The Ultimate Simple Moist Chocolate Cake Recipe That Anyone Can Master

Have you ever craved a chocolate cake that’s simple to make, yet rich and full of chocolatey flavor?

Most recipes make it hard to get that perfectly moist, tender crumb.

The solution?

We’ve perfected a recipe that’s easy enough for beginners and guaranteed to deliver the best chocolate cake you’ve ever tasted.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through each step, so you can master a simple, moist chocolate cake that’s always a hit.

What Makes a Chocolate Cake Moist?

Key Ingredients and Their Roles

Each ingredient in this cake recipe plays a role in creating that chocolatey, rich texture and flavor:

1. All-Purpose Flour (1¾ cups / 220g)
   Flour gives structure to the cake. Measuring carefully prevents a dense texture.
2. Granulated Sugar (2 cups / 400g)
   Sweetens and helps retain moisture.
3. Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (¾ cup / 75g)
   The core of that rich chocolate flavor. Opt for high-quality cocoa powder if possible.
4. Baking Powder (1½ teaspoons) and Baking Soda (1½ teaspoons)
   These leavening agents help your cake rise, giving it a soft, fluffy texture.
5. Salt (1 teaspoon)
   Balances the sweetness and enhances the chocolate flavor.
6. Eggs (2 large, at room temperature)
   Binds everything together and adds richness. Room temperature eggs blend better for a smoother batter.
7. Whole Milk (1 cup / 240ml)
   Adds creaminess and moisture.
8. Vegetable Oil (½ cup / 120ml)
   Keeps the cake moist. Oil-based cakes stay soft and fresh longer than butter-based cakes.
9. Vanilla Extract (2 teaspoons)
   Complements and enhances the chocolate flavor.
10. Hot Brewed Coffee (1 cup / 240ml)
    Coffee deepens the chocolate flavor, making it richer without tasting like coffee.

The Role of Hot Coffee in Chocolate Cake

Surprised by coffee? Don’t be. Hot coffee (or even hot water if you’re not a fan) deepens the chocolatey flavor. It also makes the cake more tender by helping dissolve cocoa powder completely, giving your cake a smoother, richer texture.

Tip: For an extra chocolatey cake, add a handful of semi-sweet chocolate chips into the batter for that gooey, chocolatey burst.

For more information on baking see How to Bake and Measure at High Altitude

Steps To Making the Perfect Simple Moist Chocolate Cake Recipe

Ready to bake? Here’s a foolproof guide that breaks down every step to ensure a flawless chocolate cake.

1. Preheat and Prepare the Pans

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
  • 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1½ teaspoons baking powder
  • 1½ teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Sifting the dry ingredients is recommended to avoid clumps, resulting in a smoother batter.

3. Add the Wet Ingredients

• To the dry mixture, add:
  • 2 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• Use an electric hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed to mix everything for about 2 minutes until smooth.

4. Incorporate the Hot Coffee

• Slowly pour in 1 cup of hot brewed coffee. Stir gently until the batter is well-mixed. The batter will be thin—this is what helps create a moist texture.

5. Bake

• Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans.
• Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

6. Cool

• Let the cakes cool in their pans for about 10 minutes.
• Transfer to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.

7. Prepare the Frosting

• In a mixing bowl, beat 1 cup softened butter on medium speed until creamy.
• Gradually add 3½ cups powdered sugar and ½ cup cocoa powder, mixing on low speed.
• Add ½ teaspoon salt, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, and ¼ cup heavy cream.
• Increase speed to high and beat for 3 minutes until light and fluffy.

8. Assemble the Cake

• Place one cake layer on a serving plate.
• Spread a generous amount of frosting on top.
• Add the second layer and frost the top and sides of the cake.

Notes and Tips for Success

Here are a few extra tips to make sure your cake comes out just right.

• Hot Coffee Twist: Adding hot coffee instead of water brings out the chocolate flavor, making it richer and more intense.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room-temp eggs and milk makes the batter smoother and helps the cake bake more evenly.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap out all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend if needed.
• Storage: Keep the cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you need to keep it longer, pop it in the fridge—it’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days.

Chocolate Buttercream Frosting Recipe: A Perfect Pair

What’s a chocolate cake without frosting? Here’s how to make a rich, creamy chocolate buttercream that’s easy to spread and tastes amazing.

Ingredients for the Frosting:

• Unsalted Butter (1 cup / 230g, softened)
  • Creamy and smooth, butter is the base of the frosting.
• Powdered Sugar (3½ cups / 440g)
  • Sweetens the frosting and adds a smooth, spreadable texture.
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (½ cup / 45g)
  • Adds a rich chocolate flavor to the frosting.
• Salt (½ teaspoon)
  • Balances the sweetness.
• Vanilla Extract (2 teaspoons)
  • Enhances the chocolate flavor and rounds it out.
• Heavy Cream (¼ cup / 60ml)
  • Makes the frosting creamy and easy to spread.

Frosting Directions:

1. Beat the Butter: In a mixing bowl, beat the butter until creamy.
2. Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, mixing on low.
3. Add Vanilla and Cream: Pour in the vanilla and heavy cream. Increase speed to high and beat for 3 minutes, until fluffy.

Pro Tip: For a darker chocolate flavor, add melted semi-sweet chocolate or dark chocolate chips to the frosting.

Simple Moist Chocolate Cake Recipe

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Ingredient Alternatives for Dietary Needs

Not everyone can have the traditional ingredients. Here are some swaps to make this chocolate cake accessible for various dietary preferences:

• Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of cake flour.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute almond milk or coconut milk for whole milk.
• Egg-Free: Replace each egg with ¼ cup applesauce or a flaxseed “egg” (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water).

Expert Tips for Baking the Best Chocolate Cake

1. Room Temperature Ingredients: Room temperature eggs and milk blend better, helping create a smoother batter.
2. Sift Cocoa Powder: Cocoa powder clumps easily; sifting it helps create a smoother batter.
3. Don’t Over-Bake: Over-baking dries out cake. Check at 30 minutes with a toothpick to avoid dry crumbs.
4. Use Fresh Baking Powder and Baking Soda: These lose effectiveness over time, so make sure they’re fresh for a proper rise.

Decorating Ideas for a Beautiful Chocolate Cake

Want your cake to stand out? Here are some simple decorating tips:

• Shaved Chocolate: Use a chocolate bar for fresh shavings on top.
• Chocolate Ganache Drip: Melt chocolate with heavy cream and drizzle it over the edges.
• Fresh Berries: Raspberries and strawberries add color and tartness.
• Edible Flowers: Add a fancy touch with edible flowers like violets or pansies.

FAQs About Chocolate Cake

Disclosure: This article uses automation for structure, but all insights and advice are provided by Ryan Yates, an experienced executive chef with over 20 years of expertise. Additionally, this post may contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you purchase through them, at no extra cost to you. This helps support our work and allows us to keep providing high-quality content.