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Moist Chocolate Cake

Featured in Indulgent Dessert Recipes to Satisfy Any Sweet Tooth.

This decadent chocolate cake uses buttermilk and coffee to achieve a soft, moist texture. Its creamy chocolate frosting makes it perfect for celebrations!

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Updated on Tue, 18 Mar 2025 20:53:17 GMT
A plate of chocolate cake slice with frosting and chocolate chips on top, sitting on white tableware. Pin it
A plate of chocolate cake slice with frosting and chocolate chips on top, sitting on white tableware. | chefmelt.com

Delicious Homemade Triple Chocolate Delight

I wanna tell you about my go-to chocolate cake that always gets tons of compliments. This knockout triple chocolate creation has three amazing chocolate elements - a super soft and moist base, velvety chocolate buttercream, and crunchy chocolate chips scattered on top. I've baked this countless times and it never disappoints those who can't get enough chocolate.

What Makes This Sweet Treat Special

This incredible chocolate masterpiece will blow your mind because:

  • You'll get an incredibly moist texture thanks to oil and buttermilk
  • Chocolate flavor comes packed in the cake, topping, and decorative chips
  • The batter doesn't even require an electric mixer
  • You can transform it into cupcakes, a sheet cake, or classic layers

Simple Ingredients for Triple Chocolate Delight

  • All-Purpose Flour: Standard kitchen flour does the job perfectly.
  • Natural Cocoa Powder: This gives you that authentic chocolate intensity.
  • Buttermilk: The secret behind the cake's incredible softness.
  • Oil: I always use this instead of butter for guaranteed moistness.
  • Hot Coffee: Don't stress, your cake won't taste like your morning cup, it just enhances the chocolate.
  • Chocolate Chips: These finish off the triple chocolate experience wonderfully.

Simple Preparation Guide

Get Everything Ready
Turn your oven to 350°F and collect all your items. Grease two 9-inch round tins with butter and put parchment paper in them. Starting with everything prepared makes baking so much smoother.
Combine Dry Components
Take a big bowl and mix flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder and salt until they're fully blended. This prevents any lumps ruining your cake.
Mix Wet Elements
In a separate bowl, stir together eggs, vegetable oil, buttermilk and vanilla until they're smooth. This mix is why your cake turns out so moist.
Blend Everything Together
Gradually add your wet mix into the dry stuff while gently stirring. Then pour in hot coffee and mix until your batter looks silky. Don't worry if it seems runny, it'll bake up beautifully.
Bake It Right
Split the batter between your pans and bake for 30-35 minutes. You'll know they're done when a toothpick comes out with just a few damp crumbs attached.
Whip Up The Frosting
While cooling happens, beat soft butter until it's fluffy, then mix in cocoa powder and powdered sugar bit by bit. Add vanilla and heavy cream until you've got smooth, spreadable frosting.
Put It All Together
Once totally cool, place one cake on your serving dish. Spread lots of frosting on top, then add the second cake. Cover everything with the remaining frosting using smooth motions.
Add The Finishing Touch
Push chocolate chips around the sides and sprinkle some on top for that triple chocolate look. Chill for 30 minutes before serving so the frosting sets properly.

Tricks For Perfect Results

  • Basic Cocoa Works Best: Don't bother with fancy cocoa types, regular natural cocoa gives the best results.
  • Don't Overmix: Just stir until everything's combined, the batter doesn't need heavy mixing.
  • Use What You've Got: This works in different pan shapes and sizes with minor time adjustments.
  • Warm Ingredients Work Better: Take cold stuff out of the fridge early for smoother mixing.
A rich chocolate cake is topped with swirls of chocolate frosting and chocolate chips, sitting on a decorative cake stand. Pin it
A rich chocolate cake is topped with swirls of chocolate frosting and chocolate chips, sitting on a decorative cake stand. | chefmelt.com

Smart Keeping Instructions

Your creation will stay fresh for 2 days at room temperature if stored in an airtight container, or up to 5 days in the fridge. Planning way ahead? The unfrosted cake layers can be tightly wrapped and frozen for up to 3 months. Just let them thaw overnight when you're ready to frost and finish.

The Perfect Chocolate Indulgence

I always turn to this triple chocolate wonder for any special event. It's perfect for birthdays, holidays, or whenever you're craving serious chocolate. The mix of soft cake, creamy topping, and crunchy chips creates something truly irresistible. Enjoy it with cold milk or add some ice cream on the side for a show-stopping treat that'll have everyone begging for your secret.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Is coffee necessary for this recipe?

Adding coffee enhances the chocolate flavor but doesn’t make the cake taste like coffee.

→ Why should the ingredients not be cold?

Using room temperature ingredients ensures the batter blends evenly, giving a smooth texture to your cake.

→ Can I make this in advance?

Absolutely! The baked layers freeze well for up to 3 months, and frosting can be prepared 2–3 days early.

→ Why is unsweetened cocoa chosen here?

Natural cocoa pairs with baking soda to help the cake rise properly.

→ Why might the cake sink a little in the middle?

That’s common with cocoa-heavy cakes. Cocoa powder traps less moisture than flour does.

Moist Chocolate Cake

A rich chocolate cake with perfectly soft layers, topped with smooth chocolate buttercream.

Prep Time
30 Minutes
Cook Time
25 Minutes
Total Time
55 Minutes

Category: Dessert Recipes

Difficulty: Difficult

Cuisine: American

Yield: 16 Servings (1)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1 cup + 3/4 cup plain flour.
02 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder.
03 2 teaspoons of baking soda.
04 1 teaspoon of baking powder.
05 A pinch of salt (1 teaspoon).
06 1 3/4 cups of regular sugar.
07 2 teaspoons of espresso powder (optional).
08 1/2 cup of neutral oil, like sunflower.
09 2 large eggs (let them sit at room temperature first).
10 1 cup buttermilk (shouldn't be cold).
11 2 teaspoons of vanilla essence.
12 1 cup strong black coffee, nice and hot.
13 1 1/4 cups of softened unsalted butter.
14 3 1/2 cups of powdered sugar (a.k.a icing sugar).
15 3 to 5 tablespoons heavy cream.
16 A dash of salt (1/4 teaspoon).
17 1 teaspoon extra vanilla extract.

Instructions

Step 01

Turn your oven to 175°C (350°F) and get two 23cm (9-inch) round tins ready with baking paper at the base.

Step 02

In a bowl, whisk the flour, cocoa, sugar, salt, baking soda, baking powder, and espresso powder until it's all blended nicely.

Step 03

Using a mixer with the whisk attachment, combine the oil, eggs, and vanilla well.

Step 04

Add buttermilk to your wet mixture and mix until smooth.

Step 05

Slowly mix the combined liquids into the dry ingredients while pouring in the hot coffee.

Step 06

Whisk everything until the batter is silky smooth—it'll be quite runny, so no need to worry.

Step 07

Split your batter evenly between the tins. Use a scale if you’ve got one!

Step 08

Bake for about 23 to 26 minutes. They're done if a skewer poked in the middle comes out clean.

Step 09

Let the cakes cool completely in the tins before taking them out.

Step 10

Take your softened butter and beat it until it's creamy—about 2 minutes should do it.

Step 11

Slowly mix in the icing sugar, cocoa powder, cream, salt, and vanilla extract.

Step 12

Start mixing your frosting on low speed, then whip it on high until it's light and fluffy.

Step 13

If your cake tops are domed, trim them to make flat layers.

Step 14

Layer the cakes with frosting in between, then cover the whole outside with the rest of the frosting.

Step 15

Place your frosted cake in the fridge for 30 to 60 minutes to let it firm up nicely before slicing.

Notes

  1. Great to make in advance!
  2. Freezing this works well.
  3. A rich, triple-chocolate treat.
  4. Ideal for any kind of party.

Tools You'll Need

  • Two 23cm cake tins.
  • Stand or hand mixer.
  • Non-stick baking paper.
  • Cooling racks.
  • A spatula for frosting.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (buttermilk, butter, cream).
  • Eggs.
  • Gluten (flour).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 450
  • Total Fat: 22 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 65 g
  • Protein: 6 g