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

How do you make a cake taste richer? ›

Adding extra eggs when baking a cake brings out a lighter and richer flavor, making your dessert even more delicious! Baking tip #6: Adding a touch of vanilla extract, ¼ teaspoon to be exact, is all it takes to make your box cake taste better, even homemade.

What was Julia Child's favorite cake? ›

A Reine de Saba cake is a French, rich, sophisticated, chocolate cake made with ground almonds, rum, meringue and of course chocolate. It's topped with a chocolate ganache and can be decorated with almond slices. It's said to be one of the first French cakes that Julia Child ever ate and fell in love with!

What makes a cake amazing? ›

A good quality cake will have a soft, velvety texture without weakness, and it should not be crumbly. Cakes with rough, harsh, too compact, lumpy, or too loose textures are not desirable.

Is brown sugar good for chocolate cake? ›

Brown Sugar Lends Caramel Undertones And Helps Lock In Moisture. Incorporating brown sugar into your chocolate cake recipes can elevate them from good to unforgettable. Tasting Table's recipe developer, Molly Allen, demonstrates this beautifully in her elegant yet simple death by chocolate cake recipe.

How do you make a cake look expensive? ›

Consider using a pedestal stand for added height and drama. Make sure the surface is clean and free of any smudges or crumbs. Additionally, you can adorn the base of the cake with decorative elements such as edible pearls, gold leaf, or sugar flowers to create a visually appealing and luxurious look.

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!

What cake did the queen like? ›

Chocolate biscuit cake is Queen Elizabeth's favorite cake ~ she would take a small slice every day with her tea, until the cake was finished, and then she'd start on a fresh one!

What was the queens favourite cake? ›

Posted on www.today.com (Read original article here.) “This chocolate biscuit cake is Her Royal Majesty the Queen's favorite afternoon tea cake by far,” chef Darren McGrady, The Royal Chef and former personal chef to Queen Elizabeth II, told TODAY Food.

What does adding applesauce to cake do? ›

Applesauce: Unsweetened applesauce is a popular oil substitute in baking. It can add moisture to your cakes and cupcakes while reducing the fat content. Use a 1:1 ratio, replacing the oil with applesauce. Greek Yogurt: Greek yogurt is another great option for moisture and creaminess.

What makes a cake more moist oil or butter? ›

Vegetable oil contributes moistness far more reliably, a result of the fact that oil remains liquid at room temperature while butter solidifies. Liquid contributes to the sensation of moistness, and therefore cakes made with oil often present as moister than their butter-based counterparts.

What are 2 qualities of a good cake? ›

Characteristics of a Cake Indicating its Superior Quality
  • Moist and Tender Crumb. One of the most crucial characteristics of an exceptional cake is its moist and tender crumb. ...
  • Well-balanced flavors. ...
  • Exquisite Aesthetic Appeal. ...
  • Light and Fluffy Texture. ...
  • Memorable and Unique Twist.
Jul 20, 2023

What to put on chocolate cake? ›

Best Chocolate Cake Frostings
  1. Chocolate Ganache. Chocolate Ganache is the simplest, easiest and quickest frosting you can make for chocolate cake. ...
  2. Cream Cheese Frosting. ...
  3. Nutella Frosting. ...
  4. Whipped Coconut Buttercream Frosting. ...
  5. Raspberry Frosting. ...
  6. Peppermint Frosting. ...
  7. Change up the Buttercream. ...
  8. Keep Your Cake in Place.
Jun 14, 2022

Is brown or white sugar better for chocolate cake? ›

Brown sugar has a deep, caramel or toffee-like flavor due to the added molasses. For this reason, it works well in chocolate cakes and cookies, as well as rich fruit cakes.

What combination goes well with chocolate cake? ›

Tart, bright fruits such as orange, lemon, or raspberry can work a wonderful contrast with chocolate. Very salty flavors, such as salted caramel, pretzels, peanuts, or perhaps all three, will act as a fine counterpart to the rich sweetness of chocolate. It's an addictive combination to be sure.

What can I add to cake mix to make it richer? ›

Enrich with fat.

Mix in room-temperature cream cheese, ricotta, sour cream, whole-fat yogurt, or peanut butter in addition to the fat called for on the box to yield even richer cakes.

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

In cakes, sugar assists with the aeration and stabilising of batters. Sugars improve the crust colour of baked products, improve flavour and help to retain moisture, keeping products softer for longer and so reducing staling. Examples of sugar forms are granulated sugar, castor sugar and icing sugar.

What adds richness and improve the Flavour of cake? ›

How can I improve the texture and add richness?
  • Don't use water. You can replace water with a more flavorful liquid to enhance your cake. ...
  • Swap oils. There's a time and place for vegetable oil, but we all know butter makes everything taste better. ...
  • Put in an extra egg. ...
  • Add sour cream.
Nov 9, 2022

How can I make my cake taste better? ›

6 Easy Ways To Upgrade Your Boxed Cake Mix
  1. Add an Extra Egg.
  2. Add Milk, Coffee, or Soda.
  3. Use Butter Instead of Oil.
  4. Add Instant Pudding.
  5. Up the Flavor with an Extract or Citrus Zest.
  6. Top the Cake with Homemade Frosting.
Oct 19, 2023

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