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Old-Fashioned Chocolate Cake with Homemade Frosting

A rich, moist chocolate cake topped with a decadent chocolate frosting, perfect for family gatherings and winter evenings.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 10 servings
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cake
  • 1.75 cups all-purpose flour Sifted to ensure lightness.
  • 1.75 cups granulated sugar For that perfect sweetness.
  • 0.75 cups unsweetened cocoa powder This gives the cake its rich chocolate flavor.
  • 1.5 teaspoons baking powder Helps the cake rise beautifully.
  • 1.5 teaspoons baking soda Adds to the fluffiness.
  • 1 teaspoon salt Enhances the flavor.
  • 2 large eggs Room temperature for better mixing.
  • 1 cup whole milk Contributes to moisture.
  • 0.5 cups vegetable oil Keeps the cake moist.
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract A must for flavor.
  • 1 cup boiling water This thin batter will lead to a moist cake!
For the Homemade Frosting
  • 0.5 cups unsalted butter Softened for easy spreading.
  • 2/3 cups unsweetened cocoa powder For that chocolatey goodness.
  • 3 cups powdered sugar Sweetness combiner.
  • 1/3 cups whole milk Adjust for the desired consistency.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Adds a lovely depth of flavor.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
  2. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. Add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes. The batter will be thick.
  4. Stir in the boiling water (the batter will become very thin — this is normal!).
Baking
  1. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans and bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  2. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove them from the pans and cool completely on wire racks.
Frosting
  1. In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. If it’s too thick, add more milk. If too thin, add more powdered sugar.
Assembling
  1. Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate, spread frosting on top, and add the second layer. Frost the top and sides of the cake.
  2. Slice and share your creation with family, savoring every delicious bite!

Notes

For optimal moistness, substitute vegetable oil with unsweetened applesauce in a 1:1 ratio to keep the cake tender. Don’t overmix the batter—mix just until combined. Store the cake in an airtight container to retain its freshness.