Description
This moist and rich chocolate cake is paired with a creamy vanilla frosting, creating a perfect balance of flavors. The cake’s rich cocoa flavor combined with the smooth vanilla cream cheese frosting makes it an irresistible treat for any celebration.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chocolate Cake:
- 1 3/4 cups Flour
- 1 3/4 cups Sugar
- 3/4 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (high-quality)
- 2 teaspoons Baking Soda
- 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 cup Oil (canola, vegetable, coconut, etc.)
- 2 large Eggs
- 1 cup Buttermilk
- 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla
- 1 cup Hot Water
For the Vanilla Frosting:
- 1 cup Butter (softened)
- 1 (8-ounce) pkg. Cream Cheese (room temp, softened)
- 4 1/2 cups Powdered Sugar
- 2 teaspoons Vanilla Bean Paste
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1 cup Butter (softened)
- 2 (8-ounce) pkgs. Cream Cheese (room temp, softened)
- 5 to 5 1/2 cups Powdered Sugar
- 2 teaspoons Vanilla Bean Paste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chocolate Cake:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, sift together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the oil, eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla to the dry ingredients, mixing until smooth.
- Gradually add hot water to the batter, mixing until well combined. The batter will be thin.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove from the pans and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Vanilla Frosting:
- Beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, and continue to beat until light and fluffy.
- Add vanilla bean paste and mix until fully incorporated.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting (optional):
- Beat the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth.
- Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla bean paste, and beat until fluffy and creamy. Adjust the consistency with more powdered sugar if needed.
- Assemble the Cake:
- Place one layer of cake on a serving platter.
- Spread a layer of frosting (either vanilla or cream cheese) on top of the first layer.
- Place the second layer of cake on top and frost the top and sides with the remaining frosting.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, you can use buttermilk instead of regular milk.
- If you prefer a lighter frosting, you can use the vanilla frosting, or for a more tangy option, use the cream cheese frosting.
- The cake can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Chocolate cake, vanilla frosting, cream cheese frosting, homemade cake, dessert