This is hands down the best Homemade Chocolate Cake Recipe ever! Moist, rich, chocolate cake is topped with a luscious chocolate buttercream icing that will have you swooning. If you’re a chocolate lover, look no further for your new favorite cake!

For more Amazing Cake Recipes, be sure to check out my Coconut Cake, Simple Carrot Cake, and Strawberry Crunch Cake.

chocolate cake on a black plate with a fork next to it

I’m being 100% serious when I tell you this is the only chocolate cake recipe you will ever need. It’s that good, y’all.

I’ve been making this cake for years and it’s the number one requested cake for birthdays in my family. It’s moist, rich, and beyond simple to make. Did I mention you only need one bowl to prepare this with? Less dishes is always a good thing!

close up shot of piece of chocolate cake with a bite taken out

If you’d like to make this recipe into cupcakes, you can use my Buttermilk Chocolate Cupcakes recipe. The frosting for those is an insanely delicious whipped ganache that is so good!

If you’re looking for a lightened up chocolate cake recipe, try my Skinny Chocolate Cake made with a cake mix and Greek yogurt. And if you’re in need of a gluten free option, try this Gluten-free Chocolate Cake recipe.

Ingredients for Homemade Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Buttercream

  • all purpose flour
  • sugar
  • cocoa powder
  • baking soda
  • baking powder
  • salt
  • eggs
  • vanilla extract
  • buttermilk
  • vegetable oil
  • hot water
  • unsalted butter
  • powdered sugar
  • milk
aerial shot of a black plate with a fork and slice of chocolate cake

How to make Homemade Chocolate Cake from Scratch – Step by Step

A full list of ingredients, measurements, and instructions are located in the recipe card below.

how to make chocolate cake step by step photo collage.
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 13×9 inch baking pan with cooking spray. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, salt, baking soda, and baking powder. Mix well.
  2. Add in vanilla, eggs, buttermilk, and vegetable oil mixing until smooth. Pour in hot water and mix well. Batter will be very thin.
  3. Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake in preheated oven for 32-36 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Allow to cool completely on a wire rack.While cake is cooling, prepare frosting. Combine softened butter, powedered sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and milk in a large bowl.
  4. Beat over medium speed with an electric mixer until frosting is nice and creamy. Add more milk or powdered sugar until desired consistency is reached.
  5. Spread frosting evenly over top of the completely cooled cake. Slice and enjoy! Cake can be kept at room temperature for up to 3 days.
slice of chocolate cake on a black plate

Why use buttermilk when making chocolate cake?

Buttermilk is a wonderful choice for baking, especially in cakes. It lends a rich depth of flavor, and also creates a soft and fluffy texture. This happens because of a chemical reaction between the acid in the buttermilk and the gluten in the flour. Bottom line: if you like a soft cake with exceptional flavor, choose buttermilk! And if you don’t have any buttermilk on hand, it’s super easy to make with ingredients that you likely already do have!

What if I don’t have buttermilk on hand?

Homemade buttermilk is really simple and quick to make if you don’t have any. All you need is plain white vinegar and regular milk, preferably whole or 2%. Simply add 1 Tablespoon of white vinegar to a liquid measuring cup and add enough milk to reach the 1 cup line. Stir, then allow the mixture to sit undisturbed for 5 minutes before adding to your recipe. That makes 1 cup of buttermilk, which is how much you need for this recipe. 

chocolate cake on a black plate with a fork next to it

More Delicious Chocolate Recipes

If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and rating below. I love to hear from you and always appreciate your feedback!

close up shot of piece of chocolate cake with a bite taken out
4.95 from 34 ratings

Recipe: Homemade Chocolate Cake Recipe

Yield: 12 slices
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 32 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
This is hands down the best Homemade Chocolate Cake Recipe ever! Moist, rich, chocolate cake is topped with a luscious chocolate buttercream icing and will have you swooning. If you're a chocolate lover, look no further for your new favorite cake!
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Ingredients

Cake:

  • 2 cups all purpose flour
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup buttermilk, *see notes
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 cup hot water

Chocolate Buttercream Icing:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick), softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 3 Tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup milk

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 13×9 inch baking pan with cooking spray. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, salt, baking soda, and baking powder. Mix well.
  • Add in vanilla, eggs, buttermilk, and vegetable oil mixing until smooth. Pour in hot water and mix well. Batter will be very thin.
  • Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake in preheated oven for 32-36 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Allow to cool completely on a wire rack.
  • While cake is cooling, prepare frosting. Combine softened butter, powedered sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and milk in a large bowl and beat over medium speed with an electric mixer until frosting is nice and creamy. Add more milk or powdered sugar until desired consistency is reached.
  • Spread frosting evenly over top of the completely cooled cake. Slice and enjoy! Cake can be kept at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Notes

*Homemade buttermilk is really simple and quick to make if you don’t have any on hand. All you need is plain white vinegar and regular milk, preferably whole or 2%. Simply add 1 Tablespoon of white vinegar to a liquid measuring cup and add enough milk to reach the 1 cup line. Stir, then allow the mixture to sit undisturbed for 5 minutes before adding to the recipe.
Cuisine: American
Course: Dessert
Author: Ashlyn Edwards | Belle of the Kitchen
Calories: 445kcal, Carbohydrates: 84g, Protein: 5g, Fat: 12g, Saturated Fat: 7g, Cholesterol: 50mg, Sodium: 317mg, Potassium: 173mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 64g, Vitamin A: 317IU, Calcium: 59mg, Iron: 2mg
Did you make this recipe?Let me know! Mention @TheBelleoftheKitchen on Instagram or tag #BelleoftheKitchen.