Go Back
–+ servings
close up shot of a slice of chocolate cake recipe on a plate
Print Recipe
5 from 2 votes

Chocolate Cake Recipe

A classic and irresistible dessert, this heavenly frosted chocolate cake recipe is a chocolate lover’s dream.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time35 minutes
Cool Time1 hour
Total Time1 hour 55 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Chocolate Cake
Servings: 12
Calories: 598kcal

Ingredients

Cake

  • 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1½ teaspoons baking soda
  • 1½ teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup boiling water, or hot coffee
  • 1½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup canola oil

Frosting

  • ¾ cup salted butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ⅔ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • ¾ cup heavy cream

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 9x13 baking pan with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
  • Whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda, baking powder and salt in the bowl of a stand mixer.
  • Add the milk, eggs, vanilla, and oil into the bowl with the dry ingredients.
  • Beat together with a hand mixer or whisk. Gradually add in the boiling water while mixing to help break apart the batter.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan.
  • Bake for 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the cakes comes out with just a few crumbs.
  • Cool cake completely.
  • Meanwhile, prepare the frosting.
  • In the bowl of a standing mixer or with a hand mixer, slowly begin to beat together the softened butter, vanilla, and cocoa powder.
  • Rotate between adding the powdered sugar and heavy cream until both are fully incorporated, and the frosting is fluffy and smooth.
  • Spread the frosting over the cooled cake.
  • Cut and serve.

Notes

  • This exceptional chocolate cake is an original Hershey’s cake recipe. It is similar to the Black Magic Cake. Milk is used instead of traditional buttermilk in the Black Magic Cake, making a bit lighter, fluffier cake.
  • The boiling water is a traditional technique used to help break apart the dry ingredients in the cake batter.
  • The frosting is a bit thicker and richer than the traditional Hershey’s chocolate frosting recipe. It’s a delicious chocolate buttercream frosting.

Nutrition

Calories: 598kcal | Carbohydrates: 85g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 84mg | Sodium: 463mg | Potassium: 280mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 64g | Vitamin A: 651IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 80mg | Iron: 2mg