If you’re craving a dessert that’s irresistibly moist, decadently rich, and topped with a smooth, creamy vanilla touch, then you’re in the right place. The Chocolate Cake with Vanilla Frosting recipe combines the best of both worlds: deep chocolate flavor paired with light, sweet vanilla frosting that melts in your mouth. Whether it’s for a celebration, a cozy night in, or just a special treat, this delightful cake will quickly become your favorite go-to dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The rich chocolate cake and the sweet vanilla frosting complement each other without overpowering the palate.
Moist and Tender Texture: Every bite is soft and moist, thanks to the carefully chosen ingredients and baking technique.
Simple Ingredients: Uses common pantry staples that you likely already have, making it easy to whip up anytime.
Versatile for Occasions: Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or casual get-together, this cake fits every celebration.
Easy to Customize: You can tweak this recipe with add-ins or different frostings to suit your taste or dietary needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing the perfect chocolate cake with vanilla frosting. These simple essentials not only ensure great taste but also contribute to the cake’s moistness, fluffiness, and that irresistible silky frosting.

All-Purpose Flour: The base of the cake, providing structure and lightness.
Cocoa Powder: Use unsweetened cocoa for that deep chocolate intensity.
Baking Powder and Baking Soda: Together they help the cake rise perfectly and stay airy.
Sugar: Adds sweetness and moisture to the batter.
Milk: Keeps the cake tender while balancing the cocoa’s bitterness.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients and add richness.
Butter: Offers a velvety texture and enhances flavor.
Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and depth to both the cake and frosting.
Confectioners’ Sugar: Essential for a smooth and creamy vanilla frosting.
Heavy Cream or Milk: Used to achieve that fluffy, spreadable frosting consistency.

Variations for Chocolate Cake with Vanilla Frosting

One of the best things about this chocolate cake with vanilla frosting is how easily it transforms to fit your mood or dietary preferences. Feel free to experiment—customizing this classic recipe is a breeze!

Nutty Delight: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for a crunchy surprise.
Vegan Version: Swap eggs for flaxseed meal and use plant-based milk and butter alternatives.
Fruity Twist: Fold fresh raspberries or strawberries into the frosting for a burst of freshness.
Mocha Flavor: Incorporate instant coffee powder into the cake for a subtle coffee kick.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend without sacrificing texture or flavor.

Best Chocolate Cake with Vanilla Frosting Recipes

How to Make Chocolate Cake with Vanilla Frosting

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing two 9-inch round cake pans. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and a pinch of salt until well combined.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each, then stir in vanilla extract. Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients to keep the batter smooth and consistent.

Step 3: Bake the Cakes

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Use a toothpick to check doneness—it should come out clean. Allow the cakes to cool completely on wire racks before frosting.

Step 4: Prepare the Vanilla Frosting

To make the frosting, beat softened butter until creamy, then gradually add confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, and a splash of milk or cream. Continue whipping until light and fluffy, perfect for spreading or piping.

Step 5: Assemble and Frost

Place one cake layer on your serving plate, spread a generous dollop of vanilla frosting over it, then top with the second layer. Frost the top and sides evenly, smoothing the surface or adding decorative swirls with a spatula or piping bag.

Pro Tips for Making Chocolate Cake with Vanilla Frosting

Room Temperature Ingredients: Using butter, eggs, and milk at room temperature helps blend the batter smoothly for a tender crumb.
Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined to avoid a dense cake.
Proper Cooling: Cool the cakes completely before frosting to prevent melting or sliding.
Use Quality Cocoa: Great cocoa powder makes a big difference in flavor intensity.
Adjust Frosting Consistency: Add more milk or sugar to frostings if needed for spreading or piping.

How to Serve Chocolate Cake with Vanilla Frosting

Garnishes

Sprinkle chocolate shavings, colorful sprinkles, or fresh berries on the frosting for an eye-catching and tasty finishing touch that elevates presentation.

Side Dishes

Serve slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, fresh whipped cream, or a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce to round out the dessert experience deliciously.

Creative Ways to Present

Try layering the cake into a trifle, cutting into cupcake-sized portions, or arranging cake pops coated in vanilla frosting for fun, bite-sized treats perfect for parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover cake tightly covered in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to maintain freshness and moisture.

Freezing

If you want to save it for later, wrap cake layers and frosting separately in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before assembling.

Reheating

Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds to bring out the softness and enhance flavor, but avoid overheating to prevent drying.

FAQs

Can I use cocoa powder substitutes in this Chocolate Cake with Vanilla Frosting?

You can substitute cocoa powder with melted chocolate by reducing the butter slightly, but it may change the texture and richness of the cake.

Is this recipe suitable for beginners?

Absolutely! This chocolate cake with vanilla frosting uses straightforward steps and common ingredients, making it perfect for novice bakers.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, simply replace butter with plant-based margarine and use almond or oat milk instead of dairy milk to make a dairy-free version.

How long does the frosting stay fresh?

Vanilla frosting is best enjoyed within 3 to 4 days when stored in the refrigerator inside an airtight container.

Can I use this frosting on other cakes?

Definitely! This smooth and creamy vanilla frosting pairs beautifully with many cakes beyond chocolate, including vanilla, spice, or carrot cakes.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about a classic Chocolate Cake with Vanilla Frosting that brings comfort and joy with every bite. Easy to make, adaptable, and beautifully balanced in flavor, this recipe is a delightful treat you’ll want to keep in your baking repertoire. So why wait? Grab your ingredients, dive into the process, and enjoy the sweet reward of homemade goodness shared with the people you love.

Chocolate Cake with Vanilla Frosting

Print Recipe

This Chocolate Cake with Vanilla Frosting is a delectably moist and rich dessert that perfectly balances deep chocolate flavor with smooth, sweet vanilla frosting. Ideal for celebrations or a cozy night in, it uses simple pantry ingredients and straightforward steps to create a tender cake topped with creamy frosting that melts in your mouth.

Author: Lina
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 to 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 to 55 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Category: Desserts
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Ingredients

1 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups sugar
1 cup milk (room temperature)
2 large eggs (room temperature)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Vanilla Frosting Ingredients

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 to 4 cups confectioners’ sugar
1 to 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 to 4 tablespoons heavy cream or milk

Instructions

Prepare the Cake Batter: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans. In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract. Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients to keep the batter smooth and consistent.
Bake the Cakes: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Use a toothpick inserted into the center to check doneness—it should come out clean. Allow the cakes to cool completely on wire racks before frosting.
Prepare the Vanilla Frosting: Beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, and a splash of milk or heavy cream. Continue whipping until the frosting is light and fluffy, suitable for spreading or piping.
Assemble and Frost: Place one cake layer on your serving plate. Spread a generous dollop of vanilla frosting over it, then top with the second layer. Frost the top and sides evenly, smoothing the surface or adding decorative swirls with a spatula or piping bag.

Notes

Use room temperature ingredients such as butter, eggs, and milk to ensure a smooth batter and tender crumb.
Mix the batter just until combined to avoid developing a dense cake texture.
Cool the cake layers completely before applying frosting to prevent melting or sliding.
Choose high-quality cocoa powder to maximize chocolate flavor intensity.
Adjust frosting consistency by adding more milk or sugar as needed for easier spreading or piping.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
Calories: 350 kcal
Sugar: 28 g
Sodium: 210 mg
Fat: 18 g
Saturated Fat: 10 g
Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
Trans Fat: 0.5 g
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 4 g
Cholesterol: 65 mg

Keywords: chocolate cake, vanilla frosting, moist chocolate cake, rich chocolate dessert, easy cake recipe, homemade chocolate cake