No word of a lie, this is THE BEST MOIST CHOCOLATE CAKE recipe on the internet. If you've been on the hunt for the perfect chocolate cake, then look no further... THIS IS IT! This cake is so easy to make without a mixer and in just one bowl. Not only is it incredibly chocolaty, but it also comes with the best chocolate fudge frosting. But before we dive in, a little warning: this post contains the word "moist" quite a few times. So, grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and let's talk about the cake that will change your dessert game forever.
No one can resist a slice of this moist chocolate cake.
Why You Will Fall in Love with This Recipe
SO EASY to make
This cake can be made in one bowl with just a whisk! You don't need a mixer, although I often use my electric hand mixer to make it. It's the perfect recipe for those impromptu chocolate cravings.
Moist chocolate cake
The texture of this cake is incredibly soft and moist. It stays moist for days without drying out, making it the ideal choice when you want to savor a slice over multiple days.
Perfect crumb texture
The crumb structure of this cake is so even that it resembles a store-bought cake. Yet, it is homemade with real, simple ingredients! Say goodbye to dry and crumbly cakes, and welcome a cake that is unbelievably tender.
Rich chocolate flavor
Prepare your taste buds for a smooth and rich chocolate experience. The chocolate taste shines through every layer of this decadent cake, making it a true delight for chocolate lovers.
Fudgy chocolate frosting
The frosting for this cake is a rich chocolate ganache made with sour cream. It's simple to make and doesn't require softened butter or icing sugar. The end result is a fudgy and decadent frosting that people rave about. Many have claimed it's the best frosting they've ever made!
No buttermilk
Buttermilk is a fantastic ingredient, but not everyone has it readily available in their refrigerator. The good news is that you don't need buttermilk to make the best chocolate cake recipe! This recipe keeps it simple with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
Indulge in the rich chocolate flavor of this incredible cake.
Ingredients for the Ultimate Moist Chocolate Cake
Here are a few notes about the key ingredients. For a full list of ingredients, check out the recipe card at the bottom of the page.
- All-purpose flour: You don't need specialty cake flour to create a wonderful chocolate cake. Just be sure to measure your flour correctly, as adding too much can lead to a tough and dry cake.
- Granulated sugar: Simple white sugar adds sweetness and moisture to the cake.
- Brown sugar: A touch of brown sugar enhances the richness of the chocolate flavor with a hint of molasses.
- Pure vanilla extract: Vanilla is essential in enhancing the flavor of the chocolate. Don't skip this ingredient!
- Eggs: Whole eggs set the structure of the cake and help emulsify the batter.
- Sour cream: One of the secrets to this moist chocolate cake recipe is sour cream! It adds dairy undertones, richness, and body to the cake.
- Oil: This cake uses oil instead of butter to achieve an ultra-moist texture. The intense chocolate flavor and sour cream compensate for the absence of butter.
- Hot coffee: The addition of hot coffee in the batter is unique and serves multiple purposes. It dissolves the sugar, activates the leavening agents, and gives the cake its exceptional moisture.
- Dark chocolate: The frosting requires pure dark chocolate. Choose a variety with a cocoa content between 50% and 70% for the best results.
How to Make the Ultimate Moist Chocolate Cake: Step by Step
This recipe is unbelievably easy, requiring only a bowl and a whisk.
Step 1) Combine dry ingredients. Sift flour, cocoa, baking powder, and baking soda into a large bowl. Add both sugars and salt, whisking to blend well and breaking up any lumps of brown sugar.
Step 2) Combine wet ingredients. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together eggs, oil, sour cream, and vanilla until well blended.
Step 3) Mix wet and dry ingredients. Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients and mix with a whisk or an electric hand mixer on medium-low speed until blended. The batter will be thick and somewhat dry.
Step 4) Mix in hot coffee. Gradually add the hot coffee in two stages, beating the batter until evenly combined and smooth. This step ensures the cake rises and sets properly while maintaining its moisture.
Step 5) Bake. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 30-33 minutes. The cakes are ready when they spring back when gently pressed and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool on a wire rack for 15 minutes before gently inverting them to cool completely.
Enjoy the process of making this delectable chocolate cake.
Expert Baking Tips for the Ultimate Moist Chocolate Cake
- Use a neutral-tasting oil like pure sunflower oil to let the chocolate flavor shine.
- Do not reduce the sugar. The right amount of sugar helps bind the water in the batter, preventing excessive evaporation during baking and resulting in a moist cake.
- Keep an eye on the baking time. Set a timer according to the recipe, and check with a skewer to ensure the cakes are baked through.
- Make cupcakes too! This recipe is versatile and can be used to make approximately 18 delicious cupcakes.
Baking Science: Why This Recipe Works
This cake may seem magical, with its fluid batter that may make you doubt its success. However, let's dive into the science behind the proportions.
- Sugar-to-flour ratio: This recipe has a higher sugar-to-flour ratio, which helps prevent gluten development. Mixing the sugar with the flour breaks up the flour particles and reduces the risk of gluten formation.
- Cocoa particles: Cocoa powder, containing some starch, aids in breaking up the flour particles and interfering with gluten development.
- Water-to-sugar ratio: The abundance of moisture in this cake is possible due to the amount of sugar. The sugar binds the water, preventing excessive evaporation. During baking, the starches in the flour and cocoa hydrate and form a gel network, resulting in a soft and moist crumb structure.
Behold the science behind this incredible cake.
Recipe FAQ
How to Make the Best Chocolate Frosting
We haven't even discussed the frosting yet! Brace yourself for a frosting made with sour cream that is simply divine. I highly recommend topping this cake off with the recipe for the BEST Chocolate Frosting.
Happy Baking!
If you're a cake enthusiast, be sure to check out these other delightful recipes:
- Ultimate Moist Chocolate Fudge Cake
- Lemon Pistachio Cake
- Sticky Toffee Date Cake
- Moist Lemon Blueberry Bread
- Olive Oil Chocolate Bundt Cake
- Best Vanilla Cupcake Recipe with Chocolate Fudge Frosting
- Chocolate Chip Banana Cake with Creamy Milk Chocolate Frosting
- Blueberry Peach Upside Down Cake
For the Love of Chocolate
Looking for more decadent chocolate recipes? Indulge in these delicious options:
Chocolate Cake Love
Feast your eyes on even more delightful chocolate cake recipes:
That's a lot of chocolate goodness to explore! Now it's time to unleash your culinary skills and enjoy the ultimate moist chocolate cake. Share it with your loved ones, celebrate special occasions, or simply treat yourself to a slice of pure bliss. You deserve it!
