Best 8 Classic Chocolate Cake Recipes

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Chocolate cake is a timeless classic that brings joy and delight to people of all ages. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a sweet treat, a perfectly executed chocolate cake is sure to satisfy your cravings. With its rich, decadent flavor and irresistible aroma, this dessert has earned a special place in the hearts of cake enthusiasts worldwide. In this article, we'll take you on a culinary journey to discover the secrets of creating the ultimate classic chocolate cake. We'll delve into the key ingredients, essential techniques, and baking tips that will elevate your cake-making skills and ensure a masterpiece that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

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.

CLASSIC CHOCOLATE CAKE RECIPE BY TASTY



Classic Chocolate Cake Recipe by Tasty image

It's a classic for a reason! This cake is filled with chocolate, from the tender-crumbed cake to the rich and creamy chocolate frosting. Whether for a birthday celebration or a sweet end to a dinner party, it certainly takes the cake!

Provided by Betsy Carter

Categories     Desserts

Time 1h30m

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 17

nonstick cooking spray, for greasing
2 cups all purpose flour
1 cup cocoa powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
2 sticks unsalted butter, room temperature
2 cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 ½ cups sour cream
2 sticks unsalted butter, room temperature
1 ½ cups sour cream
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 pinch kosher salt
2 ¼ cups powdered sugar
⅔ cup cocoa powder

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
  • Make the cake: Grease and line 2 8-inch (22 cm) round cake pans with parchment paper.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, baking soda, and baking powder.
  • In a separate large bowl, cream the butter and sugar with an electric hand mixer on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
  • Add the eggs, 1 at a time, and beat until fully incorporated.
  • Add the vanilla and sour cream and stir with a rubber spatula until starting to incorporate, then beat with the hand mixer until fully combined.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, beating between each addition until just combined.
  • Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of a cake comes out clean. Let cakes cool for 10 minutes in the pans, then invert onto a wire rack and let cool completely.
  • Make the frosting: Add the butter, sour cream, vanilla, and salt to a large bowl. Beat with an electric hand mixer on medium speed until well combined. Sift in the powdered sugar and cocoa powder and beat until well incorporated and the frosting is smooth.
  • Place 1 layer of cake on a cake stand or serving platter lined with strips of parchment paper (for easy removal). Spread ¾ cup frosting evenly over the cake. Place the other cake layer on top and use the rest of the frosting to frost the top and sides of the cake.
  • Slice and serve.
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 620 calories, Carbohydrate 114 grams, Fat 13 grams, Fiber 5 grams, Protein 11 grams, Sugar 71 grams

CLASSIC CHOCOLATE CHIP CRUMB CAKE



Classic Chocolate Chip Crumb Cake image

Provided by Dan Langan

Categories     dessert

Time 1h45m

Yield 12 servings

Number Of Ingredients 18

Nonstick cooking spray, for the pan
1 1/2 sticks (12 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted
1 cup lightly packed (220 grams) light brown sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Heaping 1/4 teaspoon fine salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 1/4 cups (290 grams) all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips
2 large eggs, at room temperature
1/4 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons (130 grams) cake flour
2/3 cup (130 grams) granulated sugar
1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon fine salt
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 6 cubes, at room temperature
3 tablespoons mini chocolate chips

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 9-inch square baking pan with nonstick cooking spray and line it with parchment.
  • For the crumb topping: Combine the melted butter, brown sugar, vanilla, salt and cinnamon in a medium bowl. Stir in the all-purpose flour just until the mixture is crumbly (some dryer bits may remain--that's OK). Toss the mini chocolate chips with the crumb topping and set aside.
  • For the cake: Combine the eggs, buttermilk, oil and vanilla in a liquid measuring cup and whisk to break up the eggs. Set aside.
  • Combine the cake flour, granulated sugar, baking powder and salt in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment and whisk by hand or mix on low speed until combined, about 30 seconds.
  • With the mixer running on low speed, add the cubed butter and mix until all of the butter is incorporated into the dry ingredients and the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. With the mixer still running on low speed, add the egg mixture and mix until moistened. Stop and scrape the bowl and paddle, then mix on medium-high speed for 30 seconds.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared pan and sprinkle 2 tablespoons of the mini chocolate chips over the top. Scatter the crumb topping mixture evenly over the cake batter, then scatter the remaining 1 tablespoon of the chips over top.
  • Place the baking pan on a rimmed baking sheet to prevent over-browning. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out with a few moist crumbs, 43 to 46 minutes. An easy way to test crumb cake is to nudge some of the crumbs away with the toothpick then insert the toothpick into the cake below. Let cool in the pan until barely warm before slicing.

CLASSIC MOLTEN CHOCOLATE CAKE WITH CASSIS BERRIES



Classic Molten Chocolate Cake with Cassis Berries image

Provided by Trisha Yearwood

Categories     dessert

Time 1h45m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 15

1/2 cup creme de cassis
1 1/2 cups mixed berries
1 stick (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter, plus more for the ramekins
1 tablespoon cocoa powder, for dusting the ramekins
4 ounces good-quality bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
1 teaspoon instant espresso powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 pinch salt
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs plus 2 yolks
1 cup mascarpone
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Fresh mint sprigs, for garnish

Steps:

  • For the cassis berries: Put the cassis in a small saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Boil until reduced to about 3 tablespoons, about 5 minutes. Put the berries in a bowl and toss with the reduced cassis. Let stand, stirring occasionally, about 1 hour.
  • For the cake: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Butter four 4-ounce ramekins and dust with the cocoa powder.
  • Put the butter in a small saucepan and heat over low until melted. Add the chocolate, espresso powder, vanilla and salt and stir until thoroughly melted and combined. Stir in the flour.
  • Combine the sugar, whole eggs and yolks in a large bowl and beat with an electric mixer on high speed until pale and thick, about 3 minutes. Add the chocolate mixture to the beaten eggs and beat to combine. Divide the mixture among the ramekins (at this point, the cakes can be refrigerated up to 4 hours and then brought to room temperature before baking).
  • Put the ramekins on a baking sheet and bake until the tops and edges are set but about an inch in the center is still wobbly, about 12 minutes. Let the cakes stand for 1 minute. Run a thin knife around the edge of the cakes. Cover a ramekin with a small plate and invert the ramekin (using an oven mitt or towel) onto the plate. Remove the ramekin, leaving the cake on the plate. Repeat with the remaining cakes.
  • For the berry mascarpone: Transfer 3 tablespoons of the berry juices from the cassis berries to a bowl. Add the mascarpone, sugar and vanilla and mix to combine.
  • Dollop the berry mascarpone on the cakes and top with a spoonful of the cassis berries. Garnish with mint sprigs.

CLASSIC YELLOW CAKE WITH CHOCOLATE FROSTING



Classic Yellow Cake with Chocolate Frosting image

For birthdays, dinner parties, and celebrations, ditch the boxed mix and add this recipe to your repertoire. An egg yolk-only batter gives the cake a sturdier structure than a classic white cake and lends that iconic yellow color, while the milk keeps it moist. The all-American chocolate frosting couldn't be easier to make and is the perfect way to bring the cake layers together.

Provided by Katherine Sacks

Categories     Cake     Dessert     Birthday     Kid-Friendly     Chocolate     Vanilla     Butter     Bake     Small Plates

Yield 12-14 servings; Makes 1 (9-inch) double-layer cake

Number Of Ingredients 20

For the yellow cake:
Nonstick vegetable oil spray
3 cups cake flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup whole milk, room temperature
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
6 large egg yolks, room temperature
For the chocolate frosting:
1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
4 cups powdered sugar
1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 cup whole milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Sprinkles (for serving; optional)
Special Equipment
2 (9") round cake pans

Steps:

  • Make the cake:
  • Arrange a rack in middle of oven; preheat to 350°F. Lightly coat cake pans with nonstick spray. Line bottom of pans with parchment paper; lightly coat parchment with nonstick spray.
  • Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Stir milk and vanilla in another medium bowl.
  • Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat granulated sugar and butter in a large bowl, scraping down sides as needed, until light and creamy, about 5 minutes. Add yolks in 2 additions, scraping down bowl after each. (Batter may separate slightly; it will come back together after dry ingredients are added.)
  • Reduce mixer speed to low and add dry ingredients in 3 additions, alternating with milk mixture in 2 additions, beginning and ending with dry ingredients; beat until smooth. Divide batter between prepared pans (slightly less than 3 cups per pan); smooth top.
  • Bake cakes, rotating pans halfway through, until light golden brown, the centers spring back when gently pressed, and a tester inserted into the centers comes out with a few moist crumbs attached, 30-35 minutes.
  • Transfer cakes to wire racks; let cool in pans at least 15 minutes. Invert cakes onto racks, peel off parchment, and let cool completely.
  • Using a long serrated knife, trim top dome and any bumps from each cake to create a flat surface.
  • Make the frosting:
  • Using an electric mixer on high speed, beat butter in a large bowl until smooth, about 30 seconds. Reduce mixer speed to low and add powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, scraping sides and bottom of bowl often. Increase mixer speed to medium and add cocoa powder and salt, then add milk and vanilla. Continue to beat until light and fluffy, 2-3 minutes. Cover and store at room temperature until ready to use.
  • Assemble the cake:
  • Spread 1 Tbsp. frosting in the center of a platter. Place 1 cake layer, top side down, in the center. Evenly spread 1 1/2 cups frosting on top of cake with an offset spatula, pressing frosting outward toward edges. Carefully place second cake layer, top side down, over, gently pressing down to secure. Evenly spread 2 cups frosting over top and sides. Chill at least 15 minutes to let frosting set.
  • Spread remaining 2 cups frosting over top and sides, swirling decoratively, making sure to cover bottom of platter. Top with sprinkles, if desired. Chill at least 30 minutes or up to overnight to let frosting set.
  • Do Ahead
  • Cake can be made 3 days ahead; wrap tightly in plastic and chill, or freeze up to 2 weeks. Frosting can be made 3 days ahead; cover with plastic wrap, pressing directly on surface, and chill. Bring to room temperature before using.

MEMA'S CLASSIC TEXAS CHOCOLATE SHEET CAKE



Mema's Classic Texas Chocolate Sheet Cake image

My Mema didn't cook many things very well, but she had her few recipe's that she's perfected over the years, this being one of them. She was a southern girl born and raised in Texas and this recipe I believe, was her mother's, mother's. This is a melt in your mouth, classic chocolate sheet cake. If you have a sweet tooth, this recipe will melt you! Hope you enjoy :) Prep and cook time guesstimated.

Provided by life is poetry

Categories     Dessert

Time 35m

Yield 1 cake, 16 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 14

2 cups sugar
2 cups flour
1 cup margarine
3 1/2 tablespoons cocoa
1 cup water
2 eggs
1 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup margarine
3 1/2 tablespoons cocoa
1/3 cup milk
1 (12 ounce) box powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla

Steps:

  • For the cake:.
  • 1) In large bowl mix sugar and flour. Set aside.
  • 2) In saucepan bring to boil margarine, cocoa and water. Mix well.
  • 3) Pour over dry ingredients and add eggs, buttermilk, vanilla and baking soda. Mix very well!
  • 4) pour into greased pan and bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes.
  • For the frosting:.
  • 1) In saucepan bring to boil margarine, cocoa, and milk.
  • 2) Mix in powdered sugar and vanilla, boil slightly then set aside to cool.
  • 3) After cake cools slightly (still warm though) pour frosting over cake :) eat and enjoy!

MOM'S CLASSIC PUMPKIN AND CHOCOLATE CHIP CAKE



Mom's Classic Pumpkin and Chocolate Chip Cake image

Number Of Ingredients 14

1/2 cup Butter
3/4 cup Granulated Sugar
1/2 cup Brown Sugar
2 Eggs
1 teaspoon Vanilla
3/4 cup Pumpkin, canned or cooked
2 cups All-purpose flour
2 teaspoons Baking powder
1/2 teaspoon Baking soda
1/2 teaspoon Salt
1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon Ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon Ground allspice
1/2 cup Butter milk or sour milk

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  • Cream together butter and sugars.
  • Beat in eggs one at a time.
  • Beat in vanilla and pumpkin.
  • Mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and spices in a small bowl.
  • Add to butter mixture alternatively with buttermilk.
  • Pour batter into a greased 13-by-19-inch pan.
  • Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a tester inserted in the cake's centre comes out clean.
  • Cool and frost or sprinkle with icing sugar.

CLASSIC YELLOW CAKE WITH CHOCOLATE FROSTING



Classic Yellow Cake with Chocolate Frosting image

For birthdays, dinner parties, and celebrations, ditch the boxed mix and add this recipe to your repertoire. An egg yolk-only batter gives the cake a sturdier structure than a classic white cake and lends that iconic yellow color, while the milk keeps it moist. The all-American chocolate frosting couldn't be easier to make and is the perfect way to bring the cake layers together.

Categories     Cake     Dessert     Birthday     Kid-Friendly     Chocolate     Vanilla     Butter     Bake     Small Plates

Yield 4 cups

Number Of Ingredients 20

For the yellow cake:
Nonstick vegetable oil spray
3 cups cake flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup whole milk, room temperature
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
6 large egg yolks, room temperature
For the chocolate frosting:
1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
4 cups powdered sugar
1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 cup whole milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Sprinkles (for serving; optional)
Special Equipment
2 (9") round cake pans

Steps:

  • Make the cake:
  • Arrange a rack in middle of oven; preheat to 350°F. Lightly coat cake pans with nonstick spray. Line bottom of pans with parchment paper; lightly coat parchment with nonstick spray.
  • Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Stir milk and vanilla in another medium bowl.
  • Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat granulated sugar and butter in a large bowl, scraping down sides as needed, until light and creamy, about 5 minutes. Add yolks in 2 additions, scraping down bowl after each. (Batter may separate slightly; it will come back together after dry ingredients are added.)
  • Reduce mixer speed to low and add dry ingredients in 3 additions, alternating with milk mixture in 2 additions, beginning and ending with dry ingredients; beat until smooth. Divide batter between prepared pans (slightly less than 3 cups per pan); smooth top.
  • Bake cakes, rotating pans halfway through, until light golden brown, the centers spring back when gently pressed, and a tester inserted into the centers comes out with a few moist crumbs attached, 30-35 minutes.
  • Transfer cakes to wire racks; let cool in pans at least 15 minutes. Invert cakes onto racks, peel off parchment, and let cool completely.
  • Using a long serrated knife, trim top dome and any bumps from each cake to create a flat surface.
  • Make the frosting:
  • Using an electric mixer on high speed, beat butter in a large bowl until smooth, about 30 seconds. Reduce mixer speed to low and add powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, scraping sides and bottom of bowl often. Increase mixer speed to medium and add cocoa powder and salt, then add milk and vanilla. Continue to beat until light and fluffy, 2-3 minutes. Cover and store at room temperature until ready to use.
  • Assemble the cake:
  • Spread 1 Tbsp. frosting in the center of a platter. Place 1 cake layer, top side down, in the center. Evenly spread 1 1/2 cups frosting on top of cake with an offset spatula, pressing frosting outward toward edges. Carefully place second cake layer, top side down, over, gently pressing down to secure. Evenly spread 2 cups frosting over top and sides. Chill at least 15 minutes to let frosting set.
  • Spread remaining 2 cups frosting over top and sides, swirling decoratively, making sure to cover bottom of platter. Top with sprinkles, if desired. Chill at least 30 minutes or up to overnight to let frosting set.
  • Do Ahead
  • Cake can be made 3 days ahead; wrap tightly in plastic and chill, or freeze up to 2 weeks. Frosting can be made 3 days ahead; cover with plastic wrap, pressing directly on surface, and chill. Bring to room temperature before using.

Tips:

  • Use high-quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the cake will taste. Use real butter, sugar, eggs, and chocolate. Avoid using any artificial ingredients or substitutes.
  • Measure your ingredients accurately: This is essential for any baking recipe, but it is especially important for chocolate cake. If you don't measure your ingredients correctly, the cake may not turn out as expected.
  • Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing the batter can make the cake tough. Mix the batter just until the ingredients are combined.
  • Bake the cake in a preheated oven: This will help to ensure that the cake bakes evenly.
  • Let the cake cool completely before frosting it: This will help to prevent the frosting from melting.

Conclusion:

Chocolate cake is a classic dessert that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It is perfect for any occasion, from birthdays to holidays. With a little planning and effort, you can make a delicious chocolate cake that will impress your friends and family.

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