Calling all chocolate lovers! If you’ve been on the hunt for the perfect, melt-in-your-mouth chocolate cake, then look no further. This Moist Chocolate Cake is rich, decadent, and unbelievably soft, with just the right amount of sweetness and cocoa flavor to make it the ultimate dessert. Whether it’s for a birthday, a holiday, or a sweet treat just because, this cake is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, so you don’t have to be a baking expert to create this little slice of chocolate heaven.
Prepare yourself for a moist, fluffy cake that will melt on your tongue with every bite. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll never go back to any other chocolate cake!
Why You’ll Love Moist Chocolate Cake
- Incredibly Moist: This cake is known for its ultra-soft, tender crumb. Thanks to a blend of wet and dry ingredients, the cake stays moist for days!
- Perfectly Chocolatey: It strikes the ideal balance between a rich, deep cocoa flavor and just the right amount of sweetness. It’s everything you love about chocolate, all wrapped up in one delicious bite.
- Simple Ingredients: The best part? You likely already have most of the ingredients in your pantry. This cake is about using the basics to make something extraordinary.
- Foolproof Recipe: Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a complete beginner, this recipe is incredibly easy to follow, with results that are consistently perfect every time.
- Versatile: This cake can be served as is or dressed up with frosting, whipped cream, or fresh berries. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re serving it at a party or indulging by yourself.

Ingredients
For the Chocolate Cake:
- All-purpose flour: The base of the cake that holds everything together and gives it structure.
- Cocoa powder: The star ingredient for that deep chocolate flavor. Use unsweetened cocoa powder for the best results.
- Baking soda: Helps the cake rise, making it light and fluffy.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavor of the chocolate.
- Granulated sugar: Adds the sweetness that complements the richness of the cocoa.
- Eggs: Provide structure, moisture, and tenderness to the cake.
- Buttermilk: Adds tang and helps create a soft, moist texture. It reacts with the baking soda to give the cake lift.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a touch of warmth and depth of flavor to the cake.
- Boiling water: Helps to intensify the chocolate flavor, making the cake extra rich and moist.
(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card above.)
Instructions
Ready to make the best chocolate cake of your life? Let’s get started!
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, beat together the sugar and eggs until light and fluffy. Add the buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract, and mix until combined.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing just until the batter is smooth. Be careful not to overmix!
Step 5: Add Boiling Water
Slowly pour in the boiling water, mixing continuously. This will create a thin batter, but don’t worry—it’s supposed to be like this. It helps the cake stay extra moist!
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs.
Step 7: Cool the Cake
Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. If you’re in a hurry, you can pop them in the fridge for a quicker cool-down.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 12 slices
Calories per slice: 300
Total Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 50mg
Sodium: 150mg
Total Carbohydrate: 39g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 26g
Protein: 4g
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Total Time: 50-55 minutes
How to Serve Moist Chocolate Cake
- With Frosting: A rich chocolate frosting or a simple vanilla buttercream would make a perfect pairing. Try adding some sprinkles or even chocolate chips for extra flair.
- With Whipped Cream: Top a slice with freshly whipped cream for a lighter, decadent treat.
- With Ice Cream: Serve warm slices of the cake with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.
- As a Standalone: This cake is delicious on its own, but it’s even more impressive with a few decorative touches like fresh berries or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Additional Tips
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best texture, make sure your eggs and buttermilk are at room temperature before mixing them with the dry ingredients.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the cake while it’s baking. Overbaking can make the cake dry, so remove it from the oven as soon as a toothpick comes out clean.
- Moisture Tip: The boiling water may seem unusual, but it’s the secret to keeping this cake incredibly moist and soft.
- Customize It: You can add chocolate chips, crushed nuts, or even a swirl of peanut butter to the batter for an extra flavor boost.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
A1: Yes! You can substitute regular milk, but buttermilk gives the cake its moist, tender crumb and adds a bit of tang.
Q2: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day or two in advance and store it in an airtight container. Just be sure to frost it before serving.
Q3: Can I freeze this cake?
A3: Yes! Once the cake has cooled completely, wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw before frosting and serving.
Q4: Can I make this recipe into cupcakes?
A4: Yes, this recipe works perfectly as cupcakes! Bake for about 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Q5: How do I make the cake less sweet?
A5: You can reduce the amount of sugar slightly, but keep in mind that it may affect the texture. A little less sugar should still work well without compromising the cake’s moisture.
Q6: Can I add a layer of filling in the middle of the cake?
A6: Yes! You could add a layer of chocolate ganache, whipped cream, or even fruit preserves in the middle for an extra touch.
Q7: How do I store leftover cake?
A7: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate it for up to a week.
Q8: Can I make this cake gluten-free?
A8: Yes! You can use a gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour. Just make sure your other ingredients are also gluten-free.
Q9: Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
A9: Yes, substitute the buttermilk with a dairy-free alternative like almond milk and use dairy-free butter or oil.
Q10: What frosting goes best with this cake?
A10: A rich chocolate buttercream or a light vanilla buttercream would pair perfectly with the deep chocolate flavor of this cake.
Conclusion
This Moist Chocolate Cake is the ultimate chocolate lover’s dream. Whether you serve it with frosting, a scoop of ice cream, or just on its own, it’s sure to be the highlight of any occasion. Simple, delicious, and always a hit—what’s not to love? Grab your ingredients and bake this irresistible treat today!
Print
Moist Chocolate Cake
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
This Moist Chocolate Cake is the ultimate indulgence for chocolate lovers! With a rich, tender crumb and a deep chocolate flavor, it’s the perfect dessert for any occasion. The cake stays incredibly moist thanks to the combination of ingredients, and it pairs beautifully with frosting or a simple dusting of powdered sugar. Whether you’re making it for a birthday, celebration, or just to satisfy a chocolate craving, this cake will not disappoint.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
- ½ cup sour cream or buttermilk (for added moisture)
For the Frosting (optional, if desired):
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
-
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper.Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients.
Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until the batter is smooth and well combined.Step 4: Add the Boiling Water and Sour Cream
Stir in the sour cream (or buttermilk) for extra moisture.
Slowly pour in the boiling water, mixing constantly. The batter will be thin, but this is normal and will result in a moist cake.Step 5: Bake the Cake
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.Step 6: Cool the Cakes
Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes.
Then, remove the cakes from the pans and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.Step 7: Make the Frosting (Optional)
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, alternating with the milk, and beat until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.Step 8: Assemble and Frost the Cake
Once the cakes are completely cool, spread frosting on top of one cake layer.
Top with the second layer and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.Step 9: Serve
Slice and enjoy! For an extra touch, sprinkle some chocolate shavings or a dusting of cocoa powder on top of the frosted cake.
Notes
- Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.
- Frosting Options: You can also use store-bought chocolate frosting or a ganache if you prefer a quicker option.
- Make-Ahead: The cake layers can be baked a day ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Frost just before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (based on 12 servings)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 40g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg