How to Make Moist Chocolate Layer Cake - A Step-by-Step Guide

There's nothing quite like a decadent, moist chocolate layer cake to satisfy a serious sweet tooth. This classic dessert is a staple at any celebration, from birthdays to weddings, and for good reason. The rich, indulgent flavor of chocolate paired with layers of velvety frosting is enough to make anyone's mouth water.

One of the key elements to creating the perfect chocolate layer cake is achieving a moist and tender crumb. This ensures that each bite is soft and luscious, without be...

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Ingredients

  • 2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder (such as Hershey's®)
  • 2 cups cake flour
  • ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (such as Hershey's®)
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups white sugar
  • 1 cup canola oil
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup 2% milk
  • 1 cup brewed coffee
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup sour cream

Information

  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 40 mins
  • Total Time: 55 mins
  • Servings: 12
  • Yield: 1 9x13-inch cake

  • Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan; dust pan with 2 teaspoons cocoa powder or as needed.
  • Whisk cake flour, 3/4 cup cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Mix sugar and canola oil in a mixing bowl and beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until combined. Beat eggs into sugar and oil, one at a time, blending in the first egg before adding the second. Gradually beat milk, coffee, and vanilla extract into sugar mixture until smooth.
  • Reduce mixer speed to low and beat flour mixture into wet ingredients. Stir sour cream into batter. Pour into prepared baking pan.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean or with moist crumbs, about 40 minutes.
  • Nutrition

    460 cal.

    • Total Fat: 25g
    • Saturated Fat: 5g
    • Cholesterol: 41mg
    • Sodium: 477mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 57g
    • Dietary Fiber: 2g
    • Total Sugars: 35g
    • Protein: 5g
    • Vitamin C: 0mg
    • Calcium: 85mg
    • Iron: 3mg
    • Potassium: 193mg