Chocolate Cake with Vanilla Frosting
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
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
- 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