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Print / PDFDecadent Dark Chocolate Cake
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- Prep Time
- 20 mins
- Cook Time
- 35 mins
- cooling
- 10 mins
- Total Time
- 1 hr 5 mins
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened dark cocoa powder
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
- 4 ounces dark chocolate, melted and cooled slightly
Equipment
- 2 9-inch round cake pans — Greased and floured
- 1 Large mixing bowl — For mixing dry ingredients
- 1 Medium mixing bowl — For mixing wet ingredients
- 1 whisk — For mixing ingredients
- 1 Spatula — For folding ingredients
- 1 wire rack — For cooling the cakes
Method
- 1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to ensure your cake comes out easily.
- 2
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This will be the base of your delicious cake.
- 3
In another bowl, beat the eggs. Then add the milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined and smooth.
- 4
Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
- 5
Slowly add the boiling water and melted dark chocolate to the batter. Mix until the batter is thin and uniform. It should be a lovely, glossy mixture.
- 6
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Don’t worry if it looks a bit runny; that’s just how it should be!
- 7
Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.
- 8
Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Patience is key!
- 9
Frost with your favorite chocolate frosting or ganache before serving. Enjoy your decadent creation!
Notes
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 |
| Fat | 18g |
| Protein | 5g |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Sugar | 30g |
| Fiber | 2g |
Why You’ll Love This Dark Chocolate Cake
- Indulge in a rich, velvety texture that melts in your mouth.
- Enjoy a simple recipe that’s perfect for bakers of all levels.
- Impress your friends and family with a stunning dessert that looks as good as it tastes.
- Relish the deep, intense chocolate flavor that satisfies every craving.
Ingredients
Gather these delicious ingredients to create your rich and moist Dark Chocolate Cake!

- 2 cups – all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup – unsweetened dark cocoa powder
- 2 cups – granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons – baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons – baking soda
- 1 teaspoon – salt
- 2 large – eggs
- 1 cup – whole milk
- 1/2 cup – vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons – vanilla extract
- 1 cup – boiling water
- 4 ounces – dark chocolate, melted and cooled slightly
How to Make Dark Chocolate Cake
This delightful Dark Chocolate Cake is perfect for any occasion. With a preparation time of 20 minutes, a cooking time of 30–35 minutes, and a cooling time of about 10 minutes, you’ll have a rich and moist cake ready to impress!

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to ensure your cake comes out easily.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This will be the base of your delicious cake.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, beat the eggs. Then add the milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined and smooth.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
Step 5: Add Boiling Water and Chocolate
Slowly add the boiling water and melted dark chocolate to the batter. Mix until the batter is thin and uniform. It should be a lovely, glossy mixture.
Step 6: Divide the Batter
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Don’t worry if it looks a bit runny; that’s just how it should be!
Step 7: Bake the Cakes
Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.
Step 8: Cool the Cakes
Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Patience is key!
Step 9: Frost and Serve
Frost with your favorite chocolate frosting or ganache before serving. Enjoy your decadent creation!
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Dessert |
| Cuisine | American |
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Cook Time | 35 minutes |
| Extra Time | 10 minutes (cooling) |
| Total Time | 65 minutes |
| Dietary | Vegetarian |
| Serves | 12 |
| Best Served | With chocolate frosting or ganache |
Pro Tips for Making Dark Chocolate Cake
- Use high-quality dark chocolate for a richer flavor.
- Let your eggs and butter come to room temperature for better mixing.
- Don’t overmix the batter; mix just until combined for a tender cake.
- Use brewed coffee instead of water to enhance the chocolate taste.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting for a neater finish.
How to Serve this Dark Chocolate Cake
- Top with a dollop of whipped coconut cream for a tropical twist.
- Serve alongside fresh berries for a burst of color and flavor.
- Drizzle with homemade chocolate sauce for extra indulgence.
- Pair with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a classic combo.
- Dust with powdered sugar for a simple yet elegant finish.
- Enjoy with a cup of rich coffee or a creamy hot chocolate.
Make Ahead and Storage
You can make this cake ahead and store it easily:
Storing Dark Chocolate Cake Leftovers
- Allow the cake to cool completely.
- Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week.
Freezing Dark Chocolate Cake
- Wrap the cooled cake in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil.
- Label with the date and type of cake.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Reheating Dark Chocolate Cake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the cake on a baking sheet.
- Cover loosely with aluminum foil to prevent drying.
- Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
Explore more easy breakfast recipes, quick lunch ideas, cozy dinner meals, tasty snacks, and delightful dessert.
Final Thoughts
There you have it, a delightful Dark Chocolate Cake that’s as easy to make as it is delicious! Picture yourself savoring each rich, moist bite, perhaps with a cup of coffee or a scoop of ice cream. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let the magic happen in your kitchen. Enjoy every moment of this sweet adventure!
Quick answers
Frequently asked questions
Straight answers from the kitchen — storage, swaps, and common sticking points for this recipe.
What ingredients do I need to bake a rich and moist dark chocolate cake?
How can I make my dark chocolate cake extra moist and fudgy?
Can I substitute unsweetened cocoa powder for dark chocolate in cake recipes?
What are the best toppings and frostings for a dark chocolate cake?
Kitchen notes
Nutrition & sources
Calorie and nutrition figures on this page are estimates meant for general home-cooking guidance. Actual values vary with brands, portion size, and how the recipe is prepared.
Estimates draw on typical ingredient data from public nutrition databases such as the USDA FoodData Central. They are not a substitute for professional medical or dietary advice.
For how recipes are tested and when pages are updated, see How we test recipes. Full legal context lives in our disclaimers and affiliate disclosure.






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