The Most Amazing Chocolate Cake Recipe (2024)

Indulge in the ultimate chocolate experience with The Most Amazing Chocolate Cake. Moist, rich, and made in a single bowl, this chocolate cake has received thousands of rave reviews. Satisfy your chocolate cravings with the chocolate cake of your dreams.

The Most Amazing Chocolate Cake Recipe (1)

Are you ready for the most heavenly chocolate cake you’ve ever tasted? After years of testing, we have finally perfected the ultimate chocolate cake recipe. This rich, fudgy chocolate cake will melt in your mouth with every bite. Its fluffy, moist crumb is coated in a thick layer of decadent chocolate frosting, making it a true indulgence for chocolate lovers. And the best part? It’s so easy to make, with just one bowl for the batter.

Our recipe has been tried and loved by tens of thousands of people worldwide, all of whom agree that it is the most amazing chocolate cake ever. In fact, it has gained the nickname “The Matilda Cake” because it resembles the decadent cake eaten by Bruce Bogtrotter in the movie Matilda.

Substitution Options

What is buttermilk and can it be substituted?

Buttermilk is a liquid that is left over after churning butter. It is an important ingredient in this recipe due to the way it interacts with other ingredients. Buttermilk can be easily substituted with a mixture of milk and vinegar or lemon juice, or with almond or soy milk and white vinegar. You can also find more in-depth information on how to make a buttermilk substitute in this post.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can make this recipe dairy-free. Simply add 2 tablespoons of white vinegar to almond or soy milk, let it stand for 5 minutes, and use the mixture in place of the buttermilk. You can also use a dairy-free frosting option for the frosting.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be gluten-free by using a “Cup for Cup” gluten-free flour blend in the same amounts as the regular flour called for in the recipe.

What can be used as a substitute for eggs in this chocolate cake recipe?

There are several options that work well as egg substitutes in this recipe:

  • 1/4 cup of plain yogurt per egg
  • 1 tablespoon vinegar+ 1 teaspoon baking powder whisked together per egg
  • 1/4 cup mashed banana per egg
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce per egg

Adapting the Recipe for Different Sizes and Shapes of Cakes

This chocolate cake recipe yields approximately 9 cups of batter total, or 3 cups for each of the 9-inch layers. Here are some popular pan sizes and the approximate amount of batter needed for each individual pan:

  • 9×2-inch round pan: 3 cups batter
  • 8×2-inch round pan: 2 1/4 cups batter
  • 13×18-inch jelly roll pan: 6 cups batter
  • 9×13-inch pan: 6 cups batter
  • 12 standard cupcakes: 3 cups batter
  • 10-12 cup bundt cake pan: 8 cups batter

As a general rule, cake pans should be filled 2/3rds of the way full for cake baking, unless otherwise specified in the recipe.

It’s always a good idea to check for doneness by inserting a toothpick or cake tester into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached, the cake is likely done. You can also gently press the center of the cake with your finger – if it springs back, it is probably ready to be removed from the oven.

Keep in mind that these are just general guidelines and the actual baking time may vary depending on factors such as your oven’s temperature accuracy, the type of pan you are using, and the altitude at which you are baking. It’s always a good idea to keep an eye on your cake as it bakes and to make any necessary adjustments to the baking time as needed.

Types of Cocoa Powder

Cocoa powder is an important ingredient in many baked goods and can affect the flavor and texture of the final product. It is important to use the type of cocoa powder specified in a recipe, as using the wrong type can alter the balance of flavors and sweetness. There are several types of cocoa powder available, each with its own distinct flavor and properties.

Hershey’s Unsweetened Cocoa Powder was used in this cake recipe as it is widely available to readers. You can also use higher-quality cocoa powders such as Ghiradelli or those from specialty chocolatier shops, but they can be expensive. It is recommended to avoid using inexpensive store brands as they tend to not produce the best results. For the dark-colored frosting in these photos, Hershey’s Special Dark Unsweetened Cocoa Powder was used.

Dutch-process cocoa powder is a type of cocoa that has been treated with an alkali to neutralize its acidity. It has a milder flavor and darker color than natural cocoa powder, and is also easier to dissolve in liquids. When using dutch-process cocoa powder in place of unsweetened cocoa powder in a recipe, it is important to consider that it may behave differently due to its lower acidity. However, in this recipe, dutch-process cocoa can be used without making any other modifications.

Frosting Options

This cake recipe pairs well with the chocolate cream cheese buttercream frosting, but feel free to try other frosting flavors to create your own unique cake. Other frosting options include a chocolate buttercream, whipped chocolate ganache, ermine frosting, 7-minute frosting, sweetened condensed milk frosting, and a pourable chocolate fudge icing that’s suitable for sheet cakes and 9×13 cakes. Simply click on the images below for more information about each of these frosting options.

If you like this recipe, be sure to check out my other amazing cake recipes:

  • White Cake
  • Vanilla Cake Recipe
  • Red Velvet Cake
  • Strawberry Cake
  • Carrot Cake
  • Coconut Cake

Watch the video belowwhere Rachel will walk you through every step of this recipe. Sometimes it helps to have a visual, and we’ve always got you covered with our cooking show. You can find the complete collection of recipes onYouTube,Facebook Watch,or ourFacebook Page, or right here on our website with their corresponding recipes.

The Most Amazing Chocolate Cake Recipe (11)
The Most Amazing Chocolate Cake Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Is brown sugar good for chocolate cake? ›

Brown Sugar Lends Caramel Undertones And Helps Lock In Moisture. Incorporating brown sugar into your chocolate cake recipes can elevate them from good to unforgettable. Tasting Table's recipe developer, Molly Allen, demonstrates this beautifully in her elegant yet simple death by chocolate cake recipe.

How do you make a box cake taste richer? ›

Enhance With Extracts

Pure vanilla extract and pure almond extract are great options, but you could also try lemon extract or orange extract paired with fresh citrus zest. Although more expensive, vanilla bean paste or fresh vanilla beans will provide even richer flavor to a boxed mix.

Why is chocolate cake yummy? ›

The main ingredient of the chocolate in this Cake is cocoa, which helps our brain release endorphins or the "feel good" chemical. It is why our moods lighten whenever we eat this Cake, and we feel a lot better.

Can I use white sugar instead of brown sugar in chocolate cake? ›

Lovely to hear from you. Yes, you can swap out light brown sugar for granulated sugar; just substitute the same amount.

What happens when you add brown sugar to a cake? ›

Substituting brown sugar could result in a cake with a slightly different flavor profile. Texture: Brown sugar has a bit more moisture than white sugar because of the molasses content. This can affect the texture of the cake, making it slightly softer and more tender.

How to make a box cake taste like a bakery? ›

Step 1: Look at the directions on the cake mix. Step 2: Add one more egg (or add 2 if you want it to be very rich). Step 3: Use melted butter instead of oil and double the amount. Step 4: Instead of water, use whole milk.

How to make chocolate box cake taste homemade Paula Deen? ›

So, I always start with a box mix, but I doctor it up.
  1. Add one extra egg. Usually, box mixes call for 3 large eggs. I use 4.
  2. Substitute melted (but not hot) unsalted butter for the required oil.
  3. Add one box of appropriately flavored pudding.
  4. Substitute a flavored liquid for the water, if appropriate.
Jul 12, 2020

How to enhance chocolate flavor in cake? ›

Espresso powder can be added to just about any chocolate cake recipe for an intensified chocolate flavor. Just know that since it's super concentrated, a little goes a long way. Your cake will only need about a ½–1½ teaspoons, depending on your preferences.

What happens if you put too much baking powder in a cake? ›

Too much baking powder can cause the batter to be bitter tasting. It can also cause the batter to rise rapidly and then collapse. (i.e. The air bubbles in the batter grow too large and break causing the batter to fall.) Cakes will have a coarse, fragile crumb with a fallen center.

What happens if you put too much baking soda in a cake? ›

Know that too much baking soda or baking powder in cakes will not just lead to a metallic and bitter taste, but it can also make a big mess in the oven as it will rise beyond expectations.

Should I use brown or white sugar for chocolate cake? ›

The molasses in brown sugar makes it thicker and gives it more moisture. When you're baking, that moisture transfers to softer chocolate cake with a less dry and crumbly texture. Besides just adding moisture to your cake batter, brown sugar is also hygroscopic.

Is brown sugar better for cakes? ›

LIGHT/DARK BROWN SUGAR: It adds colour and a deeper caramel flavour. It's very moist and will increase the tenderness of a cake. Store sealed in a cool dry place to prevent it from drying out. MUSCAVADO: Unrefined natural sugar that has a strong flavour of natural molasses.

What type of sugar is best for cake? ›

Because of this caster sugar is generally the most versatile and preferred of the two when baking – its small granules mixes more easily and dissolve more readily when combined with other ingredients giving biscuits, cakes, pastries etc.

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