Moist Chocolate Cake with Fudge Frosting

🕒 Prep Time: 2 hours
🕒 Cook Time: 33 minutes
🕒 Total Time: 2 hours 33 minutes

Ingredients

Chocolate Cake Batter:

• 2 cups + 2 tbsp cake flour
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• ½ cup packed dark brown sugar
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• ¾ tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp fine sea salt
• 6 ½ tbsp unsalted butter, cubed and at room temp
• 1 cup sour cream, room temp
• ½ cup whole milk, room temp
• 2 large eggs, room temp
• ¼ cup vegetable oil
• 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup hot coffee
• ¾ cup unsweetened dark cocoa powder
• 1 batch chocolate fudge frosting

Chocolate Cake Soak:

• 5 tbsp water
• ⅛ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 ½ tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat & Prep Pans:
   Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line two 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
   In a stand mixer, combine cake flour, sugars, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and butter. Mix on low until it resembles coarse sand (~3 mins).
3. Combine Wet Ingredients:
   In a bowl, whisk sour cream, milk, eggs, oil, and vanilla. Separately, mix hot coffee and cocoa powder until smooth.
4. Make Batter:
   Stream wet mixture into the dry ingredients, followed by the coffee-cocoa mix. Mix until just combined. Scrape bowl as needed. 🌀
5. Bake the Cakes:
   Divide batter evenly (~740g each pan). Bake for 30–35 mins or until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.
6. Cool & Release:
   Cool in pans for 20 mins, run a spatula around edges, then flip out onto a rack to cool completely.
7. Make Cake Soak:
   In a pot, combine water, cocoa, sugar, and vanilla. Simmer until slightly thickened. Cool completely.
8. Trim & Soak Cakes:
   Trim a thin layer from the cake tops. Brush each layer with the chocolate soak for extra moistness. 🍫
9. Assemble & Frost:
   Use your favorite chocolate fudge frosting to stack and cover the cake. Garnish with chocolate shavings for a bakery-worthy finish!

Pro Tips

• Make Ahead: Bake cakes a day early and store tightly wrapped to save time!
• Sour Cream Swap: Greek yogurt works well if you’re out of sour cream.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temp for 2–3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Nutrition Info

Serving Size	Calories	Protein	Carbs	Fat	Fiber	Sugar
1 slice	420	6g	45g	22g	3g	30g

Disclaimer:
Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.