Chocolate Cake with Vanilla Frosting

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s so much to love about this Chocolate Cake with Vanilla Frosting. The cake is incredibly moist and flavorful thanks to the combination of brewed coffee and milk, which intensifies the chocolate flavor. The frosting, made from a blend of butter and shortening, is silky smooth and perfectly sweet, with a hint of vanilla that complements the rich cake. The addition of sprinkles (optional, but highly recommended!) adds a fun pop of color and texture. This cake is perfect for any celebration or as a decadent dessert after a meal.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 3/4 cup baking cocoa
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup canola oil
• 1 cup brewed coffee
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Favorite Icing:

• 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1/2 cup shortening
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 to 4 tablespoons sprinkles, optional

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

For the Cake:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking soda, cocoa, salt, and baking powder.
3. Add the canola oil, brewed coffee, whole milk, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix well using an electric mixer or whisk until smooth and well combined.
4. Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans.
5. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
6. Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the Icing:

1. In a small saucepan, whisk together the flour and milk over medium heat. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and comes to a boil. Once it boils, remove it from the heat and let it cool completely (you can place it in the fridge to speed up the cooling process).
2. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, shortening, and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
3. Add the cooled flour-milk mixture to the butter mixture, and beat until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
4. Stir in the vanilla extract and mix well.
5. If the frosting is too thick, you can add a little milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.

Assembling the Cake:

1. Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate or cake stand.
2. Spread a generous amount of frosting over the top of the first layer.
3. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining icing.
4. If desired, sprinkle the top of the cake with sprinkles for a festive touch.
5. Slice, serve, and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields 12-16 slices of cake and takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to prepare, including baking and cooling time.

Variations

• Chocolate frosting: If you prefer chocolate frosting, you can substitute the vanilla extract with more cocoa powder and add a little powdered sugar to adjust the sweetness.
• Fruit addition: Add fresh raspberries or strawberries between the cake layers for a fruity twist.
• Cupcakes: You can use this cake batter to make cupcakes! Just fill cupcake liners 2/3 full and bake for about 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you live in a warmer climate, refrigerate the cake to keep it fresh.
• Freezing: You can freeze the cake for up to 3 months. Wrap the cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. When ready to serve, thaw the cake at room temperature and frost.
• Reheating: If you want to serve the cake warm, place a slice in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat the frosting.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of oil in the cake?

Yes, you can substitute canola oil with vegetable oil or even coconut oil for a slight variation in flavor and texture.

Can I make this cake in advance?

Yes, you can bake the cake layers ahead of time and store them in an airtight container or freeze them. Just wait until the cake has completely cooled before wrapping it up for storage.

Can I use instant coffee instead of brewed coffee?

Yes, you can use instant coffee. Just dissolve 1 tablespoon of instant coffee in 1 cup of hot water to substitute the brewed coffee.

Can I make the icing without shortening?

Yes, if you don’t have shortening, you can use all butter instead. This will make the frosting a bit richer, but it will still taste great.

Can I add more cocoa powder for a richer chocolate flavor?

Absolutely! If you prefer a more intense chocolate flavor, you can add an extra 2-3 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the batter.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check the ratio of flour substitute to regular flour, as some blends require adjustments.

How do I know when the cake is done baking?

The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Be sure not to overbake, or the cake could become dry.

How can I make the frosting fluffier?

To make the frosting fluffier, beat it for a little longer to incorporate more air, or add a small amount of powdered sugar to help with the texture.

Can I make this cake as a single layer?

Yes, you can make it as a single layer by using a larger cake pan (like 9×13-inch). Just adjust the baking time accordingly and check with a toothpick.

How long can I store leftovers?

Leftover cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Conclusion

This Chocolate Cake with Vanilla Frosting is a classic, indulgent dessert that everyone will love. The moist, rich cake paired with the smooth, creamy frosting creates the perfect combination of textures and flavors. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply satisfying a sweet craving, this cake is sure to impress. It’s easy to make, delicious, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!

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