minutes.
Chill the Frosting: If the frosting seems too soft to spread, refrigerate it for about 15 minutes to firm it up before using.

How to Serve

With Coffee or Tea: This cake pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea for an afternoon treat.
For Special Occasions: Serve this cake as the centerpiece of any celebration, whether it’s a birthday party, holiday gathering, or just a fun family dinner.
A La Mode: Serve with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for an indulgent dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you live in a warmer climate, store it in the fridge to prevent the frosting from melting.

Freezing

To freeze the cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. You can freeze the cake layers individually and frost them when you’re ready to serve.

Reheating

If you’d like to enjoy the cake warm, gently microwave individual slices for 15-20 seconds. Be careful not to overheat, as it may cause the frosting to melt.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Yes, you can use regular milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to substitute for buttermilk.

2. How can I make the cake less sweet?

You can reduce the amount of sugar in the cake by ¼ cup or use a sugar substitute. Just be aware that it may affect the texture slightly.

3. Can I make this cake without eggs?

Yes, you can substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) or use a commercial egg replacer.

4. How can I make the frosting thicker?

If your frosting is too thin, add more powdered sugar a little at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.

5. Can I use a different frosting flavor?

Yes, you can try other flavors like chocolate ganache, caramel frosting, or even peanut butter frosting for a fun twist.

6. How long can I keep the cake in the fridge?

If stored properly, this cake will keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

7. Can I bake this in a 9×13-inch pan instead of two round cake pans?

Yes, you can bake it in a 9×13-inch pan. Just adjust the baking time (about 35-40 minutes), and keep an eye on it.

8. Can I use boxed cake mix instead?

Yes, you can use a boxed cake mix in place of the homemade batter, but the flavor and texture will be different.

9. Can I add a filling between the cake layers?

Yes, you can add fruit jam, chocolate ganache, or custard between the layers for extra flavor.

10. How can I make the frosting more flavorful?

To enhance the flavor of the frosting, add a teaspoon of almond extract or a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.

Conclusion

This Chocolate Cake with Vanilla Frosting is a showstopper, combining the perfect balance of moist, rich chocolate cake and smooth, decadent frosting. Whether you choose the classic vanilla frosting or the tangier cream cheese version, this cake is sure to impress. With easy-to-follow instructions and flexible variations, it’s a perfect recipe for any occasion, from birthdays to casual get-togethers. Enjoy every bite of this indulgent dessert that everyone will love!