Hey there, fellow chocolate lovers! Today, I’m super excited to share with you my secret recipe for the moistest, most divine homemade chocolate cake you’ve ever tasted. Perfect for special occasions or just a cozy night in, this cake is sure to become a family favorite. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make! Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a kitchen newbie, this recipe is a must-try. So, grab your apron, and let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Moist and flavorful, with a rich chocolate taste
- Simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry
- Perfect for quick family dinners or special occasions
- Easily customizable with your favorite frosting or toppings
- A classic recipe that’s sure to impress
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious homemade chocolate cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups sugar
- 3/4 cup cocoa powder
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup oil
- 2 eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 pinch salt
- 6-8 Tbsp milk
Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make the Recipe
Let’s walk through the steps to create this masterpiece:
- Line two 9″ round pans with parchment paper and spray with non-stick spray. Preheat your oven to 350°.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Whisk in the milk, oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. Stir in the boiling water, mixing until smooth.
- Divide the batter evenly between the two pans. Bake at 350° for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the cakes for 10 minutes in the pans, then invert onto cooling racks. Let them cool completely. (I wrap each cake in plastic wrap and freeze for later use.)
- Place one cake on a cake stand or serving tray. Spread about a cup of frosting on top. Place the other cake on top and frost the sides and top. Serve immediately or cover and let sit overnight.
For the Frosting
Beat all frosting ingredients in a bowl until smooth, adding enough milk to achieve a spreadable consistency.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
Here are a few tips to ensure your cake turns out perfectly:
- Use high-quality cocoa powder for the best flavor.
- Don’t overmix the batter – it can make the cake dense.
- Let the cakes cool completely before frosting for a cleaner finish.
- For an extra moist cake, try adding a tablespoon of sour cream to the batter.
- Experiment with different frostings or toppings to make it your own!
How to Serve
This cake is perfect on its own, but here are a few ideas to take it to the next level:
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream
- Top with fresh berries for a pop of color
- Dust with powdered sugar for a elegant look
- Cut into smaller slices for a crowd-pleasing dessert
Make Ahead and Storage
One of the best things about this cake is how well it keeps:
- Store at room temperature for up to 3 days
- Refrigerate for up to 5 days
- Freeze for up to 2 months (thaw overnight in the fridge)
- Wrap individual slices for easy snacks
And there you have it – a simple, delicious recipe for homemade chocolate cake that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just because, this cake is sure to impress. So go ahead, give it a try, and let me know what you think!
Looking for more homemade chocolate cake inspiration? Check out more recipes and tips on our site!

Homemade Chocolate Cake
Ingredients
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 2 cups sugar
- 3/4 cup cocoa powder
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup oil
- 2 eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1/2 cup butter softened
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 pinch salt
- 6-8 Tbsp milk
Instructions
- Line two 9" round pans with parchment paper and spray with non-stick spray. Preheat oven to 350°.
- Whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large mixing bowl.
- Whisk in the milk, oil, eggs, and vanilla till smooth. Stir in the boiling water, mixing till smooth.
- Divide batter evenly between the two pans. Bake at 350° for 30-35 minutes or till toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes in the pans, then invert onto cooling racks.
- Cool completely. Place one cake on a cake stand or serving tray. Spread about a cup of frosting on the top. Place the other cake on top. Frost sides and top of the cake.
- For frosting, beat all ingredients in a bowl till smooth, adding enough milk to get a spreadable consistency.