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Deliciously Moist Chocolate Layer Cake

This triple chocolate cake features an incredibly moist chocolate cake made with coffee and buttermilk, layered with rich chocolate buttercream frosting. Perfect for special occasions.

Featured in Sweet Treats and Baked Goods.

Fatiha
Updated on Sun, 05 Jan 2025 01:30:23 GMT
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A slice of chocolate cake with chocolate frosting and chocolate chips on top, served on a white plate. Pin it
A slice of chocolate cake with chocolate frosting and chocolate chips on top, served on a white plate. | zestplate.com

Easy Homemade Triple Chocolate Cake

Let me share my favorite easy chocolate cake recipe that always gets rave reviews. This simple homemade triple chocolate cake combines three layers of chocolate goodness a super moist cake rich chocolate buttercream and a sprinkle of chocolate chips on top. I've made this easy recipe countless times and it never fails to make chocolate lovers swoon.

Why You'll Love This Easy Recipe

This simple homemade cake is pure chocolate heaven:

  • The easiest way to get an ultra-moist cake thanks to buttermilk and oil
  • Three easy ways to pack in chocolate flavor cake frosting and chips
  • A simple recipe that doesn't even need a mixer for the batter
  • So versatile make it as an easy layer cake sheet cake or cupcakes

Easy Ingredients for Triple Chocolate Cake

  • All-Purpose Flour: Just regular flour works perfectly in this easy recipe.
  • Natural Cocoa Powder: The key to that deep homemade chocolate flavor.
  • Buttermilk: Makes this simple cake extra moist and tender.
  • Oil: My secret for a super moist homemade cake every time.
  • Hot Coffee: Don't worry it won't taste like coffee it just makes the chocolate flavor pop.
  • Chocolate Chips: The perfect easy topping for that triple chocolate effect.

Easy Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Your Kitchen
Preheat your oven to 350°F and gather all your ingredients. Grease two 9-inch round pans with butter and line them with parchment paper. Having everything ready makes this easy recipe flow smoothly.
Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl whisk together your flour cocoa powder baking soda baking powder and salt until well combined. This simple step ensures no lumps in your homemade cake.
Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl mix your eggs vegetable oil buttermilk and vanilla until smooth. This easy mixture is the key to a super moist cake.
Create the Perfect Batter
Slowly pour your wet ingredients into the dry while mixing gently. Once combined add hot coffee and stir until you have a silky smooth batter. Don't worry if it seems thin this easy batter bakes up perfectly.
Bake with Care
Pour your batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes. Your homemade cakes are done when a toothpick comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
Make the Buttercream
While the cakes cool whip softened butter until fluffy then gradually add cocoa powder and powdered sugar. Mix in vanilla and heavy cream until you have a smooth spreadable frosting perfect for this easy recipe.
Assemble with Love
Once the cakes are completely cool place one layer on your serving plate. Spread a thick layer of frosting then top with the second cake. Cover the entire cake with remaining frosting working in smooth strokes.
Final Touches
Press chocolate chips around the sides and sprinkle some on top for that triple chocolate effect. Chill your homemade creation for 30 minutes to set the frosting before serving.

Tips for Easy Success

  • Simple Cocoa Choice: Stick with regular natural cocoa powder for this easy homemade recipe it works best.
  • Easy Mixing: Just mix until everything's combined this simple batter doesn't need much work.
  • Flexible Sizing: Make this easy recipe in different pans whatever you have works.
  • Room Temp Tip: Set your cold ingredients out early it makes this homemade cake mix up better.
A rich chocolate cake is topped with swirls of chocolate frosting and chocolate chips, sitting on a decorative cake stand. Pin it
A rich chocolate cake is topped with swirls of chocolate frosting and chocolate chips, sitting on a decorative cake stand. | zestplate.com

Easy Storage Tips

This homemade cake keeps beautifully at room temp for 2 days in an airtight container or up to 5 days in the fridge. Want to make it way ahead? This easy recipe freezes great just wrap the unfrosted layers tight and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight when you're ready to finish your cake.

The Ultimate Easy Chocolate Dessert

This simple homemade triple chocolate cake is my go-to for any celebration. Whether it's birthdays holidays or just because you need serious chocolate in your life this easy recipe delivers every time. The combination of moist cake creamy frosting and chocolate chips makes it impossible to resist. Serve it with cold milk or add a scoop of ice cream for an easy but impressive dessert that'll have everyone asking for the recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why use coffee in chocolate cake?

Coffee enhances chocolate flavor without making cake taste like coffee.

→ Why room temperature ingredients?

Ensures even mixing and proper texture in final cake.

→ Can I make this ahead?

Yes, layers can be frozen up to 3 months, frosting made 2-3 days ahead.

→ Why natural not Dutch cocoa?

Natural cocoa works with baking soda for proper leavening.

→ Why might cake slightly sink?

Normal with cocoa powder - can't structurally support as much moisture as flour.

Layer Cake Recipe

A deeply chocolate layer cake with super moist crumb, topped with rich chocolate buttercream frosting.

Prep Time
30 Minutes
Cook Time
25 Minutes
Total Time
55 Minutes
By: Fatiha

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Difficult

Cuisine: American

Yield: 16 Servings (1)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour.
02 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa.
03 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar.
04 2 teaspoons baking soda.
05 1 teaspoon baking powder.
06 1 teaspoon salt.
07 2 teaspoons espresso powder.
08 1/2 cup vegetable oil.
09 2 large eggs, room temperature.
10 2 teaspoons vanilla extract.
11 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature.
12 1 cup hot strong coffee.
13 1 1/4 cups unsalted butter, softened.
14 3 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar.
15 3/4 cup cocoa powder.
16 3-5 tablespoons heavy cream.
17 1/4 teaspoon salt.
18 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat oven to exactly 350°F and prepare two 9-inch cake pans with parchment paper circles.

Step 02

Whisk together flour, cocoa, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt and espresso powder thoroughly.

Step 03

Mix oil, eggs and vanilla until completely combined using mixer with whisk attachment.

Step 04

Add buttermilk to wet ingredients and mix until fully incorporated.

Step 05

Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients while adding hot coffee.

Step 06

Whisk batter until completely smooth, noting that batter will be quite thin.

Step 07

Divide batter evenly between prepared pans, using scale if available.

Step 08

Bake 23-26 minutes until toothpick inserted in center comes clean.

Step 09

Cool cakes completely in pans on wire rack before removing.

Step 10

For frosting, beat softened butter until creamy, about 2 minutes.

Step 11

Gradually add confectioners' sugar, cocoa, cream, salt and vanilla.

Step 12

Beat frosting on low then high speed until proper consistency achieved.

Step 13

Level cake layers if needed by trimming domed tops.

Step 14

Stack layers with frosting between and coat entire cake with remaining frosting.

Step 15

Refrigerate cake 30-60 minutes before slicing to set shape.

Notes

  1. Make ahead friendly.
  2. Can be frozen.
  3. Triple chocolate flavor.
  4. Perfect celebration cake.

Tools You'll Need

  • 9-inch cake pans.
  • Electric mixer.
  • Parchment paper.
  • Wire rack.
  • Icing spatula.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (butter, buttermilk).
  • Eggs.
  • Wheat (flour).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 450
  • Total Fat: 22 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 65 g
  • Protein: 6 g