Name: Ultimate Easy Chocolate Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 2 cups granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons baking soda; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 cup buttermilk; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 2 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 cup hot water or hot coffee

There’s something about a moist, deeply chocolatey cake that brings comfort and celebration to any moment. This Ultimate Easy Chocolate Cake is rich, fluffy, and melts in your mouth with each bite. It’s the kind of dessert you whip up when you want bakery-level results with minimal fuss.

What makes this cake truly stand out is how incredibly simple it is to prepare. No fancy techniques or exotic ingredients. Just straightforward steps and pantry staples that come together to create a decadent masterpiece. Whether it’s for a birthday, a last-minute dinner party, or just a sweet craving, this recipe will never let you down.

Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Cake

This cake checks all the boxes: it’s moist, rich, not too sweet, and has that deep cocoa flavor that chocolate lovers crave. Plus, it stays soft and tender for days, making it a great make-ahead option. It pairs beautifully with just about any frosting—vanilla buttercream, chocolate ganache, or a simple dusting of powdered sugar. If you’ve been searching for a go-to chocolate cake recipe, this one might just end your search.

What Makes This Chocolate Cake So Moist?

The secret is a combination of buttermilk and oil. While butter gives flavor, oil adds that unbeatable tenderness. Buttermilk adds a slight tang and helps activate the baking soda, giving the cake a lovely rise and delicate crumb. You’ll also use hot water (or coffee!) to bloom the cocoa powder, which enhances the chocolate flavor and ensures a smooth batter.

Ingredients for the Ultimate Easy Chocolate Cake

When it comes to chocolate cake, every ingredient plays a role in taste and texture. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:

All-purpose flour: The base of the cake, providing structure.
Unsweetened cocoa powder: Delivers that intense chocolate flavor. Use a good quality one for best results.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps keep it moist.
Baking soda: Reacts with the buttermilk to create rise.
Baking powder: Adds extra lift to the cake.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the chocolate.
Buttermilk: Adds moisture and a gentle tang.
Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake tender and moist.
Eggs: Bind everything together and add richness.
Vanilla extract: Brings out the chocolate flavor.
Hot water or hot coffee: Blooms the cocoa and deepens the flavor.

How To Make the Ultimate Easy Chocolate Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.

In another bowl, combine the buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla. Mix until smooth, then gradually add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined.

Step 2: Add the Hot Liquid

Slowly pour in the hot water or coffee while whisking. The batter will be thin—that’s a good sign! It helps keep the cake ultra-moist.

Step 3: Bake the Cakes

Divide the batter evenly between the two pans. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Frost and Serve

Frost with your favorite icing and decorate as desired. Chocolate buttercream or ganache works beautifully here.

How to Serve and Store This Cake

This cake serves 10 to 12 people generously. It’s perfect as a party centerpiece or a weekend baking project. Serve it slightly warm for extra decadence, or chilled with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for contrast.

To store, wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh at room temperature for 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the layers for up to 2 months—just be sure to wrap them well.

What to Serve With Chocolate Cake?

Coffee or Espresso

The bitterness of coffee enhances the chocolate flavor and balances the sweetness.

Fresh Berries

Raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries add a fresh, tangy pop that cuts through the richness.

Whipped Cream

A simple dollop of whipped cream adds lightness and creaminess without overpowering the cake.

Vanilla Ice Cream

Classic and always a hit. The cold creaminess is a perfect contrast to the rich, moist cake.

Salted Caramel Sauce

Drizzle over slices for a sweet-salty combo that’s pure indulgence.

Glass of Milk

Simple, nostalgic, and always satisfying with chocolate cake.

Peanut Butter Frosting

If you’re feeling bold, swap out the usual chocolate or vanilla frosting for peanut butter. The combo is a match made in heaven.

Want More Cake Ideas?

If you loved this Ultimate Easy Chocolate Cake, here are a few other must-try cakes from Janet Dishes:

Ooey Gooey Butter Cake with melt-in-your-mouth layers and buttery richness.
Decadent Pistachio Cream Cake for a unique twist on traditional flavors.
Carrot Pound Cake with Vanilla Glaze perfect for cozy afternoons.
Peanut Butter Smores Sandwich Cookies if you’re craving a portable cake-like treat.
Easter Chocolate Lasagna for a no-bake layered dessert bursting with chocolatey goodness.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add a coffee twist? Maybe tried it with raspberry filling? I’d love to hear how you made it your own.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feeling great!

Conclusion

The Ultimate Easy Chocolate Cake is a dessert that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. With its moist crumb, rich cocoa flavor, and versatile pairing options, it’s sure to become your go-to chocolate cake for any occasion. It’s forgiving, flexible, and downright delicious—everything a great cake should be.