Double Chocolate Cake Recipe

If you’ve ever felt a chocolate craving sneak up on you with no time to spare, this is the recipe you need in your life. This double chocolate cake is rich, fudgy, and moist — and yes, you can make it in under 1 hour. It’s the perfect last-minute dessert for birthdays, celebrations, or a Tuesday night when your sweet tooth won’t quit. What makes it even better? No complicated steps, no fancy tools, and it turns out like a dream every time.
Double Chocolate Cake Recipe
Recipe at a Glance
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings | Cuisine | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 mins | 35 mins | 50 mins | 8-10 | American | Easy |
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Double Chocolate Cake Recipe Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
| All-purpose flour | 1¾ cups |
| Unsweetened cocoa powder | ¾ cup |
| Baking powder | 1½ tsp |
| Baking soda | 1½ tsp |
| Salt | ½ tsp |
| Granulated sugar | 1½ cups |
| Eggs | 2 large |
| Buttermilk | 1 cup |
| Vegetable oil | ½ cup |
| Vanilla extract | 2 tsp |
| Hot coffee (or hot water) | ¾ cup |
| Semi-sweet chocolate chips | ½ cup |
| Butter (softened) | 1 cup |
| Powdered sugar | 2½ cups |
| Cocoa powder (for frosting) | ½ cup |
| Milk | 2–3 tbsp |

Ingredient Tips or Substitutes
- Out of buttermilk? Use 1 cup milk mixed with 1 tbsp vinegar or lemon juice.
- No eggs? Substitute each egg with ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce.
- You can substitute vegetable oil with melted coconut oil to give the cake a richer flavor and a hint of natural sweetness.
Double Chocolate Cake Recipe Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line your cake pans.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt by whisking them together until evenly blended.
- In another bowl, beat together sugar, eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla.
- Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring continuously until fully incorporated.
- Pour in the hot coffee and stir until the batter becomes smooth and well mixed. Fold in chocolate chips.
- Pour the batter evenly into the pans and bake for 30 to 35 minutes.
- Cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
- For the frosting, beat butter, cocoa, and powdered sugar. Add milk as needed for smooth consistency. Frost and decorate.

Chef’s Tips and Variations
- Use parchment rounds in your cake pans for effortless release.
- Do not overmix the batter; stir just until combined.
- For a richer cake, double the chocolate chips.
- Spread a layer of raspberry jam between the cake layers to add a burst of fruity contrast.
- Use ganache instead of buttercream for an ultra-rich finish.

More chocolate cake recipes:
- The Most Amazing Classic Chocolate Cake Recipe
- Best Gluten-Free Chocolate Cake Recipe
- Mint Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe
- German Chocolate Poke Cake Recipe
- Dark Chocolate Mousse Cake from Scratch
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Per Slice (1 of 10) |
| Calories | ~410 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 52g |
| Protein | 5g |
| Fat | 22g |
| Saturated Fat | 10g |
| Sugar | 36g |
| Fiber | 3g |
Nutritional values are estimated and may vary depending on the brands used.
FAQs: Double Chocolate Cake Recipe
A double chocolate cake is a rich chocolate cake that incorporates chocolate in two distinct forms within the batter:
1- Cocoa Powder: For deep chocolate flavor.
2- Melted Chocolate or Chocolate Chips: For extra richness, moisture, and intensity.
This results in a more decadent, fudgier texture and a stronger chocolate taste than a cake made with only cocoa powder.
The 1-2-3-4 rule is a classic, easy-to-remember formula for a basic vanilla layer cake:
– 1 cup of butter
– 2 cups of sugar
– 3 cups of flour
– 4 large eggs
This ratio also typically includes common additions like 1 cup of milk, baking powder, and vanilla extract. It’s a foundational recipe that ensures balance and simplicity.
This is highly subjective, but the most famous and iconic is arguably the Sachertorte from Vienna. This dense, dry chocolate cake with a layer of apricot jam and dark chocolate glaze is a protected culinary heritage. For many, the “best” is a personal favorite—whether that’s a Molten Lava Cake, a rich Devil’s Food Cake, or a simple homemade classic.
Final Bites:
This moist chocolate cake is more than simply a recipe. It’s your safety net for last-minute events, your secret weapon for family gatherings, and your late-night baking therapy. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, it truly delivers the best of both worlds: speed and decadence. Try it once and you’ll keep coming back.
Disclaimer: This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, CookerDiary earns from qualifying purchases. Nutrition information is estimated and should not replace professional dietary advice.
