Moist Chocolate Cake Recipe

4.79 from 37 votes

Moist Chocolate Cake Recipe

This moist chocolate cake is rich, fluffy, and full of classic chocolate flavor. It’s the kind of cake you’ll make for birthdays, holidays, and just because - it turns out perfect every time!

Prep Time10

Cook Time30

Total Time1 10

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Servings: servings

Author: Eden

Cost: $10

Ingredients

Perfect Chocolate Cake Recipe

2 cups granulated sugar
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cups unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
2 large eggs
1 cup whole milk whole or 2%
1/2 cup vegetable oil or canola oil
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water

Chocolate Buttercream Frosting

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F. While it heats, prep your pan and measure out your ingredients. This cake comes together quickly.
Mix the dry ingredients in a large bowl or stand mixer bowl. Add the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
Whisk the wet ingredients in a separate bowl or large measuring cup. Combine the milk, eggs, oil, and vanilla. Set the boiling water aside for later.
Combine wet and dry ingredients using the mixer on low speed. Once everything is mixed, scrape down the sides and mix on medium for about 30 seconds.
Slowly add the boiling water with the mixer on low. The batter will be thin, which is exactly how it should be. That’s what makes the cake super moist.
Prep your pan by greasing a 9x13 baking dish and lining the bottom with parchment paper. This helps the cake release easily.
Bake for 30 minutes or until the center is set and a toothpick comes out with just a few moist crumbs.

Notes

Storage: Wrap leftovers in plastic wrap or pop them in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days, or freeze unfrosted cake layers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge, then frost and serve!
Gluten-Free Option: I’ve made this with King Arthur 1:1 Gluten-Free Flour and it works like a charm. The texture is slightly different but still super moist and delicious.
Baking Time Tip: Every oven has a mind of its own. I always start checking about 10 minutes early. You’re looking for a toothpick with just a few moist crumbs—don’t wait for it to come out clean!

Nutrition