Chocolate Layer Cake

Name: Chocolate Layer Cake
Prep time: 8 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 38 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder ((100 grams)); 1 ¼ cup water (very hot, or use hot coffee; (300 grams)); 2 cups granulated sugar ((400 grams)); 1 cup brown sugar ((200 grams)); ¾ cup vegetable oil ((150 grams)); 1 ½ cups sour cream ((337 grams)); 3 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour ((300 grams)); 2 ¼ teaspoons baking powder; 2 ¼ teaspoons baking soda; 1 ½ teaspoon salt; 2 cups butter (softened (452 grams)); 6 to 7 cups powdered sugar (see notes (673 grams)); 1¼ cups unsweetened cocoa powder ((100 grams)); 4 to 6 tablespoons milk (or heavy cream); ¼ teaspoon salt; ⅓ cup heavy cream ((76 grams)); 3 ounces dark chocolate, finely chopped ((87 grams) (45% to 52% See Notes))

Instructions

Prep:8minCook:30min

Rich chocolate layer cake with three soft, moist layers and plenty of chocolate buttercream between each one. This cake stacks beautifully, slices cleanly, and can be finished with an optional ganache drip for an extra chocolate finish.

Updated at: Sat, 23 May 2026 09:02:39 GMT