Description
A classic, moist chocolate layer cake that is rich, tender, and deeply chocolatey, perfect for any celebration.
Ingredients
Scale
- 280 g (2 1/4 cups) all-purpose flour
- 80 g (3/4 cup) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 400 g (2 cups) granulated sugar
- 10 g (2 tsp) baking powder
- 5 g (1 tsp) baking soda
- 5 g (1 tsp) salt
- 170 g (3/4 cup) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 240 g (1 cup) sour cream
- 120 ml (1/2 cup) whole milk
- 3 large eggs (approx. 150 g without shell)
- 10 ml (2 tsp) vanilla extract
- 120 ml (1/2 cup) hot coffee or espresso
- Optional: 150-200 g (about 2 cups) dark chocolate ganache or frosting
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease two 9-inch pans and line with parchment.
- In a bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: melted butter, sour cream, milk, eggs, and vanilla. Stir in hot coffee.
- Fold the wet ingredients into the dry until just combined.
- Divide the batter between the two pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, rotating once.
- Cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to racks to cool completely.
- Level the cakes, frost with ganache or buttercream, and chill for a clean finish before serving.
Notes
For a smoother finish, crumb coat with a thin layer of frosting before the final layer. Ensure to use room-temperature eggs for best results.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 61g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 95mg