Some recipes are a celebration of simplicity and indulgence, and Easy Chocolate Cake with Vanilla Frosting is exactly that. This cake combines rich, moist chocolate layers with a creamy, dreamy vanilla frosting that’s impossible to resist. Imagine slicing into a tender chocolate cake, each bite perfectly balanced by the smooth sweetness of vanilla frosting. It’s a dessert that feels both nostalgic and special, perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or just because.

The first time I made this cake, it was for my daughter’s birthday. I wanted something homemade but easy, and this recipe delivered. As the cake baked, the kitchen filled with the irresistible aroma of chocolate, and my daughter kept peeking into the oven, asking, “Is it ready yet?” When I finally frosted the cake and added sprinkles, her eyes lit up. “This is the best cake ever!” she exclaimed. Since then, this recipe has become a family favorite, a go-to for celebrations and sweet cravings alike.

This Easy Chocolate Cake with Vanilla Frosting is a delicious twist on a classic dessert. Featuring moist chocolate cake layers and a creamy vanilla frosting, this cake is ready in under an hour. It’s the perfect combination of simplicity and indulgence, making it ideal for both beginner bakers and seasoned pros. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself, this recipe is sure to impress

The first time I served this cake, it was during a small family gathering for my mom’s birthday. I wanted to make something special but didn’t have much time, so I decided to try this easy recipe. As I frosted the cake and added a few decorations, my mom walked into the kitchen and said, “That looks amazing!” When we finally cut into the cake, everyone was silent for a moment, savoring the first bite. “This is the best chocolate cake I’ve ever had,” my mom said, reaching for another slice.

Since that day, this Easy Chocolate Cake with Vanilla Frosting has become a staple in my kitchen. My kids love helping me bake and decorate it, and my friends always ask for the recipe whenever I bring it to gatherings. There’s something about this cake that feels like a warm hug—a comforting, indulgent treat that brings people together.

Why This Easy Chocolate Cake with Vanilla Frosting

Selling Points:

• Quick and Easy: Ready in under an hour, perfect for last-minute baking.
• Flavor-Packed: Combines rich chocolate and creamy vanilla for a classic flavor combination.
• Versatile: Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just because.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Loved by both kids and adults alike.

What You Need for Easy Chocolate Cake with Vanilla Frosting

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp vinegar)
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup hot water

For the Vanilla Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2-3 tbsp heavy cream or milk
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

How to Make Easy Chocolate Cake with Vanilla Frosting

1. Prep the Oven and Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk the eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Stir in the hot water until the batter is smooth.
5. Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Make the Frosting: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt, beating until smooth and fluffy.
7. Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting on top. Add the second cake layer and frost the top and sides of the cake. Decorate as desired.

Tips for Easy Chocolate Cake with Vanilla Frosting

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This ensures a smooth batter and even baking.
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can lead to a dense cake. Mix until just combined.
• Cool Completely: Make sure the cakes are completely cool before frosting to prevent melting.
• Decorate Simply: Add sprinkles, chocolate shavings, or fresh berries for a festive touch.

Substitutions and Variations

• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend.
• Dairy-Free: Use almond milk and vegan butter.
• Different Frosting: Try chocolate frosting, cream cheese frosting, or whipped cream.
• Add Fillings: Add a layer of fruit preserves or chocolate ganache between the cake layers.

Make a Healthier Version

• Low-Sugar: Reduce the sugar in the cake and frosting, or use a natural sweetener like maple syrup.
• Whole Wheat Flour: Use whole wheat flour for added fiber.
• Low-Fat: Use Greek yogurt instead of buttermilk and reduce the oil.

Closing for Easy Chocolate Cake with Vanilla Frosting

This Easy Chocolate Cake with Vanilla Frosting is more than just a dessert—it’s a celebration of flavor, simplicity, and connection. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself, this cake is sure to impress. Don’t forget to let us know how your batch turns out, and consider checking out some of our other recipes for more culinary inspiration. Happy baking

Frequently Asked Questions For Easy Chocolate Cake with Vanilla Frosting

Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, bake the cake layers a day in advance and store them wrapped in plastic wrap. Frost before serving.

Can I freeze the cake?
Yes, freeze the unfrosted cake layers for up to 3 months. Thaw before frosting.

Can I use a different type of frosting?
Absolutely! Try chocolate, cream cheese, or whipped cream frosting.

How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Can I make cupcakes instead?
Yes, bake the batter in cupcake liners for 18-20 minutes.

What can I use instead of buttermilk?
Mix 1 cup milk with 1 tbsp vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend.

How do I prevent the cake from sticking to the pan?
Grease and flour the pans, or use parchment paper.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Use almond milk and vegan butter.

What’s the best way to frost the cake?
Use an offset spatula for smooth frosting or a piping bag for decorative touches.

Can I add chocolate chips to the batter?
Yes, fold in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips before baking.

How do I make the frosting thicker?
Add more powdered sugar until you reach your desired consistency.

Easy Chocolate Cake with Vanilla Frosting

Recipe by Aisha DevCourse: All Recipes

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients

• For the Cake:

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar

• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder

• 1 1/2 tsp baking soda

• 1 tsp salt

• 2 large eggs

• 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp vinegar)

• 1/2 cup vegetable oil

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 cup hot water

• For the Vanilla Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 4 cups powdered sugar

• 2-3 tbsp heavy cream or milk

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

• Pinch of salt

Directions

• Prep the Oven and Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
• Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
• Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk the eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract.
• Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Stir in the hot water until the batter is smooth.
• Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
• Make the Frosting: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt, beating until smooth and fluffy.
• Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting on top. Add the second cake layer and frost the top and sides of the cake. Decorate as desired.