Best 12 Chocolate Cake From Scratch Recipes

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Chocolate cake, an all-time favorite dessert, is a decadent indulgence that can tantalize taste buds and create lasting memories. Baking a chocolate cake from scratch may seem daunting, but with the right guidance and a few simple steps, you can create a masterpiece that will impress your loved ones and satisfy your sweet cravings. This article will provide you with a comprehensive guide to crafting the perfect chocolate cake from scratch, covering everything from selecting the finest ingredients to mastering the art of baking and decorating. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that will transform your kitchen into a symphony of chocolatey goodness.

Let's cook with our recipes!

DECADENT CHOCOLATE LAYER CAKE



Decadent Chocolate Layer Cake image

This decadent chocolate layer cake recipe is fluffy, moist and perfect for beginning bakers. Learn how to make this ultimate treat with step-by-step instructions.

Provided by Erika

Categories     Dessert

Time 1h15m

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 1/2 cups All-Purpose Flour
1 teaspoon Baking Soda
1/2 teaspoon Salt
6 squares Semi Sweet Chocolate ((6 oz.))
3/4 cup Butter (1 1/2 Sticks, Softened)
1 1/2 cups Milk
1 1/2 cups Granulated (Not Powdered) Sugar
3 Eggs
2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350℉. Spray cake pans with nonstick vegetable spray. Set it aside.
  • In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking soda and salt. Set it aside.
  • In a large microwavable bowl, melt chocolate and butter for 2 minutes, or until butter is melted. The mixture can also be melted in a saucepan over low heat. Stir until smooth. Transfer to a large bowl; add sugar and beat with an electric mixer until combined.
  • Add eggs to chocolate mixture, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add vanilla; mix well.
  • Alternate adding flour mixture and milk to chocolate mixture, beating well until everything is incorporated. Pour into prepared pans.
  • Bake 32 to 36 minutes at 350℉, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
  • Cool cakes in pans on a cooling grid for 15 minutes. Remove from pans. Transfer to a cooling grid to cool completely before decorating.

CHOCOLATE CAKE FROM SCRATCH



Chocolate Cake from Scratch image

Excellent chocolate cake from scratch with a twist. The coffee adds an extra dimension to the flavor. This has been everyone's favorite for years. A great recipe when paired with a cream cheese frosting. Very moist and enjoyable. You won't go back to a boxed cake again. Also makes great cupcakes.

Provided by Pat

Categories     Desserts     Cakes     Chocolate Cake Recipes

Time 45m

Yield 16

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 cups all-purpose flour
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup milk
1 cup brewed coffee
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups white sugar
½ cup vegetable oil, such as (Crisco®)
2 eggs

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 10x13-inch baking pan.
  • Combine flour, sifted cocoa, baking soda, and baking powder in a bowl. Combine milk, coffee, and vanilla extract in a 2-cup liquid measuring cup.
  • Combine sugar, vegetable oil, and eggs in a large bowl; beat with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Add flour mixture in 2 batches, alternating with milk mixture, beating batter briefly after each addition. Batter will be very runny. Pour batter into the prepared cake pan.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about 30 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool completely.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 239.6 calories, Carbohydrate 40 g, Cholesterol 21.7 mg, Fat 8.4 g, Fiber 1.8 g, Protein 3.6 g, SaturatedFat 1.8 g, Sodium 203.2 mg, Sugar 25.9 g

CLASSIC CHOCOLATE CAKE



Classic Chocolate Cake image

If you need to learn how to make chocolate cake from scratch, this easy homemade chocolate cake recipe is a perfect place to start. It appeared on a can of Hershey's cocoa way back in 1943. I tried it, my boys liked it, and I've been making it ever since. -Betty Follas, Morgan Hill, California

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 50m

Yield 15 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 9

2/3 cup butter, softened
1-2/3 cups sugar
3 large eggs, room temperature
2 cups all-purpose flour
2/3 cup baking cocoa
1-1/4 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1-1/3 cups whole milk
Confectioners' sugar or favorite frosting

Steps:

  • In a bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Combine flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt; add to creamed mixture alternately with milk, beating until smooth after each addition. Pour batter into a greased and floured 13x9-in. baking pan. , Bake at 350° until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, 35-40 minutes. Cool on a wire rack. When cake is cool, dust with confectioners' sugar or top with your favorite frosting.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 257 calories, Fat 10g fat (6g saturated fat), Cholesterol 67mg cholesterol, Sodium 368mg sodium, Carbohydrate 38g carbohydrate (23g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 4g protein.

BASIC CHOCOLATE CAKE



Basic Chocolate Cake image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 1h

Yield two 9-inch cakes

Number Of Ingredients 11

Cooking spray
1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (natural or Dutch process)
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
3 large eggs, at room temperature
3/4 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup sour cream
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Coat two 9-inch-round cake pans with cooking spray and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
  • Whisk the cocoa powder and 1 1/2 cups boiling water in a medium bowl until smooth; set aside. Whisk the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a large bowl until combined. Add the eggs, vegetable oil, sour cream and vanilla and beat with a mixer on medium speed until smooth, about 1 minute. Reduce the mixer speed to low; beat in the cocoa mixture in a steady stream until just combined, then finish mixing with a rubber spatula. (The batter will be thin.)
  • Divide the batter between the prepared pans and tap the pans against the counter to help the batter settle. Bake until a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean, 30 to 40 minutes. Transfer to racks and let cool 10 minutes, then run a knife around the edge of the pans and turn the cakes out onto the racks to cool completely. Remove the parchment. Trim the tops of the cakes with a long serrated knife to make them level, if desired.

SUPER MOIST CHOCOLATE CAKE



Super Moist Chocolate Cake image

This chocolate cake is the most IN DEMAND request at family functions. It's fast, easy, egg-free, and most importantly - delicious! (The frosting is courtesy of Betty Crocker). Note: If making a layer cake, please double the recipe. This also makes great cupcakes! Enjoy!

Provided by Baker Gal

Categories     Dessert

Time 45m

Yield 1 cake, 8-12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 1/2 cups flour
1 cup sugar
1/3 cup cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup water
1/2 cup canola oil
2 tablespoons white vinegar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 cups powdered sugar
1/3 cup butter, softened (or margarine)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/3 cup cocoa powder
3 -4 tablespoons milk

Steps:

  • Mix together dry ingredients.
  • Combine wet ingredients in a separate bowl.
  • Combine dry and wet ingredients together (I gently whisk them together with a fork).
  • Transfer mixture to a greased cake pan or cupcake tins. (Mixture usually fits one 13" x 9" pan or two 8" or 9" round pans.).
  • Bake at 350 degrees F for approximately 30 minutes. (Bake for approximately 15 minutes if making cupcakes).
  • Set aside to cool before frosting.
  • To begin the Chocolate Cocoa Frosting beat powdered sugar and butter until blended. (If using an electric mixer, use low speed).
  • Stir in vanilla extract and cocoa powder.
  • Gradually beat in just enough milk to make frosting smooth and spreadable. If frosting becomes too thin, add more powdered sugar.

EASY CHOCOLATE CAKE



Easy Chocolate Cake image

If the sides aren't perfectly glazed, press in chocolate shavings for an easy cover-up.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Dessert & Treats Recipes     Cake Recipes

Time 1h

Number Of Ingredients 12

3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature, plus more for pan
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, plus more for pan
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup sugar
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 cup sour cream
Fudgy Chocolate Glaze
Sweetened whipped cream, for serving (optional)
Chocolate shavings, for serving (optional)

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter an 8-inch round cake pan; line bottom with wax paper. Butter paper; dust with cocoa powder, tapping out excess; set aside.
  • In a medium bowl, sift together cocoa, flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside. In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs, one at a time, then beat in vanilla. Reduce speed to low. Add flour mixture alternating with sour cream, starting and ending with the flour mixture.
  • Spread batter into prepared pan. Tap pan firmly on countertop several times to force out large air bubbles. Bake until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, 30 to 35 minutes. Remove from oven, Cool 10 minutes in pan, then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely (bottom side up). Set rack over a rimmed baking sheet. Pour glaze over; spread gently to coat entirely. Let stand until set. Garnish with chocolate shavings. Serve with whipped cream.

BEST CHOCOLATE CAKE



Best Chocolate Cake image

With a tender crumb and rich frosting, a layered chocolate cake always impresses, no matter the occasion. One bite and you'll agree this cake recipe is awesome! -Elvi Kaukinen, Horseheads, New York

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 40m

Yield 16 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 16

3/4 cup butter, softened
2 cups sugar
3 large eggs, room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup baking cocoa
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1-1/2 cups 2% milk
CHOCOLATE FROSTING:
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup butter, cubed
1 cup sour cream
4-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
Chocolate curls, optional

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°. Line three 9-in. round baking pans with waxed paper; grease and flour the pans and paper. Set aside., In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla. Combine the flour, cocoa, baking soda, salt and baking powder; add to the creamed mixture alternately with milk, beating well after each addition., Transfer to prepared pans. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 20-25 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely., For frosting, in a small heavy saucepan, melt chips and butter over low heat. Transfer to a large bowl; cool for 5 minutes. Stir in sour cream. Gradually beat in confectioners' sugar until smooth. Spread between layers and over top and sides of cake. If desired, top with chocolate curls. Refrigerate leftovers.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 578 calories, Fat 25g fat (15g saturated fat), Cholesterol 89mg cholesterol, Sodium 292mg sodium, Carbohydrate 88g carbohydrate (70g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 6g protein.

MOIST CHOCOLATE CAKE



Moist Chocolate Cake image

This chocolate cake recipe with coffee reminds me of my grandmother because it was one of her specialties. I bake it often for family parties, and it always brings back fond memories. The cake is light and airy with a delicious chocolate taste. This recipe is a keeper! -Patricia Kreitz, Richland, Pennsylvania

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 40m

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 19

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 teaspoons baking soda
3/4 cup baking cocoa
2 cups sugar
1 cup canola oil
1 cup brewed coffee
1 cup whole milk
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
FAVORITE ICING:
1 cup whole milk
5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup shortening
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Additional baking cocoa, optional

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 325°. Sift together dry ingredients in a bowl. Add oil, coffee and milk; mix at medium speed 1 minute. Add eggs and vanilla; beat 2 minutes longer. (Batter will be thin.) , Pour into 2 greased and floured 9-in. round baking pans (or two 8-in. round baking pans and 6 muffin cups). , Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 25-30 minutes. Cool 10 minutes before removing from pans. Cool on wire racks. , Meanwhile, for icing, combine milk and flour in a saucepan; cook until thick. Cover and refrigerate. , In a bowl, beat butter, shortening, sugar and vanilla until creamy. Add chilled milk mixture and beat 10 minutes. Frost cooled cake. If desired, dust with additional cocoa.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 636 calories, Fat 37g fat (10g saturated fat), Cholesterol 61mg cholesterol, Sodium 549mg sodium, Carbohydrate 73g carbohydrate (51g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 6g protein.

HOMEMADE CHOCOLATE CAKE



Homemade Chocolate Cake image

A rich chocolate frosting is the flavorful finishing touch to this moist from-scratch cake that's mixed in one bowl. It always turns out and is quickly gobbled up by friends and family. I'm asked to fix this favorite so often that the recipe card is an absolute mess! -Cindy Miller, Riverside, Iowa

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 40m

Yield 15 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 17

3 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups sugar
1/3 cup baking cocoa
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups water
3/4 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 teaspoons white vinegar
CHOCOLATE CREAM CHEESE FROSTING:
3 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup butter, softened
2 cups confectioners' sugar
1/3 cup baking cocoa
Dash salt
3 tablespoons 2% milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, combine the first 5 ingredients. Add the water, oil, vanilla and vinegar; mix well (batter will be thin). , Pour into a greased 13x9-in. baking pan. Bake at 350° for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely. , For frosting, in a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until fluffy. Add the confectioners' sugar, cocoa, salt, milk and vanilla; mix well. Spread over cake. Store in the refrigerator.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 413 calories, Fat 17g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 15mg cholesterol, Sodium 385mg sodium, Carbohydrate 64g carbohydrate (41g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 4g protein.

BEST MOIST CHOCOLATE CAKE



Best Moist Chocolate Cake image

My mom created this recipe years ago and my sisters and brother and I have entered this in 4-H and won many awards. Yummy on its own or with chocolate frosting!

Provided by MARIASUE

Categories     Desserts     Cakes     Sheet Cake Recipes

Time 50m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 cup margarine
1 ¾ cups white sugar
3 eggs
1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
1 ½ cups milk
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
6 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch pan. Sift together the flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt. Set aside.
  • In a large bowl, cream together the margarine and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla. Beat in the flour mixture alternately with the milk, mixing just until incorporated. Pour batter into prepared pan.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Allow to cool.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 382.1 calories, Carbohydrate 52.3 g, Cholesterol 48.9 mg, Fat 17.4 g, Fiber 1.6 g, Protein 6 g, SaturatedFat 3.6 g, Sodium 557.5 mg, Sugar 31 g

EXTREME CHOCOLATE CAKE



Extreme Chocolate Cake image

A rich moist chocolate cake with a chocolate buttercream icing. This is the best cake in the world!

Provided by RACH56

Categories     Desserts     Cakes     Chocolate Cake Recipes

Time 1h5m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 16

2 cups white sugar
1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
1 cup milk
½ cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water
¾ cup butter
1 ½ cups unsweetened cocoa powder
5 ⅓ cups confectioners' sugar
⅔ cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour two 9 inch cake pans.
  • Use the first set of ingredients to make the cake. In a medium bowl, stir together the sugar, flour, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Add the eggs, milk, oil and vanilla, mix for 3 minutes with an electric mixer. Stir in the boiling water by hand. Pour evenly into the two prepared pans.
  • Bake for 30 to 35 minutes in the preheated oven, until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to cool completely.
  • To make the frosting, use the second set of ingredients. Cream butter until light and fluffy. Stir in the cocoa and confectioners' sugar alternately with the milk and vanilla. Beat to a spreading consistency.
  • Split the layers of cooled cake horizontally, cover the top of each layer with frosting, then stack them onto a serving plate. Frost the outside of the cake.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 654.8 calories, Carbohydrate 111.1 g, Cholesterol 64.2 mg, Fat 24.6 g, Fiber 5.8 g, Protein 7.3 g, SaturatedFat 10.5 g, Sodium 524.3 mg, Sugar 87.6 g

THE BEST CHOCOLATE CAKE EVER



The Best Chocolate Cake Ever image

My grandmother taught me how to make this cake. This is the most moist chocolate cake I have ever tasted. It was my dad's favorite and now it is my husband's favorite too. The first 11 ingredients are for the cake and the last 6 are for the icing.

Provided by Emily Passaro

Categories     Dessert

Time 1h

Yield 1 2 layer cake, 10-12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 17

2 cups all-purpose flour (I use Gold Medal brand)
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 teaspoons baking soda
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa
2 cups sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
1 cup hot coffee
1 cup milk
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup milk
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup shortening
1 cup sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Steps:

  • Sift together dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl.
  • Add oil, coffee, and milk; mix at medium speed for 2 minutes.
  • Add eggs and vanilla; beat for 2 more minutes. Batter will be thin.
  • Pour into 2 greased and floured 9 inch cake pans.
  • Bake at 325 for 25-30 minutes.
  • Cool cakes for 15 minutes before removing from pans. Cool completely on wire racks.
  • To make the icing, combine the milk and flour in a saucepan and cook until thick, stirring often to prevent it from being lumpy. Cover and refrigerate until cool.
  • In a mixing bowl, beat butter, shortening, sugar, and vanilla until creamy.
  • Add chilled milk/flour mixture and beat for 10 minutes.
  • Frost cake after is it completely cool.
  • Refrigerate cake until just before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 775, Fat 45.2, SaturatedFat 13.2, Cholesterol 68.4, Sodium 642.9, Carbohydrate 90.2, Fiber 3, Sugar 60.3, Protein 7.5

Tips:

  • Use high-quality ingredients. This will make a big difference in the taste of your cake. Look for chocolate with a cocoa content of at least 70%, and use real butter and eggs.
  • Measure your ingredients accurately. This is important for ensuring that your cake turns out correctly. Use a kitchen scale to measure your ingredients, if possible.
  • Don't overmix the batter. Overmixing can make your cake tough. Mix the batter just until the ingredients are combined.
  • Bake the cake at the right temperature. The temperature of your oven will affect the texture of your cake. Bake the cake at the temperature specified in the recipe.
  • Don't overbake the cake. Overbaking can make your cake dry. Check the cake for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. If the toothpick comes out clean, the cake is done.
  • Let the cake cool completely before frosting it. This will help to prevent the frosting from melting.

Conclusion:

Chocolate cake is a delicious and versatile dessert that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. With so many different recipes to choose from, there's sure to be a chocolate cake that everyone will love. Whether you're a novice baker or a seasoned pro, these tips will help you make a chocolate cake that is both delicious and beautiful. So what are you waiting for? Start baking!

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