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One Layer Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Buttercream Frosting Recipe

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4.1 from 13 reviews

  • Author: Sara
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 16 servings

Description

A rich and moist one-layer chocolate cake featuring a smooth, creamy chocolate buttercream frosting. This easy recipe combines cocoa and espresso powder for a deep chocolate flavor, perfect for any celebration or a delightful treat.

Ingredients

Cake

  • 4 eggs (room temperature)
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/3 cup oil
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp espresso powder (optional)

Chocolate Buttercream

  • 3 1/2 oz chocolate (semi-sweet, bittersweet, or dark), chopped
  • 1/2 cup butter (room temperature)
  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/3 cup cocoa powder
  • 1/3 cup milk (room temperature)
  • 2 tbsp heavy cream
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Sprinkles (optional, for topping)

Instructions

  1. Prep: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8-inch square pan and line it with parchment paper. For a thinner cake, use a 9-inch square pan.
  2. Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract until well combined.
  3. Add sugars: Add both the sugar and brown sugar to the wet mixture and whisk well until smooth.
  4. Add dry ingredients: Add the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and espresso powder (if using) to the wet ingredients. Whisk until the batter is smooth with no visible clumps.
  5. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few crumbs. Avoid over-baking to keep the cake moist.
  6. Cool: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Use the parchment paper to lift the cake out, then transfer it to a wire rack and let it cool completely.
  7. Melt chocolate: Melt the chopped chocolate using a double boiler or in the microwave. Allow it to cool for 5 minutes before using.
  8. Cream butter and sugar: In a separate bowl, beat the room-temperature butter, powdered sugar, and salt together until smooth and creamy.
  9. Add chocolate: Mix the melted and cooled chocolate into the butter mixture until fully incorporated.
  10. Add remaining frosting ingredients: Dissolve cocoa powder in milk, then add to the mixture. Add heavy cream and vanilla extract, beating until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.
  11. Assemble and serve: Once the cake is completely cooled, spread a generous amount of chocolate buttercream frosting evenly over the top using a spatula. Optionally, sprinkle decorative sprinkles over the frosting. Slice, serve, and enjoy!

Notes

  • For a thinner cake layer, use a 9-inch square pan instead of an 8-inch one.
  • Espresso powder is optional but enhances the chocolate flavor intensely.
  • Do not overbake to keep the cake moist; check with a toothpick.
  • Room temperature ingredients ensure better mixing and texture for the cake and frosting.
  • The frosting can be made a day ahead and refrigerated; bring to room temperature before spreading.
  • Sprinkles are optional and add a festive touch.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://sarabaking.com/one-layer-chocolate-cake-with-chocolate-buttercream-frosting-recipe/