Go Back

Chocolate Birthday Cake

A rich and moist chocolate cake layered with creamy frosting, perfect for any celebration.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Birthday, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cake
  • 1¾ cups 1¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup ¾ cup (65g) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 cups 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
  • 1½ tsp 1½ tsp baking powder
  • 1½ tsp 1½ tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp 1 tsp salt
  • 2 large 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
  • ½ cup ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil
  • 2 tsp 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup 1 cup (240ml) boiling water or hot coffee Hot coffee can enhance the chocolate flavor.
For the Frosting
  • 1 cup 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup ¾ cup (65g) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 3½ cups 3½ cups (440g) powdered sugar
  • ¼ cup ¼ cup (60ml) heavy cream or milk
  • 2 tsp 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 pinch Pinch of salt
For Decoration
  • Sprinkles
  • Chocolate shavings
  • Birthday candles

Method
 

Make the Cake
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
  2. In a large bowl, mix the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together.
  3. Add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Beat the mixture on medium speed for about 2 minutes.
  4. Stir in the boiling water or hot coffee. The batter will be thin, which is okay.
  5. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans.
  6. 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, then remove them and place on a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Frosting
  1. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
  2. Gradually add the cocoa powder and powdered sugar, mixing on low until combined.
  3. Add the heavy cream or milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat on high for about 2 minutes until smooth and fluffy.
Assemble the Cake
  1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting on top.
  2. Add the second layer of cake and spread frosting on top and around the sides of the cake.
  3. Decorate with sprinkles, chocolate shavings, and place birthday candles on top.

Notes

Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature for a better mix. Don’t overmix the batter; mix just until combined for a light cake. Use high-quality cocoa powder for the best chocolate flavor. Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting to prevent the icing from melting.