A chocolate cake recipe that is incredibly easy to whip up and makes the most tender, chocolatey cake ever – just look at the raving reviews!!! What makes this cake extra special is that it is sturdy enough for stacking & carving without sacrificing flavor and texture.
This Fluffy and Buttery Vanilla Cake recipe has been my most popular recipe on this site. I’ve received several questions on how to make a chocolate version of it, so finally, here it is!
Taste and Texture
The cake has a soft crumb but it is sturdy enough for stacking and carving. It is not fudgy but it is definitely moist and has a concentrated chocolate flavor without being too sweet.
Thanks to the cocoa dissolved in boiling water; it gives the cake an extraordinarily full and intense chocolate flavor. I used the same method in making my favorite basic chocolate cupcake.
Overall, I thought this chocolate cake is great to be in a baker’s back pocket. It is great for any special occasion and any frosting will work with it!
Baking in Different Cake Pan Sizes
Here is a chart of the amount of ingredients you’ll need depending on pan size:
Follow the same procedure as written in the recipe but you may need to adjust the baking time. Remember that the time indicated below is only a guide as not all ovens are the same.
TIP: As not all ovens are the same, always check your cake for doneness a few minutes earlier than the suggested baking time. You would know when a cake is done when a cake tester or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
For the purpose of testing, I baked each size in two different cake pan heights:
- For the 6-inch cake recipe, I used a cake pan that is 3 inches in height (6×3).
- For the 8-inch cake recipe, I used a cake pan that is 2 inches in height (8×2).
6-inch Chocolate Cake for Stacking
For the 6-inch cake recipe, I divided the batter into two 6×3 pans.
This is the exact baking pan I use and I really do recommend this brand (not sponsored – I just really love their baking pans!) .
You can probably bake this also in three 6×2 pans; if you do so, don’ forget to adjust the baking time.
Of course, the two 6×3 pans yielded a taller cake, about 3 inches in height (before torting and leveling). The cake rose right at the top of the pan. I then torte each cake into two, giving me a total of four 6-inch layers, as you see in the photos.
After torting and leveling the cakes, the total height of my cake is about 4.5 inches. If I put frosting in between layers and on the outside of the cake, the total height of the final cake would probably be over 5 inches.
TIP: If you only have a cake pan that is less than 3 inches in height, an alternative is to line parchment around the cake pan for added height, just like what I did in my Vanilla Cake.
8-inch Chocolate Cake
For the 8-inch cake recipe, I divided the batter into three 8×2 pans.
You can also bake this into two 8×3 pans; baking time will be longer if you bake in a taller pan.
Using the 8×2 pans, the recipe yields three 8-inch cakes that are almost 2 inches in height (before torting and leveling). The cake rose right up to the top of the cake pan.
This time, I used cake strips, and you can really see the difference in terms of doming!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Shop efficiently (treat this as your grocery list) and gather your ingredients at home without running circles in your kitchen. (i.e. One trip to the fridge to get all your dairy needs.)
***The ingredient quantities listed below are for the 8-inch recipe. ***
REFRIGERATED:
- butter. 340g of unsalted butter, at room temperature. What is Room Temperature Butter?
- eggs. You need 300 grams of eggs (weight is without shell). That is about 6 large eggs, at room temperature.
PANTRY:
- Dutch processed cocoa. Sometimes called alkalized cocoa; it is unsweetened cocoa that has been treated with an alkali to make it pH neutral. You need 180grams.
- water. 710g or about 3 US cups of boiling water.
- flour. 500g of all-purpose flour – measured by weight and not by cups. This recipe uses a lot of flour and any excess amounts will make your cake dry and too dense. I don’t recommend using cake/pastry flour as we need a higher protein content to make this cake sturdy.
- baking soda. 14 grams or 1 tablespoon. Baking Soda loses its leavening power over time so always check yours is still good.
- baking powder. 3 grams or 3/4 teaspoon. Baking powder do expire so always ensure your batch is still good.
- Salt. 9 grams or 1.5 teaspoon of fine sea salt/ table salt.
- sugar. 600 grams or 3 cups of granulated white sugar.
How To Make The Best Chocolate Cake for Stacking & Carving
The steps to make this chocolate cake are actually simple.
STEP 1. MISE EN PLACE. Prepare your oven by preheating it to 350 F (175 C). Note that I am using a conventional oven (no fan).
Grease and line the bottom of each cake pan with parchment paper. Instead of dusting the pan with flour, use cocoa powder.
In a separate bowl, prepare the flour mixture by sifting together your dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
STEP 2. Preferably in a bowl with a spout, whisk the cocoa and boiling water until smooth. Set aside to cool while you make the batter.
STEP 3. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the butter and sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy. This process takes about 8 minutes – the butter should turn very pale yellow, almost white in color.
STEP 4. Add eggs, one at a time, beating until each addition is incorporated. Scrape the bottom and sides of the bowl.
STEP 5. Add the flour mixture four times, alternating with the cocoa mixture in three parts, beating until each addition is incorporated.
STEP 6. Divide the batter in your pans and bake until a cake tester inserted into the centers come out clean. Cool the cakes in the pans on wire racks before using them.
NOTE: Not sure what’s medium, medium-low, or low speed in your mixer? Read this Stand Mixer Speed Control Guide.
Storage and Make Ahead
Frequently Asked Questions
Technically, yes, but I don’t recommend it for this recipe. The Dutch Process Cocoa powder is in the recipe mainly for flavor and color. If you use natural cocoa powder, your cake would be lighter in color and you may notice a subtle tanginess or a slightly bitter edge to the flavor. This is due to natural cocoa’s acidity, which may not be fully neutralized by the remaining ingredients in the recipe.
No need to totally cool it down. Just set it aside while you make the batter, so that’s about 10 mins.
Given that proper stacking has been done, this chocolate cake like its vanilla version is sturdy enough for multi-tiered cakes. There have been many reviews that they’ve used this recipe for tiered cakes.
Yes, this sturdy chocolate cake can hold the weight of fondant.
Coffee enhances the chocolate flavor so the answer is yes. A couple of readers shared in the comments below that they have successfully replaced the water with coffee in equal amounts.
Other than 6-inch and 8-inch sizes, I have not personally made this in other sizes so I can not provide specific ingredient quantities at this time. It is in my pipeline though to test this recipe in various pan sizes, similar to its vanilla version. Please sign up to our email list to get notified once it is up!
As a rule of thumb, reduce oven temperature by 25 degrees F if using an oven with fan so that would be 325F or 160C. Check if cake is done 5 to 10 minutes earlier than the suggested baking time.
Vanilla Version
If you need to make a cake like this in Vanilla, head on to Fluffy and Buttery Vanilla Cake recipe.
I’ve used this recipe to make a 3-tiered wedding cake so I can say that while it is soft and fluffy, it is firm enough to use in multi-tiered cakes.
❤️ Tried this recipe and loved it? If you made this recipe or any other recipe on this site, please leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating + review below – or tag @thebakeologie on Instagram and hashtag it #bakeologie !
Sturdy Yet Soft and Fluffy Chocolate Cake
Ingredients
- 710 grams boiling water (710 ml / 3 US cups)
- 180 grams Dutch processed cocoa
- 500 grams all-purpose flour
- 14 grams baking soda (1 tablespoon)
- 3 grams baking powder (3/4 teaspoon)
- 9 grams fine salt (1 ½ teaspoon)
- 340 grams unsalted butter at room temperature
- 600 grams white granulated sugar (3 cups)
- 300 grams eggs about 6 large eggs, at room temperature
Instructions
- Mise en place. Set the oven 350 ℉/ 175 ℃. Set an oven rack in the middle rack of the oven. Note that for all recipes in this website, I am using conventional oven (no fan). Grease and line the bottom of three 8×2 pans (Note 1).
- Make the cocoa mixture.In a bowl (preferably with a spout like a pyrex measuring glass), whisk the cocoa and boiling water until smooth. Set aside while you proceed to the next steps.710 grams boiling water180 grams Dutch processed cocoa
- Make the flour mixture.Make the flour mixture by sifting the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl and whisk them together.500 grams all-purpose flour14 grams baking soda3 grams baking powder9 grams fine salt
- Make the batter. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the butter and sugar on medium speed until light in color and fluffy, about 8 minutes. Reduce speed to medium-low then add the eggs, one at a time, beating until each addition is incorporated before adding the next one. Scrape the sides of the bowl when necessary.340 grams unsalted butter600 grams white granulated sugar300 grams eggs
- Combine the cocoa mixture and the flour mixture.Reduce speed to low. Add the flour mixture in four parts, alternating with the cocoa mixture (There is no need to wait for the cocoa mixture to be completely cool) in three parts. Beat until each addition is incorporated before adding the next. Be careful not to overmix. Divide the batter between the pans and smooth the surfaces.
- Bake the cakes.Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a cake tester or toothpick inserted into the centers comes out clean. Usually if you are using cake strips, baking time will take a bit longer. (Note 2)
- Cool the cakes.Let the cakes cool in the pans on wire racks for 1 to 1.5 hours. There's a high chance your cake will fall apart when you remove it from the pan while still warm.Run a metal spatula between the sides of the pans and invert the cakes onto wire racks that have been coated with nonstick spray. Peel off the parchment and reinvert onto wire racks to cool completely.
Can I use cake flour? I don’t expect a response before I plan to make the cake but I know for the vanilla cake you said no cake flour. Just want to know if it is acceptable on this recipe.
Thanks in advance!
I haven’t tried this with cake flour but I think it might work. Cake might come out softer (which does not necessarily mean moister) and on the less sturdy side. If you will be using this for tiered cakes (ex. 6 inch then 8 inch layers stacked together) I do not recommend using cake flour due to its lower protein content. We need a higher protein content flour for structure.
How far in advance can you make this cake without having to freeze it?
Thank you x
I would say 2-3 days in the fridge (wrapped properly).
Hi Trish!!
I was wondering if this could be made in advanced and frozen?
Thanks!!
Yes, they can be made ahead and frozen! Once the cakes are cooled, remove them from the pan then tightly wrap each cake in cling wrap/ plastic wrap. If you would be keeping them in the freezer for longer than a week, I suggest adding an extra layer of protection from freezer burns by wrapping it with aluminum foil or place them in a freezer bag. Thaw in the fridge the night before you are going to fill and frost the cake. A brush of simple syrup would add back some moisture, if you wish to do so.
New to simple syrup, I know its half water half granulated sugar, but need to add anything chocolate flavor?
Hi! You could add about 30g (1/3 cup) of unsweetened cocoa powder for every 1 cup of water and 1 cup of sugar.
Hi please could you tell me if normal
Cocoa powder will work?
Hi, Charlotte. It should be Dutch Process cocoa.
I’ve made this recipe twice and it’s phenomenal! It truly is very sturdy yet very moist! Do you have variations for different flavors? I haven’t been able to find other recipes that taste this good for vanilla, berry, etc?
That’s awesome, Eileen! 🙂 I have the vanilla version which is linked in this post.
Fabulous silky batter which made feel confident that I’d get a good result and wow what a truly lovely cake it made. I made the 6 inch x two pan version and got a fabulous rise. It cooked perfectly within 1 hour. I tweaked the recipe and incorporated 20g of black cocoa into the same cocoa measurement and I also added boiling coffee instead of water. Easy recipe with excellent results. This now my go to chocolate cake!
Awesome, Suzie! I was curious what would be the result if I use black cocoa instead of Dutch processed. I imagined it would be darker in color and would have a deeper chocolate taste but wasn’t sure about how it will affect the texture of the cake, so thank you for sharing! 🙂
Hi Trish, I tried this recipe in 2x10inch round tins for a practice run and it turned out awesome, am making my best friends wedding cake and will make it 2 tier 10inch and 12inch. am wondering how I work out the volumes of the recipe to do a 12inch round cake, I need 2 of these but will need to cook seperately as only have 1 cake tin in this size. Am going to be pushed for time so will make cakes in advance and freeze them many thanks for your lovely recipes.
Awesome that your practice cake went well! I haven’t made this in 12-inch, but if I were to try it I would multiply the ingredients for the 8-inch by 2. 🙂
Hello,
If I follow the same size pans and all that you did how many can this cake serve? I have read 6” cakes serve 5-11 slices and 8” cakes serve 12-16 slices. So if I go in the middle of this hoping I can get 22 slices. Please may you confirm?
When do you put the simple syrup on the cakes?
Does this cake need to be in fridge after full assembly or can it stay at room temp for 1 day including 2 hour travel?
I plan to make cakes on Friday, cool and wrap and keep in fridge. If no space in fridge will keep at room temp hope that’s okay? I can keep in cool garage if that’s better. Then I plan to skip Saturday won’t be around. Then ice and assemble on Sunday. Travel on Monday cake will be served in evening. Thanks
The cake servings depend on how you will cut the cake. Here’s a good resource I’ve found. Brush the simple syrup right before filling and frosting. The cake (cooled, unfrosted and tightly wrapped) can be stored at room temperature overnight although they are easier to handle and stack while they are cold. Once you have applied the frosting I recommend keeping it in the fridge.
Hi Trish,
I need a cake that the top layer will hold up as the middle layer will have a hole in the middle to hold goodies.(m & M’s) I found this as it is sturdy, but would it be too top heavy and collapse in the middle?
Thank you!!
I haven’t tried that but I think it should hold up. I would love to know in case you’ll give it a try!
Absolutely amazing chocolate cake. Made it for my husbands birthday and it was a hit. My mother in law doesn’t like anyone’s cooking but she liked this cake! Thankyou for this recipe!!
That’s awesome to hear, Anna!! Thank you for trusting the recipes here! 💛
Hi there! I originally commented on your vanilla cake regarding instructions/ingredients for a 12 inch cake. For your chocolate cake, i also need info for a 9 inch cake! (Trust me to pick such awkward sizes for my daughter’s wedding cake!) I’ll be forever grateful for any assistance!
Kindest regards,
Kel..xx
Hey Kelly, I answered through your other comment in the vanilla cake recipe page.