Description
This Chocolate Cake with Vanilla Frosting is the perfect dessert for any occasion. A rich, moist chocolate cake pairs beautifully with a creamy vanilla frosting, making this cake a true crowd-pleaser. The cake’s deep cocoa flavor combined with the smooth, tangy cream cheese frosting creates the ultimate treat for chocolate and frosting lovers alike.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chocolate Cake:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 3/4 cups sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (high-quality)
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup oil (canola, vegetable, coconut, etc.)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot water
For the Vanilla Frosting:
- 1 cup butter (softened)
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese (room temperature, softened)
- 4 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste
For the Cream Cheese Frosting (alternative option):
- 1 cup butter (softened)
- 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese (room temperature, softened)
- 5 to 5 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk together the oil, eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Slowly add the hot water to the batter, mixing until smooth. The batter will be thin.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
For the Vanilla Frosting:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, and continue to beat until light and fluffy.
- Stir in the vanilla bean paste.
- Frost the cooled cakes with the vanilla frosting.
For the Cream Cheese Frosting (alternative option):
- Beat the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating until fluffy.
- Stir in the vanilla bean paste.
- Frost the cooled cakes with the cream cheese frosting.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of espresso powder to the cake batter to enhance the chocolate flavor.
- Make sure the cakes are completely cooled before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- You can decorate the cake with chocolate shavings, sprinkles, or fresh berries for added visual appeal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Cake
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American