Hello Beautiful—let’s talk cake! There are certain recipes that become part of your family’s story, and this chocolate cake is one of those for us. It’s the one I’ve made for years—especially for Josie’s birthday. Every year, without fail, she asks for it. It’s rich, moist, and deeply chocolatey, topped with the creamiest chocolate buttercream frosting. And while I love a fancy dessert every now and then, it’s these simple, made-from-scratch recipes that truly feel like home. We also made this cake for Dean and Aleas wedding!
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I’ve baked this cake so many times I could probably do it in my sleep. The key is in the basics: using good cocoa powder, not skipping the coffee (trust me—it deepens the flavor beautifully), and lining the cake pans with parchment paper so it comes out just right. It bakes up tender and soft, with just the right crumb.
The Cake Ingredients
Everything in this cake is pantry-friendly. Flour, sugar, cocoa powder, a bit of baking soda and powder, oil, buttermilk (or a splash of vinegar in milk if you’re in a pinch), eggs, and hot espresso. That last part makes all the difference. It doesn’t taste like coffee, but it brings out the chocolate flavor in the most magical way.
The Frosting
The buttercream is classic and simple, whipped until fluffy and light. I’ve included the full recipe below, but I’ll tell you my favorite twist—sometimes I layer in fresh sliced strawberries between the cakes, then top it all with chocolate curls and a few extra berries. It’s the kind of cake that looks impressive, but feels easy and comforting. We also have a recipe for How to Make Stabilized Whipped Cream if you want a different frosting.
A Few Tips from My Kitchen
• I often make this ahead of time and freeze it. It thaws beautifully and actually makes frosting easier.
• You can use this base with different frostings—cream cheese, ganache, or even just a dusting of powdered sugar for a rustic look.
• If you’re gifting this cake (or making it for a special event), try a cream-colored cake box with a gold ribbon—very Hallstrom Home!
So here’s the recipe—straight from my kitchen to yours.
It’s a hug in cake form, and I hope you love it as much as we do.
CHOCOLATE CAKE
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients:
- 2 cups unbleached white flour
- 2 cups sugar
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- 1½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup oil
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup hot espresso or strong coffee
Instructions
Cake Instructions:
- Using a stand mixer fitted with the wire whip, mix together ingredients in the order listed. (I usually have the mixer on low the whole time I mix up this cake.)
- Line two (9-inch round) cake pans with parchment paper and spray with baking spray (or use grease and flour).
- Pour batter equally between the two pans.
- Bake at 350°F for 30–35 minutes. Do not open the oven door before 30 minutes or the cake may fall. The cake is done when little cracks start appearing on the surface.
- Cool 10 minutes, flip onto parchment paper, and lay on a cooling rack.
Notes
Chocolate Buttercream Frosting
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- ½ cup butter
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Dash salt
- ¼ cup milk
Instructions
Instructions:
- Remove butter from the refrigerator 30 minutes before starting. (You want it to be room temperature but not too soft.)
- Using a stand mixer fitted with the wire whip, add butter to bowl and beat until smooth.
- Add powdered sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla, salt, and milk. Beat until fluffy (about 2 minutes).
- After cake is cooled, frost between layers and on top. Refrigerate cake immediately after spreading on frosting.
Let me know if you try it—and if you make it your own, I’d love to hear your twist in the comments below! Don’t forget to check out last weeks blog post. Dean and Aleas Wedding: A Celebration of Love, Family, and Thoughtful Design. Check out How to Make Stabilized Whipped Cream for a different frosting choice.
With love,
Rhonda
Hey there! I am Rhonda Hallstrom, creator and designer of Hallstrom Home. Making beautiful home decor is my way to inspire you to follow your dreams and amibitions. So come check out my shop and blog, I hope to get to know you. Thanks for stopping by at Hallstrom Home, Rhonda.