Double Chocolate Layer Cake

SERVES: 12

COOK TIME: 30 Min

Frosting a cake doesn't have to be hard. This recipe for our Double Chocolate Layer Cake is proof of just that! Not only are we giving you a recipe for a from-scratch chocolate cake, we're sharing a frosting recipe that acts as its perfect companion. With a little help from Howard, you'll be frosting cakes like a pro in no time. Good thing too; everyone will want a taste of this doubly delicious dessert.

What You'll Need

2 cups granulated sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon instant coffee granules
1 cup milk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water
CHOCOLATE FROSTING
1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
3 sticks butter, softened
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
5 cups powdered sugar
1/2 cup milk

What to Do

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour 2 (9-inch) cake pans.
In a large bowl with an electric mixer on low speed, beat granulated sugar, flour, 3/4 cup cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and coffee granules. Add 1 cup milk, oil, eggs, and 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla to flour mixture and beat on medium speed until well combined. Reduce speed and slowly add boiling water until combined. (The batter will appear very thin, but that's the way it should look.) Pour the batter evenly between cake pans.
Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Let cool 15 minutes in pans, then remove from pans to cool completely on a wire rack.
To make Chocolate Frosting, place 1 cup cocoa powder in a large bowl. With an electric mixer on medium-low speed, beat in butter and 2 teaspoons vanilla until creamy. Add powdered sugar and 1/2 cup milk by adding 1 cup of powdered sugar at a time, followed by a little milk. Beat until thoroughly combined. After all powdered sugar and milk have been added and combined, turn mixer to high and beat 1 minute or until smooth and creamy.
Place 1 cake layer on a serving plate and spread a layer of frosting on top. Place second cake layer over that and frost top and sides with remaining frosting. Using the back of a spoon, create swirls in frosting. Let sit 30 minutes before serving.

Check This Out!

For more amazing chocolate cake recipes, try our Chocolate Peanut Butter Dream Cake, or our Chocolate Raspberry Cake!
How about something else sweet but with half the effort? Try our fantastic 3-Layer Nanaimo Bars, or our Pineapple Freezer Cake.
Entertaining with something sweet? Make these indulgent Mini Chocolate Mousse Cups!