Chocolate Cake With Moist Cocoa Crumb

Name: Chocolate Cake With Moist Cocoa Crumb
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour; 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar; ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder; 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 large eggs; 1 cup whole milk; ½ cup vegetable oil; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 cup boiling water; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; ⅔ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 3 cups powdered sugar; ⅓ cup whole milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Bakery-Style Desserts

I love to indulge in a rich slice of chocolate cake, and this Chocolate Cake With Moist Cocoa Crumb is my absolute favorite! The combination of deep cocoa flavor and the soft, moist crumb is simply irresistible. I always get rave reviews when I make this cake for gatherings, and it feels incredibly rewarding to share a dessert that’s equally easy to whip up and fantastic to eat. Perfectly paired with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, it's a delight for any occasion.

Created by

Arielle Baxter

Last updated on 2026-01-24T10:25:15.371Z

When I first developed this recipe, I tried several variations before landing on the perfect combination of ingredients. The secret lies in the quality of cocoa I use; I always choose a high-quality Dutch-processed cocoa for that rich depth of flavor. Additionally, I set the oven at the right temperature to ensure even baking, avoiding that dreaded dry cake texture that nobody wants!

One tip I've learned over time is to let the cake rest before frosting it. This not only helps it remain moist but also ensures that the frosting doesn’t melt into the cake while spreading. Trust me, letting it cool properly makes a noticeable difference in texture and overall experience!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Rich chocolate flavor paired with fresh orange zest
Creamy texture that melts in your mouth
Perfect for celebrations or as a sweet indulgence

The Importance of Quality Ingredients

Using high-quality cocoa powder is essential for achieving the rich flavor in this chocolate cake. Brands like Valrhona or Dutch-processed cocoa can significantly enhance the taste compared to standard varieties. Look for cocoa that has a deep, dark color, which indicates its richness. The unsweetened cocoa powder in this recipe plays a crucial role in providing that intense chocolate profile that makes each bite memorable.

Similarly, the choice of vanilla extract can elevate your cake to new heights. Using pure vanilla extract instead of imitation makes a noticeable difference in flavor. If you’re aiming for a more adventurous twist, consider infusing the batter with a hint of espresso powder; this can amplify the chocolate flavor beautifully without making the cake taste like coffee.

Texture Techniques

Achieving a perfect moist crumb is all about careful mixing and incorporating boiling water. The boiling water not only helps to bloom the cocoa, enhancing its flavor, but also hydrates the batter, resulting in a tender cake. Be sure to mix the batter just until combined to avoid overworking the gluten, which can lead to a tough texture. Visual cues like a smooth, glossy batter will guide you to the right consistency.

When baking, consider rotating your pans halfway through the baking time to ensure even cooking. Oven hot spots can cause uneven baking, so by turning the pans, you’ll achieve that desirable level of doneness throughout. The cakes are ready when they spring back lightly when touched and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allowing them to cool in the pans for a brief period helps prevent sticking but make sure to transfer them to wire racks to cool completely before frosting.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create a moist chocolate cake that everyone will love!

For the Cake

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
½ cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water

For the Frosting

½ cup unsalted butter, softened
⅔ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
3 cups powdered sugar
⅓ cup whole milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately for the best results!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your delicious chocolate cake!

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk until well combined.

Add Wet Ingredients

Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla to the dry ingredients. Mix on medium speed for 2 minutes, then stir in boiling water. The batter will be thin.

Bake

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans and bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Cool and Frost

Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove to wire racks to cool completely. Frost with your favorite chocolate frosting.

Enjoy your homemade chocolate cake with family and friends!

Pro Tips

Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature for the best results, and don't skip the boiling water—it helps keep the cake moist and adds richness to the flavor.

Make-ahead and Storage Tips

This chocolate cake can be made ahead of time, which is perfect for busy schedules. Once fully cooled, wrap each cake layer with plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or in the freezer for up to three months. If freezing, be sure to label the container with the date. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before frosting and serving.

For the frosting, you can also prepare it a day in advance. Store it in the fridge in an airtight container and bring it back to room temperature before using. If it thickens, you might need to re-whip it gently to restore its creamy texture, making it easier to spread on your cake.

Variations and Serving Suggestions

For a refreshing twist, consider adding a hint of orange zest to the frosting, which beautifully complements the chocolate and enhances the overall flavor profile. You could also experiment with different types of frosting, such as a silky chocolate ganache or a cream cheese frosting for a tangy contrast.

Serving this cake can be as simple or as decadent as you want. I love serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side or topped with fresh berries for a fruity touch. For celebrations, add chocolate shavings or colorful sprinkles on top of the frosting for an eye-catching finish.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of cocoa powder?

Yes, but using high-quality Dutch-processed cocoa will yield the best flavor.

→ How can I store leftover cake?

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze the cake?

Absolutely! Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

→ What can I add for extra flavor?

Consider adding espresso powder or a splash of orange zest to the batter for a unique twist!