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 to enhance chocolate flavor in cake? ›

There's a simple trick to making chocolate desserts taste even better. Sure, cocoa powder and chopped chocolate give anything a rich, chocolate flavor. But if you want that flavor to be more complex and intense, add a little coffee to the recipe.

Is butter or oil better for chocolate cake? ›

In fact, when it comes to chocolate cakes specifically, baker and food blogger Rose Levy Beranbaum suggests that a combination of oil and butter (at about a 1:5 ratio) can give you the desired flavor and lighter texture, since chocolate cakes are notorious for drying quickly (per Epicurious).

What is a secret ingredient for cakes? ›

Mayonnaise: The Hidden Gem in Cake Recipes

Made up of eggs and oil, mayonnaise acts as an emulsifier, adding creaminess and moisture to your cake. This unexpected addition can take your cake recipes to a whole new level. To incorporate mayonnaise into your cake batter, simply add a couple of tablespoons to the mix.

What is the most expensive cake in the world? ›

The "Diamond Cake" by Debbie Wingham - Price: $75 million

An amalgamation of luxury and confectionary art, it's embedded with more than 4000 diamonds, including pink, yellow, and white ones, making it not just a cake but a jewelled masterpiece. It's no wonder it holds the crown for the most expensive cake in the world!

What is the number one cake flavor in the world? ›

Data from ContractTesting.com found that chocolate was the most popular flavor of cake. Chocolate cake compliments so many other hints of flavor like strawberry or chocolate mousse, or other flavors of frosting.

What gives chocolate a higher quality flavor? ›

High-quality chocolate is often contains a higher percentage of cocoa solids sourced from very good quality cocoa beans, which contributes to a richer chocolate flavour and smoother texture.

Is it better to put sour cream or milk in a cake? ›

Sour cream is one of the fattiest dairy products; the extra fat content (for example, adding sour cream to a cake instead of milk) will make the cake moister and richer, says Wilk. "Fat, in any form (butter, lard, cream, etc.) shortens gluten strands, which essentially leads to the most tender baked goods," she adds.

Can I use sour cream instead of buttermilk in cake? ›

Yes, you can substitute sour cream! Thin it with milk or water to get the right consistency. For each cup of buttermilk needed, use 3/4 cup sour cream and 1/4 cup liquid. Editor's Tip: Sour cream has a higher fat content, so this will result in richer-tasting foods.

Is water or milk better for cakes? ›

“Cake Mix can usually be used with either water or milk. When using milk, however, you can probably expect better results because it can make the cake become more moist and rich in flavor.

What is the secret to a perfect cake? ›

The next time you're baking a cake, keep these simple tricks in mind:
  1. Prep the ingredients. Have all of the ingredients at room temperature, unless the recipe directs otherwise. ...
  2. Use the right flour. ...
  3. Prep your pans. ...
  4. Alternate wet and dry ingredients. ...
  5. Preheat. ...
  6. Release air bubbles. ...
  7. Test for doneness. ...
  8. Cool down.
Jun 29, 2022

What adds richness to cakes? ›

In addition to its delicious taste, butter adds richness and flavor to your baked goods. Different types of butter are available, but salted and unsalted butter are the two most commonly used in baking. As the name suggests, salted butter contains salt, and unsalted butter does not.

Which 2 ingredients help the cake to rise? ›

Firstly, you need to mix your baking powder/bicarbonate of soda through your flour before you add this to the mixture. These two ingredients are the most common raising agents in baking, so I've focused on them here (also make sure they are in date!).

Which is the tastiest cake? ›

Here is the best cake flavours in India:
  1. Chocolate Cake Flavour. The first choice of every Indian – The Chocolate Cake. ...
  2. Vanilla Cake Flavour. ...
  3. Strawberry Cake Flavour. ...
  4. Butterscotch Cake Flavour. ...
  5. Red velvet Cake Flavour. ...
  6. Fruit Cake Flavour. ...
  7. Pineapple Cake Flavour. ...
  8. Rasmalai Cake Flavour.
Feb 28, 2024

Which cake is king of cakes? ›

A king cake, also known as a three kings cake, is a cake associated in many countries with Epiphany. Its form and ingredients are variable, but in most cases a fève ( lit. 'fava bean') such as a figurine, often said to represent the Christ Child, is hidden inside.

Which country has the best cake in the world? ›

Scotland is widely known as the land of cakes which is originally one of the four constituent nations of the United Kingdom. It is one of the islands of Great Britain whose capital is Edinburgh, and Glasglow takes the 'cake' for being the largest city.

Who is the most beautiful cake? ›

The Chocolate Fudge Cake is a decadent and rich dessert that is often considered one of the most beautiful cakes in the world.

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