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Moist Rich Dark Chocolate Layer Cake

Sink your fork into three layers of pure velvet! This moist dark chocolate cake melts on your tongue with deep cocoa richness. Perfect for celebrations or weekend indulgence — stays tender for days. Pin for your next baking project! 🍫
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour spooned and leveled
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder Dutch-process preferred
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs room temperature
  • 1 cup strong brewed coffee hot
  • 1 cup whole milk room temperature
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/2 cup sour cream room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter softened, for frosting
  • 4 cups powdered sugar sifted, for frosting
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder for frosting
  • 1/3 cup heavy cream for frosting

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease three 8-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper circles. Lightly flour the sides.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until no lumps remain and the mixture is evenly combined.
  3. Add the eggs, coffee, milk, oil, sour cream, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes until the batter is smooth and slightly glossy. The batter will be quite thin.
  4. Divide the batter evenly among the three prepared pans, using about 2 cups of batter per pan. Tap the pans gently on the counter to release any air bubbles.
  5. Bake for 28 to 32 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached. The tops should spring back lightly when touched.
  6. Cool the cakes in their pans on wire racks for 15 minutes, then carefully turn them out onto the racks and peel off the parchment paper. Let cool completely before frosting, at least 1 hour.
  7. For the frosting, beat the softened butter in a large bowl with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until creamy and pale, about 2 minutes.
  8. Add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder in three additions, beating on low speed after each addition until combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
  9. Pour in the heavy cream and vanilla, then beat on high speed for 3 minutes until the frosting is light, fluffy, and spreadable. If it's too thick, add more cream one tablespoon at a time.
  10. Place the first cake layer on a serving plate and spread with about 3/4 cup of frosting. Top with the second layer, frost it, then add the third layer. Apply a thin crumb coat over the entire cake, then refrigerate for 20 minutes before applying the final generous layer of frosting. Smooth with an offset spatula or create decorative swirls.