Nothing says comfort like a slice of Moist Chocolate Cake—soft, rich, and bursting with deep cocoa flavor. This classic recipe delivers bakery-quality results with simple ingredients and a foolproof method, making it perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just when your sweet tooth strikes.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned baker, this cake is your new go-to for an ultra-moist, tender crumb and irresistible chocolate flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Moist Chocolate Cake
✅ Super soft and fudgy—never dry or crumbly
✅ Made with pantry staples
✅ No mixer required—just two bowls and a whisk
✅ Pairs perfectly with any frosting or glaze
✅ Freezer-friendly and perfect for layer cakes or cupcakes
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tbsp vinegar)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot coffee or hot water
How to Make Moist Chocolate Cake
1. Preheat & Prep
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans (or one 9×13-inch pan).
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, sift together flour, cocoa, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla until smooth.
4. Combine
Add wet ingredients to the dry and mix until just combined. Slowly stir in hot coffee or water until the batter is smooth (it will be thin).
5. Bake
Pour into prepared pans and bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs. Cool completely before frosting.
Frosting Options
- Classic Chocolate Buttercream
- Cream Cheese Frosting
- Ganache Glaze
- Whipped Cream + Berries
- Salted Caramel Drizzle
Tips for Success
- Don’t overmix the batter to keep it tender
- Use room temperature eggs and buttermilk
- Let cakes cool fully before frosting
- Chill layers for 20 minutes before slicing for cleaner cuts
Storage & Make-Ahead
- Store covered at room temp for up to 2 days, or refrigerated up to 5 days
- Freeze unfrosted layers for up to 2 months (wrap tightly in plastic wrap + foil)
Perfect For:
- Birthdays
- Anniversaries
- Chocolate lovers
- Bake sales
- Just because you deserve it
Final Thoughts
This Moist Chocolate Cake recipe is the ultimate chocolate fix—decadent, fluffy, and deeply satisfying. It’s the kind of cake that draws “wow” reactions from guests and vanishes quickly from the dessert table. Whether you frost it simply or dress it up for an event, one thing’s for sure: this is chocolate cake done right.
Rich. Moist. Irresistible. 🍫🍰