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Easy Layered Chocolate Birthday Cake
naraazizasmith
135m
Easy Layered Chocolate Birthday Cake
Author:
naraazizasmith
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47M
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Easy Layered Chocolate Birthday Cake

This recipe guides you through making a delicious and moist layered chocolate cake, perfect for a birthday celebration or any special occasion. Despite the baker's initial apprehension, this is presented as a straightforward approach to a classic dessert, ensuring a delightful treat that looks impressive.
#cake
#chocolate
#birthday
#baking
#dessert
#homecooking
#easyrecipe
#layered cake
All Ingredients Ready
All Ingredients Ready

Recipe Information

15m
Prep Time
35m
Cook Time
2h 15m
Total Time
12
Servings
Medium
American
English
Nutrition (per serving)
450
Calories
5g
Protein
65g
Carbs
20g
Fat
Chocolate Cake Batter in Pans
Chocolate Cake Batter in Pans

Ingredients

  • All-purpose flour
    (Sifted)

    2 cups
  • Granulated sugar

    1.8 cups
  • Unsweetened cocoa powder

    0.8 cup
  • Baking soda

    2 teaspoons
  • Baking powder

    1 teaspoon
  • Salt

    1 teaspoon
  • Large eggs

    2
  • Whole milk

    1 cup
  • Vegetable oil

    0.5 cup
  • Vanilla extract

    2 teaspoons
  • Boiling water

    1 cup
  • Unsalted butter (softened)
    (For frosting)

    1 cup
  • Powdered sugar
    (For frosting, sifted)

    4 cups
  • Heavy cream
    (For frosting, adjust for desired consistency)

    2 tablespoons
  • Sprinkles
    (For decoration)

    As needed
Servings: 12
💡 Tip: Check off ingredients as you add them to keep track of your progress!
Layered Cake Being Frosted
Layered Cake Being Frosted

Instructions

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  • 1

    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. Line the bottoms with parchment paper.
    Step 1 visual
    Preview
    5m
    Step 1 visual
    Preview
    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. Line the bottoms with parchment paper.
    5m

    Properly preparing pans prevents sticking and ensures easy cake removal.
  • 2

    In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sifted all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
    Step 2 visual
    Preview
    2m
    Step 2 visual
    Preview
    In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sifted all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
    2m

    Sifting dry ingredients removes lumps and helps create a light cake texture.
  • 3

    In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the large eggs, whole milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until well combined.
    Step 3 visual
    Preview
    2m
    Step 3 visual
    Preview
    In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the large eggs, whole milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until well combined.
    2m

    Ensure all wet ingredients are at room temperature for better emulsion.
  • 4

    Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix on low speed with an electric mixer, or by hand, until just combined and no streaks of flour remain.
    Step 4 visual
    Preview
    3m
    Step 4 visual
    Preview
    Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix on low speed with an electric mixer, or by hand, until just combined and no streaks of flour remain.
    3m

    Avoid overmixing, which can lead to a tough cake.
  • 5

    Carefully stir in the boiling water until the batter is smooth. The batter will be thin, which is normal.
    Step 5 visual
    Preview
    1m
    Step 5 visual
    Preview
    Carefully stir in the boiling water until the batter is smooth. The batter will be thin, which is normal.
    1m

    The hot water helps bloom the cocoa, enhancing the chocolate flavor and contributing to moisture.
  • 6

    Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
    Step 6 visual
    Preview
    35m
    Step 6 visual
    Preview
    Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
    35m

    Do not open the oven door during the first 20 minutes of baking to prevent cakes from sinking.
  • 7

    Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10-15 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from sticking.
    Step 7 visual
    Preview
    1h
    Step 7 visual
    Preview
    Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10-15 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from sticking.
    1h

    Cakes must be completely cool before frosting, otherwise the frosting will melt.
  • 8

    While cakes cool, prepare the frosting: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter until creamy. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, alternating with heavy cream, until light and fluffy. Beat in vanilla extract.
    Step 8 visual
    Preview
    10m
    Step 8 visual
    Preview
    While cakes cool, prepare the frosting: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter until creamy. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, alternating with heavy cream, until light and fluffy. Beat in vanilla extract.
    10m

    Add cream slowly to achieve your desired frosting consistency. You might not need all of it.
  • 9

    Once cakes are completely cool, use a serrated knife to level the tops of the cakes if necessary, creating flat surfaces for stacking.
    Step 9 visual
    Preview
    5m
    Step 9 visual
    Preview
    Once cakes are completely cool, use a serrated knife to level the tops of the cakes if necessary, creating flat surfaces for stacking.
    5m

    A cake leveling tool can also be used for a more even cut.
  • 10

    Place one cake layer on your serving plate or cake stand. Spread a generous layer of frosting evenly over the top. Place the second cake layer on top and repeat with more frosting.
    Step 10 visual
    Preview
    5m
    Step 10 visual
    Preview
    Place one cake layer on your serving plate or cake stand. Spread a generous layer of frosting evenly over the top. Place the second cake layer on top and repeat with more frosting.
    5m

    Use an offset spatula for easy and smooth spreading of the frosting.
  • 11

    Frost the sides and top of the entire cake with the remaining frosting, smoothing it out for a neat finish.
    Step 11 visual
    Preview
    5m
    Step 11 visual
    Preview
    Frost the sides and top of the entire cake with the remaining frosting, smoothing it out for a neat finish.
    5m

    A crumb coat (a thin layer of frosting to seal in crumbs) can be applied and chilled for 15 minutes before the final frosting layer for a cleaner look.
  • 12

    Decorate with sprinkles or any other desired toppings. Serve and enjoy!
    Step 12 visual
    Preview
    3m
    Step 12 visual
    Preview
    Decorate with sprinkles or any other desired toppings. Serve and enjoy!
    3m

    For best flavor, let the cake sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
💡 Tip: Click on any step to mark it as completed and track your cooking progress!

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