Description
A rich and indulgent 12-layer chocolate cake with moist cocoa-infused layers and creamy chocolate frosting, perfect for chocolate lovers and special celebrations.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 ½ cups unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups boiling water
- 2 cups unsalted butter, softened
- 6 cups powdered sugar
- 1 ½ cups unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 6–8 tablespoons heavy cream (adjust for consistency)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line six 6-inch cake pans with parchment paper.
- Sift together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl.
- Create a well in the dry ingredients and add eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix on medium speed until combined.
- Gradually add boiling water while mixing on low speed until smooth. Batter will be thin.
- Divide batter evenly into prepared pans (about ½ cup per pan).
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool cakes in pans for a few minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
- Beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder, mixing on low until combined.
- Add vanilla extract and heavy cream one tablespoon at a time until desired frosting consistency is reached.
- Once cakes are cool, layer cake and frosting alternately until all 12 layers are stacked.
- Crumb coat the entire cake lightly and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Apply a thick, smooth final layer of frosting over the cake.
- Decorate with chocolate shavings, sprinkles, or fruits as desired.
- Slice with a serrated knife and serve at room temperature.
Notes
- For gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend.
- Use almond milk and vegan butter for a dairy-free option.
- Use sugar substitutes like stevia or erythritol for a sugar-free version.
- Add coffee powder for a mocha twist or orange zest for a citrus flavor.
- Serve with whipped cream or warm chocolate sauce for extra indulgence.
- Pair with fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries to add freshness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes per batch (approx. 2 hours total for all layers)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 35 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: chocolate cake, layered cake, chocolate frosting, chocolate dessert, birthday cake, celebration cake