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chocolate cake with vanilla frosting

Chocolate cake with vanilla frosting Recipe

Maria
A rich, moist chocolate cake layered with creamy vanilla frosting—perfect for celebrations or any sweet craving! This recipe is easy to follow and guarantees a delicious dessert every time.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 28 minutes
Total Time 53 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12

Ingredients
  

For the Cake:

  • ½ cup unsalted butter softened, for a smooth batter
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar for balanced sweetness
  • 2 large eggs room temperature, to bind and enrich the batter
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour for structure
  • ½ cup unsweetened dark cocoa powder the heart of the chocolate flavor
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt to enhance the other flavors
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda to help the cake rise
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder for an extra lift
  • ½ cup strong brewed coffee cooled, for depth of flavor
  • ½ cup milk to keep the cake moist

For the Frosting:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened, for a creamy base
  • 4 ½ cups powdered sugar for sweetness and structure
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract to infuse classic vanilla flavor
  • 3-4 tablespoons milk to achieve the perfect consistency
  • 1 ½ cups mini semi-sweet chocolate morsels optional, for decoration

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

  • Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing two 9-inch round cake pans. Line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, baking soda, and baking powder. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

  • In a measuring cup, mix the cooled coffee and milk. Set aside.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar

  • Using an electric mixer, beat the butter and granulated sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy. This should take about 5 minutes.

Step 5: Incorporate Eggs

  • Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure a smooth mixture.

Step 6: Alternate Additions

  • Gradually add the dry ingredients and the coffee-milk mixture to the butter-sugar mixture, alternating between the two. Begin and end with the dry ingredients.

Step 7: Bake the Cake

  • Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 25-28 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Prepare the Frosting

  • Beat the butter on high speed for 3-4 minutes until pale and fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk, beating until the frosting reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency.

Step 9: Assemble the Cake

  • Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread ¼ of the frosting evenly over the top.
  • Sprinkle a handful of mini chocolate morsels over the frosting if desired.
  • Add the second cake layer on top and apply a thin crumb coat around the sides and top. Refrigerate for 15 minutes.
  • Finish with the remaining frosting, smoothing it out evenly.