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Dark Chocolate Layer Cake

Dark Chocolate Layer Cake

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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 12
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 420
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • For the Cake
  • 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup high-quality dark cocoa powder
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 large eggs room temp
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup hot brewed coffee
  • For the Frosting
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
  • ½ cup dark cocoa powder
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease two 8-inch pans and line with parchment.
  2. Whisk dry ingredients together.
  3. Add eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla. Mix until smooth.
  4. Slowly pour in hot coffee and whisk until glossy.
  5. Divide into pans and bake 25–30 minutes.
  6. Cool completely.
  7. Beat frosting ingredients until fluffy.
  8. Frost, stack, and chill 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Use hot coffee, not warm—the heat blooms the cocoa.
  • Don't overbake. Pull the cakes the moment a toothpick comes out clean.
  • Chill the cakes before frosting for cleaner layers.
  • Use a crumb coat to avoid messy frosting.