The Most Amazing Chocolate (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Cake Batter
01 -
3 cups all-purpose flour
02 -
3 cups granulated sugar
03 -
1 1/2 cups unsweetened cocoa powder
04 -
1 tablespoon baking soda
05 -
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
06 -
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
07 -
4 large eggs
08 -
1 1/2 cups buttermilk
09 -
1 1/2 cups warm water or brewed coffee
10 -
1/2 cup vegetable oil
11 -
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
→ Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting
12 -
1 1/2 cups butter, softened
13 -
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
14 -
1 1/2 cups unsweetened cocoa powder
15 -
3 teaspoons vanilla extract
16 -
7 cups powdered sugar
17 -
1/4 cup milk, as needed
# Instructions:
01 -
Preheat your oven to 350°F (176°C). Lightly grease three 9-inch (23 cm) cake rounds or dust with flour or cocoa powder. Alternatively, line with parchment paper.
02 -
In a large mixing bowl, combine 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, and 1 1/2 teaspoons salt. Mix on low speed until well combined.
03 -
Add 4 large eggs, 1 1/2 cups buttermilk, 1 1/2 cups warm water or coffee, 1/2 cup vegetable oil, and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract. Beat on low speed until smooth, scraping the sides and bottom of the bowl to ensure an even mixture.
04 -
Divide the batter evenly among the three prepared pans, approximately 3 cups per pan. Tap the pans gently on the counter to release air bubbles.
05 -
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool for 15 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
06 -
In a large bowl, beat 1 1/2 cups softened butter and 8 ounces cream cheese until fluffy, about 3 minutes.
07 -
Add 1 1/2 cups unsweetened cocoa powder and 3 teaspoons vanilla extract. Beat until just combined, about 30 seconds.
08 -
Gradually beat in 7 cups powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time. Add milk as needed to achieve a spreadable consistency. The frosting will thicken further once refrigerated.
09 -
Use the prepared frosting to frost and assemble the cake. Transfer frosting to a piping bag for decorative details if desired. Refrigerate after frosting, but the cake can remain at room temperature for up to 4 hours prior to serving.
# Notes:
01 -
Substitute brewed coffee for warm water to enhance chocolate flavor, ideal for dark chocolate fans.
02 -
This recipe is scalable for variations in layer quantity based on desired servings.