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chocolate birthday cake

Chocolate Birthday Cake

This rich, moist chocolate birthday cake is layered with velvety chocolate buttercream frosting and topped with festive decorations. It’s the ultimate celebration cake for chocolate lovers, perfect for birthdays, parties, or any special occasion.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12 people
Calories 520 kcal

Equipment

  • Two 9-inch round cake pans
  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer or whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • cooling rack
  • Rubber spatula
  • Offset spatula or knife
  • Cake stand or serving plate

Ingredients
  

For the Chocolate Cake:

  • 1¾ cups 220g all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup 65g unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 cups 400g granulated sugar
  • 1½ tsp baking powder
  • 1½ tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup 240ml whole milk
  • ½ cup 120ml vegetable oil
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup 240ml boiling water or hot coffee

For the Chocolate Buttercream Frosting:

  • 1 cup 226g unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup 65g unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 3½ cups 440g powdered sugar
  • ¼ cup 60ml heavy cream or milk
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Optional Decorations:

  • Sprinkles
  • Chocolate shavings
  • Birthday candles

Instructions
 

Make the Cake:

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch cake pans or line with parchment paper.
  • In a large bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  • Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Beat until combined.
  • Carefully stir in the hot water or coffee. The batter will be thin—this is normal.
  • Pour evenly into prepared pans.
  • Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

Make the Frosting:

  • In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
  • Sift in cocoa powder and mix until smooth.
  • Gradually add powdered sugar, beating well after each addition.
  • Add vanilla extract, salt, and heavy cream. Beat until fluffy and spreadable.

Assemble the Cake:

  • Level cake layers if needed.
  • Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread frosting evenly on top.
  • Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides.
  • Decorate with sprinkles, chocolate curls, or candles as desired.

Notes

Use hot coffee instead of water to intensify the chocolate flavor.
Chill the cake for 15 minutes before frosting to reduce crumbs.
For extra richness, add a layer of ganache between the cakes.