Go Back
–+ servings
A slice of rich chocolate cake with smooth frosting, perfect for cake ideas recipes.

Popular Chocolate Cake

This chocolate cake recipe is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for any occasion. It includes tips for making it ahead of time.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Cooling Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: 12 pieces
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 418
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cake
  • 1 cup butter cubed
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/4 cup baking cocoa
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
For the Icing
  • 1/2 cup butter cubed
  • 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons 2% milk
  • 3 tablespoons baking cocoa
  • 3-3/4 cups confectioners' sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Equipment

  • Large saucepan
  • Small saucepan
  • 15x10x1-in. baking pan
  • Wire rack

Method
 

  1. In a large saucepan, bring the butter, water, and cocoa to a boil. Remove from heat.
  2. Combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Add to the cocoa mixture. Stir in the sour cream until smooth.
  3. Pour the batter into a greased 15x10x1-inch baking pan. Bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  4. While the cake bakes, prepare the icing. In a small saucepan, melt the butter. Add the milk and cocoa. Bring to a boil. Remove from heat.
  5. Whisk in the confectioners' sugar and vanilla until smooth. Pour the icing over the warm cake. Cool completely on a wire rack.

Nutrition

Calories: 418kcalCarbohydrates: 72gProtein: 3gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 35mgSodium: 266mgFiber: 1gSugar: 57g

Notes

This cake can be baked a day in advance and stored at room temperature, covered. The icing is best applied when the cake is slightly warm.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!