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Ina Garten Chocolate Cake Recipe

Ina Garten Chocolate Cake Recipe

Olivia Brooks
Looking for a show-stopping chocolate cake? Try Ina Garten Chocolate Cake Recipe! Made with cocoa, butter, sugar, eggs, and silky chocolate frosting, it’s moist, rich, and irresistible.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12 slices
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • 2 9-inch round cake pans
  • Parchment paper
  • Mixing bowls (large and medium).
  • Electric mixer or stand mixer
  • Measuring cups and spoons.
  • Rubber spatula
  • Cooling racks
  • Offset spatula for frosting
  • Saucepan for chocolate melting
  • Whisk

Ingredients
  

For the Cake

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup buttermilk room temperature
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup hot water or brewed coffee

For the Chocolate Frosting

  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
  • ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup heavy cream plus more if needed

Instructions
 

Step 1: Preheat Oven

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line the cake pans with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

  • In a large mixing bowl, sift together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract.

Step 4: Make the Batter

  • Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until smooth. Slowly whisk in hot water or coffee, which intensifies the chocolate flavor and creates a smooth, pourable batter.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

  • Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool the Cakes

  • Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Make the Frosting

  • Beat softened butter until creamy. Sift in powdered sugar and cocoa powder gradually. Add salt, vanilla, and heavy cream, and beat until smooth and spreadable. Adjust consistency with more cream if needed.

Step 8: Assemble the Cake

  • Place one cake layer on a serving platter. Spread a generous layer of frosting on top. Place the second layer and frost the top and sides evenly using an offset spatula.

Step 9: Decorate (Optional)

  • Add chocolate shavings, sprinkles, or fresh berries for a finishing touch.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

  • Slice with a sharp knife and serve. Each bite is rich, chocolatey, and decadent.

Notes

  • Use high-quality cocoa powder
  • Don’t overmix the batter
  • Coffee in the batter enhances chocolate flavor
  • Let cakes cool completely before frosting
  • Use room-temperature butter for smooth frosting
Keyword Ina Garten Chocolate Cake Recipe