There’s something truly magical about a rich, moist chocolate cake — it’s the kind of dessert that makes any day feel special. Whether it’s for a birthday, a family gathering, or just a cozy weekend treat, this ultimate chocolate cake recipe never fails to impress.
🧁 Ingredients
For the cake:
- 1¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup (75g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups (400g) sugar
- 1½ tsp baking powder
- 1½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
- ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240ml) boiling water
For the frosting:
- 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3½ cups (440g) powdered sugar
- ½ cup (45g) cocoa powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup (60ml) heavy cream
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Prepare your pans
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans with parchment paper.
2. Mix the dry ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Add the wet ingredients
Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Beat on medium speed until smooth.
4. Add boiling water
Slowly pour in the boiling water while mixing. The batter will be thin — that’s what makes it so moist!
5. Bake
Divide the batter evenly between the pans. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool completely before frosting.
🍫 Make the Frosting
Beat the butter until creamy. Add cocoa powder, powdered sugar, salt, vanilla, and cream. Mix until smooth and fluffy. If the frosting is too thick, add a little more cream.
🎂 Assemble Your Cake
Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread frosting evenly on top. Add the second layer and cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting.
For an extra touch, decorate with chocolate shavings, fresh berries, or a dusting of cocoa powder.
💡 Tips for the Perfect Chocolate Cake
- Use good quality cocoa powder — it makes a big difference in flavor.
- Don’t overbake — the cake should be moist, not dry.
- Let the cake cool fully before frosting to prevent melting.
- For an even richer flavor, replace boiling water with hot coffee.
❤️ Final Thoughts
This ultimate chocolate cake is rich, soft, and absolutely indulgent. It’s the kind of cake that disappears in minutes — and leaves everyone asking for the recipe. Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or just when you need a little chocolate happiness.

