Best Chocolate Cake

Total Time

Prep: 20 min. Bake: 20 min. + cooling

Makes

16 servings

Updated: Jun. 30, 2023
With a tender crumb and rich frosting, a layered chocolate cake always impresses, no matter the occasion. One bite and you'll agree this cake recipe is awesome! —Elvi Kaukinen, Horseheads, New York
Best Chocolate Cake Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup butter, softened
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup baking cocoa
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1-1/2 cups 2% milk
  • CHOCOLATE FROSTING:
  • 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup butter, cubed
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 4-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
  • Chocolate curls, optional

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°. Line three 9-in. round baking pans with waxed paper; grease and flour the pans and paper.
  2. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla. Combine the flour, cocoa, baking soda, salt and baking powder; add to the creamed mixture alternately with milk, beating well after each addition.
  3. Transfer to prepared pans. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 20-25 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely.
  4. For frosting, in a small heavy saucepan, melt chips and butter over low heat. Transfer to a large bowl; cool for 5 minutes. Stir in sour cream. Gradually beat in confectioners' sugar until smooth. Spread between layers and over top and side of cake. If desired, top with chocolate curls. Refrigerate leftovers.

Nutrition Facts

1 piece: 578 calories, 25g fat (15g saturated fat), 89mg cholesterol, 292mg sodium, 88g carbohydrate (70g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.