Luscious Chocolate Layer Cake Recipe

Name: Luscious Chocolate Layer Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: ½ cup natural cocoa powder; ½ cup boiling water; 2 ¼ cups sifted all-purpose flour; 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda; ¼ teaspoon salt; ¾ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature; 1 ¾ cups sugar; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 2 large eggs; 1 ⅓ cups sour cream; 6 ounces bittersweet chocolate or 6 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped; 2 tablespoons water; ½ cup sugar; 4 large egg yolks; ¾ teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1 cup unsalted butter, cut into 16 pieces, at room temperature

Servings: persons

½ cup natural cocoa powder
½ cup boiling water
2 ¼ cups sifted all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
¾ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 ¾ cups sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 large eggs
1 ⅓ cups sour cream
6 ounces bittersweet chocolate or 6 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
2 tablespoons water
½ cup sugar
4 large egg yolks
¾ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup unsalted butter, cut into 16 pieces, at room temperature

1
Position oven rack in the center of the oven; preheat the oven to 350; butter and flour two 9 x2 inch round cake pans.
2
Make the cake--Whisk together the cocoa and boiling water in a small bowl until smooth.
3
Whisk the flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
4
Beat the butter, sugar, and vanilla with an electric mixer on medium speed in a large deep bowl until well blended; the mixture will be dry.
5
Add in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
6
Decrease speed to low and beat in the flour mixture alternately with the sour cream, beginning and ending with the flour, just until well blended.
7
Add the cocoa mixture and blend well.
8
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
9
Bake for 40 minutes, or until a pick comes out clean; cool the cakes in the pans on wire racks for 20 minutes, then invert cakes onto the racks and remove the pans.
10
Turn the cakes right-side up and cool completely.
11
Make the frosting--melt the chocolate with the water in a small heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of about 1 1/2 inches of nearly simmering water, whisking until smooth; transfer to a large deep bowl.
12
Heat the sugar with the egg yolks in another heatproof bowl over the same saucepan of nearly simmering water, whisking constantly, for about 4 minutes, until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is warm to touch.
13
Whisk the sugar mixture into the chocolate mixture, add in the vanilla, and beat with an electric mixer on high speed for 3 minutes, or until the mixture has cooled to room temperature.
14
Beat in the butter one piece at a time, beating until smooth after each addition.
15
Assemble the cake--Place 1 cake layer on a serving plate; spread about 1 cup of frosting evenly over the layer.
16
Top with the remaining cake layer and frost with the remaining frosting; serve cut into wedges.

2290

kcal

Calories

156

Fat

202

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Preheat the oven fully and bake on the middle rack for the most even results.
Check for doneness a few minutes early — a toothpick in the center should come out with just a few moist crumbs.
Let it cool before slicing so it sets properly and holds its shape.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.
A good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well if you need a gluten-free version.
Coconut cream is a reliable plant-based alternative to dairy cream.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 16 ingredients. The key ingredients include: ½ cup natural cocoa powder, ½ cup boiling water, 2 ¼ cups sifted all-purpose flour, 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda, and more.

Yes, Luscious Chocolate Layer Cake falls under the Baking & Desserts category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3–5 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months — no need to refrigerate or reheat.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Luscious Chocolate Layer Cake

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions