Ingredients
Cake
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- 1¾ cups (350 g) granulated sugar
- ¾ cup (75 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon fine salt
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk, room temperature
- ½ cup (120 ml) vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240 ml) freshly brewed hot coffee
Optional
- 1 teaspoon espresso powder
- 2 tablespoons sour cream (extra moist texture)
Frosting
- 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups (480 g) powdered sugar
- ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- pinch salt
Instructions
Step 1
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease two 8-inch cake pans.
Line bottoms with parchment paper.
Dust lightly with cocoa powder.
Step 2
Whisk together
- flour
- cocoa
- baking soda
- baking powder
- salt
- sugar
for about one minute.
Step 3
Add
- eggs
- buttermilk
- vegetable oil
- vanilla
Beat until smooth.
Step 4
Slowly pour in the hot coffee while mixing on low speed.
Do not overmix.
The batter will be thin.
This is normal.
Step 5
Divide evenly between pans.
Bake
30–35 minutes.
Cake is ready when
- toothpick comes out with moist crumbs
- center springs back
- edges pull away
Step 6
Cool
15 minutes inside pans.
Transfer onto cooling rack.
Cool completely.
Step 7
Prepare frosting.
Beat butter
3 minutes.
Slowly mix in powdered sugar.
Add
- cream
- vanilla
- salt
Beat another
4–5 minutes
until fluffy.
Step 8
Assemble.
Layer cake
↓
Frosting
↓
Second layer
↓
Cover top
↓
Cover sides
↓
Smooth with offset spatula.
Decorate with chocolate curls if desired.
Notes
✔ Use room temperature ingredients.
✔ Hot coffee enhances the cocoa flavor.
✔ Never overmix after adding flour.
✔ Measure flour using the spoon-and-level method.
✔ Cool completely before frosting.
✔ Use Dutch-process cocoa only if adjusting the leavening.
✔ Frosting becomes extra fluffy after beating for 5 minutes.
✔ Refrigerate only if storing longer than two days.
✔ Bring cake back to room temperature before serving.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian