Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 cups unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon baking soda
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 4 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (or brewed coffee)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups butter (softened)
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1 1/2 cups unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 7 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup milk (as needed)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (176°C). Grease and prepare three 9-inch cake pans.
- Mix flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl.
- Add eggs, buttermilk, warm water (or coffee), oil, and vanilla. Mix until smooth.
- Divide batter evenly into pans and tap to remove air bubbles.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool cakes for 15 minutes, then transfer to racks to cool completely.
- For frosting, beat butter and cream cheese until fluffy.
- Add cocoa powder and vanilla, then mix.
- Gradually beat in powdered sugar, adding milk if needed for consistency.
- Frost cooled cake layers and assemble.
Notes
- Using coffee instead of water enhances chocolate flavor.
- Chill cake after frosting for best texture and stability.
- Frosting will thicken more after refrigeration.
- Best served slightly chilled or at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian