Easy Chocolate Cake Recipe
Cakes from scratch tend to have a preconceived notion that they are hard to make. This could not be further from the truth! I’m going to show you how to make a chocolate cake from scratch that is so easy! You will never buy a box mix again. This cake is so moist and delicious. We make this for birthday’s, holidays, special occasions and more! Sometimes, just because 🙂
Vanilla Buttercream Icing is my favorite but you can certainly use whatever you prefer on this yummy cake. Just use a good homemade icing. It’s worth it!
You will need a 9×13 pan for this recipe. I love my Wilton and it’s never failed me.
It’s worth it to make sure you have a good pan for this recipe and others. You can see the one I use here. It’s perfect for so many different recipes.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup butter
- 1/3 cup cocoa powder
- 1 cup water
- 2 cups flour
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- 1 recipe for homemade buttercream icing – How to Make Vanilla Buttercream Frosting
How to make a Chocolate Cake from scratch:
1. Preheat oven to 350 and grease a 9×13 baking pan.
2. In a saucepan, add butter, cocoa powder and water. Stir constantly until mixture begins to boil. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. In a mixing bowl, mix together flour, sugar, baking soda and salt. Add chocolate mixture and beat well. Add eggs, buttermilk and vanilla and beat well.
4. Pour into prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes or until toothpick inserted into center comes out clean. Let cool completely.
5. Frost with your favorite frosting. (We love this homemade Vanilla Buttercream Frosting)
Cut into 24 squares.
Print your recipe below for Easy Chocolate Cake Recipe:

Learn how to make a chocolate cake from scratch. This easy chocolate cake recipe is simple to make and so delicious. You will never use a box mix again!
- 1 cup butter
- 1/3 cup cocoa powder
- 1 cup water
- 2 cups flour
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- 1 recipe for homemade buttercream icing - How to Make Vanilla Buttercream Frosting
- 1/2 cup solid vegetable shortening
- 1/2 cup butter or margarine softened (1 stick)
- 1 tsp clear vanilla extract
- 4 cups sifted confectioners' sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
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Preheat oven to 350 and grease a 9x13 baking pan.
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In a saucepan, add butter, cocoa powder and water. Stir constantly until mixture begins to boil. Remove from heat and set aside.
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In a mixing bowl, mix together flour, sugar, baking soda and salt. Add chocolate mixture and beat well. Add eggs, buttermilk and vanilla and beat well.
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Pour into prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes or until toothpick inserted into center comes out clean. Let cool completely.
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Frost with your favorite frosting. Cut into 24 squares.
Easy Chocolate Cake Recipe that will have you making it again and again. Once you learn how to make a chocolate cake from scratch, you won't ever buy store bought!
Now that you know how to make a chocolate cake from scratch, it is so easy!
This is the best cake and very simple. You will wonder why you ever bought store bought. We make this for birthdays, special occasions and more! Grab your ingredients and get started making this cake. You will not be disappointed.
Also, you must try this Easy homemade vanilla ice cream recipe! It is so smooth and creamy plus incredibly simple to make. You don’t even need an ice cream maker to make this delicious homemade ice cream!
You might also like this amazing S’mores cake recipe! It will take dessert to a new level! It’s loaded with chocolate, marshmallows and more!
Try these other easy cake recipes:
- 2 Ingredient Angel Food Cake
- Quick and Easy Strawberry Cake Recipe
- Easy Coffee Cake Recipe
- Easy Ice cream Cake Recipe
- Mandarin Orange Angel Food Cake Recipe
Patty says
Oh my! My daughter and I made this cake this weekend! So good!!
Carrie says
I’m so glad you loved it!