Homemade Chocolate Layer Cake with Vanilla Buttercream

This Homemade Chocolate Layer Cake with Vanilla Buttercream is a classic, decadent dessert featuring rich, tender chocolate layers and a light, creamy vanilla frosting. Each component comes together with simple pantry ingredients but delivers a bakery-quality result. The chocolate cake bakes up moist thanks to hot coffee or boiling water, and the buttercream whips to a silky, spreadable finish that complements the deep cocoa flavor. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or anytime you’re craving a nostalgic homemade cake.

Cake Ingredients

• 1¾ cups flour
• ¾ cup cocoa powder (preferably Dutch-processed)
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1½ teaspoons baking powder
• 1½ teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup milk
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water or hot coffee (enhances the chocolate flavor)
  

  Cake Instructions