The Most Amazing Chocolate Cake Recipe (2024)

The Stay At Home Chef’s recipe for The Most Amazing Chocolate Cake has been tried and loved by tens of thousands of people worldwide, all of whom agree that it is the most amazing chocolate cake ever. In fact, it has gained the nickname “The Matilda Cake” because it looks just like the decadent cake eaten by Bruce Bogtrotter in the movie Matilda.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • One Bowl – The batter is made in just one bowl, so no combining wet and dry ingredients separately.
  • Rich Chocolate Flavor – This cake is rich and fudgy, making it a true indulgence for any chocolate cake lover.
  • It’s Moist! – One of the key measures of a chocolate cake is whether or not it is moist. This one checks every box!
  • Every Option – Not only is this cake the best, we’ve given you every option we can for various pan sizes, frosting options, and subtitutions.
The Most Amazing Chocolate Cake Recipe (1)

Are you ready for the most heavenly chocolate cake you’ve ever tasted? After years of testing, we have finally perfected the ultimate chocolate cake recipe. This rich, fudgy chocolate cake will melt in your mouth with every bite. Its fluffy, moist crumb is coated in a thick layer of decadent chocolate frosting, making it a true indulgence for chocolate lovers. And the best part? It’s so easy to make, with just one bowl for the batter.

Indulge in the ultimate chocolate experience with The Most Amazing Chocolate Cake. Moist, rich, and made in a single bowl, this chocolate cake has received thousands of rave reviews. Satisfy your chocolate cravings with the chocolate cake of your dreams.

Substitutions

What is buttermilk and can it be substituted?

Buttermilk is a liquid that is left over after churning butter. It is an important ingredient in this recipe due to the way it interacts with other ingredients. Buttermilk can be easily substituted with a mixture of milk and vinegar or lemon juice, or with almond or soy milk and white vinegar. You can also find more in-depth information on how to make a buttermilk substitute in this post.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can make this recipe dairy-free. Simply add 2 tablespoons of white vinegar to almond or soy milk, let it stand for 5 minutes, and use the mixture in place of the buttermilk. You can also use a dairy-free frosting option for the frosting.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be gluten-free by using a “Cup for Cup” gluten-free flour blend in the same amounts as the regular flour called for in the recipe.

What can be used as a substitute for eggs?

There are several options that work well as egg substitutes in this recipe:
1/4 cup of plain yogurt per egg
1 tablespoon vinegar+ 1 teaspoon baking powder whisked together per egg
1/4 cup mashed banana per egg
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce per egg

Adapting the Recipe for Different Sizes and Shapes of Cakes

This chocolate cake recipe yields approximately 9 cups of batter total, or 3 cups for each of the 9-inch layers. Here are some popular pan sizes and the approximate amount of batter needed for each individual pan:

  • 9×2-inch round pan: 3 cups batter
  • 8×2-inch round pan: 2 1/4 cups batter
  • 13×18-inch sheet cake pan: 6 cups batter
  • 9×13-inch pan: 6 cups batter
  • 12 standard cupcakes: 3 cups batter
  • 10-12 cup bundt cake pan: 8 cups batter

As a general rule, cake pans should be filled 2/3rds of the way full for cake baking, unless otherwise specified in the recipe.

It’s always a good idea to check for doneness by inserting a toothpick or cake tester into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached, the cake is likely done. You can also gently press the center of the cake with your finger – if it springs back, it is probably ready to be removed from the oven.

Keep in mind that these are just general guidelines and the actual baking time may vary depending on factors such as your oven’s temperature accuracy, the type of pan you are using, and the altitude at which you are baking. It’s always a good idea to keep an eye on your cake as it bakes and to make any necessary adjustments to the baking time as needed.

The Most Amazing Chocolate Cake Recipe (2)

Types of Cocoa Powder

Cocoa powder is an important ingredient in many baked goods and can affect the flavor and texture of the final product. It is important to use the type of cocoa powder specified in a recipe, as using the wrong type can alter the balance of flavors and sweetness. There are several types of cocoa powder available, each with its own distinct flavor and properties.

  • Unsweetened Cocoa Powder, specifically Hershey’s brand, was used in this cake recipe as it is the most widely available to readers. You can also use higher-quality cocoa powders such as Ghiradelli or those from specialty chocolatier shops, but they can be expensive. It is recommended to avoid using inexpensive store brands as they tend to not produce the best results.
  • For the dark-colored frosting in these photos, Hershey’s Special Dark Unsweetened Cocoa Powder was used.
  • Dutch-process cocoa powder is a type of cocoa that has been treated with an alkali to neutralize its acidity. It has a milder flavor and darker color than natural cocoa powder, and is also easier to dissolve in liquids. When using dutch-process cocoa powder in place of unsweetened cocoa powder in a recipe, it is important to consider that it may behave differently due to its lower acidity. However, in this recipe, dutch-process cocoa can be used without making any other modifications.

Frosting Options

Perfect Buttercream Frosting

8 mins

Ermine Frosting

1 hr 20 mins

Ultimate Guide to Chocolate Ganache

10 mins

Cooked Chocolate Fudge Icing

15 mins

7 Minute Frosting

10 mins

Sweetened Condensed Milk Frosting

10 mins

Watch the video belowwhere Rachel will walk you through every step of this recipe. Sometimes it helps to have a visual, and we’ve always got you covered with our cooking show. You can find the complete collection of recipes onYouTube,Facebook Watch,or ourFacebook Page, or right here on our website with their corresponding recipes.

The Most Amazing Chocolate Cake Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is a secret ingredient for cakes? ›

Vinegar is a secret ingredient that can make your cakes light and fluffy.” One of the great things about using vinegar in cakes is that it's versatile.

What is the most loved cake in the world? ›

Chocolate Cake

You've guessed it right! Chocoholics' favorite dense and moist chocolate cake ranks top of the list. Glazing the cake with a thick chocolate ganache is one of the most popular ways to enjoy this dessert!

How to enhance chocolate flavor in cake? ›

Espresso powder can be added to just about any chocolate cake recipe for an intensified chocolate flavor. Just know that since it's super concentrated, a little goes a long way. Your cake will only need about a ½–1½ teaspoons, depending on your preferences.

What adds richness to cakes? ›

More Fat, More Flavor

Replace the oil with an equal amount of melted butter (and a pinch of salt if using unsalted butter), to boost richness. For an extra decadent cake, add two tablespoons of mayonnaise. Think that's crazy? Remember, mayonnaise is just eggs and oil – two things already in your cake!

What ingredients contribute to the rich flavor of the cake? ›

It also helps to provide structure and moisture to cakes, cookies, and bread. In addition to its delicious taste, butter adds richness and flavor to your baked goods. Different types of butter are available, but salted and unsalted butter are the two most commonly used in baking.

What is the number one cake in America? ›

Ice cream cake, as residents in Arizona, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, Oregon, Pennsylvania, and Washington all consider this one their favorite. Taking the second slot, seven states love a fruit-centered dessert: strawberry cake.

What is the most luxurious cake? ›

The "Diamond Cake" by Debbie Wingham - Price: $75 million

An amalgamation of luxury and confectionary art, it's embedded with more than 4000 diamonds, including pink, yellow, and white ones, making it not just a cake but a jewelled masterpiece. It's no wonder it holds the crown for the most expensive cake in the world!

Which cake is king of cakes? ›

A king cake, also known as a three kings cake, is a cake associated in many countries with Epiphany. Its form and ingredients are variable, but in most cases a fève ( lit. 'fava bean') such as a figurine, often said to represent the Christ Child, is hidden inside.

What gives chocolate a higher quality flavor? ›

Roasting brings them together under high heat, which causes the sugar and protein to react and form that wonderful aroma. Roasting is something of an art form. Different temperatures and times will produce different flavors.

What brings out the flavor in chocolate? ›

If you're making something chocolaty – crinkle cookies, chocolate mousse, brownies, fudge – and really want to turn up the chocolate flavor, there's a simple trick you can use with just about any recipe. Do you know the secret ingredient? It's espresso!

What is the king of chocolate cake? ›

The Sachertorte is a traditional chocolate cake. While staying true to the basic, good old-fashioned recipe, passion fruit is added to apricot jam to produce a lovely aroma and tartness for a pleasant, modern flavor.

Which chocolate cake is more tasty? ›

Chocolate Fudge Cake

It is an absolute favourite of all chocolate lovers. Fudge cakes are delicious, moist, and go with most any occasion.

Is butter or oil better for chocolate cake? ›

In fact, when it comes to chocolate cakes specifically, baker and food blogger Rose Levy Beranbaum suggests that a combination of oil and butter (at about a 1:5 ratio) can give you the desired flavor and lighter texture, since chocolate cakes are notorious for drying quickly (per Epicurious).

What's a good secret ingredient? ›

These are some of the best ones.
  • " Tarragon. I use a tiny amount of it whenever I make fries, whether they're frozen or homemade. ...
  • " Adding some kind of sugar to savory dishes. ...
  • " Shallots. ...
  • " Instant mashed potatoes. ...
  • " Cardamom. ...
  • " Cayenne pepper. ...
  • " Salt alternatives. ...
  • " Cinnamon.
Jul 2, 2022

What is a good baking secret? ›

10 Baking Secrets You Need to Know
  • Have the right butter consistency. ...
  • Read the whole recipe beforehand. ...
  • Prep all the ingredients ahead of time. ...
  • Use an oven thermometer. ...
  • Keep that oven closed! ...
  • Don't skip chilling. ...
  • Try storing your cookies with bread. ...
  • Don't over mix the ingredients.
Sep 1, 2023

What is your best baking secret? ›

Combine ingredients as gently as possible without overmixing. Creamed butter and sugar should be pale and fluffy, never yellow and gritty. Butter temperature is a vital detail that should not be overlooked. Don't open the oven door until goods are done baking.

References

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