The Best Chocolate Cake. Ever. 3-layer, rich, chocolate cake with dark chocolate frosting and chocolate covered strawberries on top. This is seriously the best chocolate cake. Ever. We hope you try it!
Do you guys have a favorite slow song? A ballad that rocks your world, rocks your soul and makes you grab that imaginary microphone and start belting it out?
That song for me is “When I was Your Man” by Bruno Mars.
Let’s take a moment here.
Do you guys know this song? Well, I should ask who doesn’t know this song? This song gets me every time. I freaking love this song. It’s about deep haunting regret.
Regret is something I think we can all relate to.
Lately, I’ve been thinking about life. And just trying to be better at it and to live every moment to the fullest. Now, I’m not trying to be dramatic. . but just trying to pause more, take time and enjoy life.
Valentine’s Day is next week and I was thinking about my days as a single gal. Many Valentine’s Days were spent with chocolate cake, wine and my girlfriends.
And we were probably listening to sad, sappy love songs. On full blast. And complaining about being single or whatever bad relationship we had just gotten out of. So, this post is for my single girlfriends and boyfriends.
Please don’t spend Valentine’s Day feeling sad, listening to sad, sappy songs. Go out! Get together with friends and freaking enjoy your time as a single person. . ah, if I only knew what I know now, back then, I would have had many more happy moments and more chocolate cake (I dieted way too much when I was single. and it sucked).
So, eat the chocolate cake dammit. Hell, have two slices. Why not?
The Best Chocolate Cake Recipe. Ever.
I don’t know what it is about chocolate cake, but eating a few bites can instantly make me happy. It’s so good.
I try to live a balanced life, especially with the foods I eat, but I do allow myself to indulge. I really think if you don’t allow yourself to do this and suppress all of your cravings, then one day you will just go crazy and find yourself stuffing your face with all the things.
Regardless. . make and eat this cake and be happy.
With chocolate cake, I highly highly recommend using brewed coffee. It really helps to enhance and bring out the chocolate flavor. I’ve been doing this for a few years now and it’s the only way I bake my chocolate cakes. And this best chocolate cake recipe uses no butter, so you really can eat two slices.
And because everyone seems to love dessert with chocolate covered strawberries (I’m seriously going to do this every year), these lovelies are on top of my cake.
FROSTING OPTIONS
And I used store bought frosting for this cake. When it comes to frosting, hey, you know what? If you don’t have time to make it, the store bought kind is just fine. And delicious. I used Pillsbury Creamy Supreme Dark Chocolate. Or you can use this frosting or this chocolate merlot frosting. To die for.
And hey guys, girls and guys,if you are in a relationship, treat your significant others well and with respect. You don’t want to be singing Bruno’s song one day.
The Best Chocolate Cake. Ever.
Ingredients
- 2 cups white granulated sugar
- 1 3/4 cups cake or all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cups unsweetened natural cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 2 large eggs lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup brewed coffee*
- your fave strawberry preserves or jam
- chocolate frosting homemade or store bought
- chocolate covered strawberries optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and line 3 - 6" round cake pans with parchment paper. Spray with non-stick baking spray, or grease with butter. Set aside.
- Using a large mixing bowl, mix together the sugar, flour, cocoa powder, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Add in the lightly beaten eggs and mix together again. Pour in the oil, the milk and the slightly cooled brewed coffee and mix together until just combined. Your cake batter will be quite liquidy.
- Pour the batter evenly into the three pans and bake for about 30 - 35 minutes, or until a tester inserted comes out clean. Remove the cakes from the oven and let cool for about 20 to 30 minutes before removing from their pans.
- If making a layer cake and you are not a cake pro, I would recommend freezing your cakes for a few hours or overnight so they are easier to work with and frost.
- When ready, lay down the first layer, top with your favorite strawberry preserves (if desired) or frost each layer on top with the frosting, using an offset spatula, and all around the cake. If wanting a super clean look, do a crumb coat first! See below. Top with the chocolate covered strawberries or just strawberries (be sure to pat completely dry with paper towels). Slice, serve and enjoy!
I used store bought frosting for this cake. When it comes to frosting, hey, you know what? If you don’t have time to make it, the store bought kind is just fine. And delicious. I used Pillsbury Creamy Supreme Dark Chocolate. Or you can use this frosting or this chocolate merlot frosting. To die for.
I am not a cake expert!!! Here are some cake blogs I love!
What a gorgeous cake! I would have more than one slice because you’re right, Valentine’s Day is a day to indulge just a little. And I hear ya about taking the time to appreciate life. I have two younger kids, and it gets chaotic, but I know one day I will look back on these days with longing. So, I’m trying to get better at living in the moment 😉
Hi Aida, I have a 4 year old and a 7 year old. . I hear ya!! Thanks for stopping by!! TGIF!
I would happy sing the delicious praises of this chocolate cake too! I remember those single gal days you mention from way back and yes, it was a delicious flurry of friendship, chocolate & wine!
haha, right?! I remember those days all too well . . and wish I had enjoyed them more you know?! 🙂 happy friday, Alice!
Do you think I can double the recipe to make 2, 9-in cakes?
hi Susan, to make 2 single layer 9-inch cakes? or 2 double layered cakes? Please let me know if you give this a try! This cake is SO good! The best chocolate cake I’ve made. Ever.
“pause more, take time and enjoy life” – I really need to hear this today. I’ve been swamped lately but I’m trying as much I can to slow down and take a step back (failed most of the time). But you’re right, I should definitely indulge myself and have a great V-day 🙂
I can tell this is the best chocolate cake from the picture. It’s so creamy and the strawberries are my favorite cake toppings!
Thank you so much, Maggie! yeah, I’ve been feeling bogged down and crazed a bit. Was really crazy at the end of last year but have been trying to slow down more in general starting last month . . just taking time to spend more time with the kids, to enjoy life, run more. . I’m still working on it but just take it one day at a time! Hope things start to get more manageable for you soon!
Alice. Great cake.
Thank you so much, Chi! I hope you give this one a try!! Happy Friday!
Whoa, I typed more but that’s all that showed up. I was also going to say I LOVE Bruno Mars. He’s so talented 🙂 You should check out Sam Smith’s version of “When I Was Your Man.” Have a great weekend!
Great advice! I have to remind myself often to not take it all so seriously and slow down — by the way, my sad song way back when was ‘Desperado’ by the Eagles. I used to listen to it on repeat when I was feeling really sorry for myself – I think about that now and laugh 🙂
Love this post, Alice! Around the Spiced house, we’ve been listening to a ton of Ray Lamontagne lately. His songs are just perfect for cold, winter days! But let’s shift gears to this cake. The “best chocolate cake ever”? Now that’s a pretty bold statement. But by the looks of the photos and the recipe, I think you might be able to back that claim up! I seriously want to dig into this cake for breakfast right now…is that allowed??
Totally going to look up some Ray Lamontagne songs now! Happy Friday, David!!! and this IS the best cake ever!!! I stand behind that statement!! 🙂
Wow, Alice! I love this cake! It’s absolutely gorgeous! And it really does look like the best chocolate cake. I could totally go for a slice of this for breakfast! Pinned!
Just. GAHH! This cake is pure don’t-mess-with-the-classics STUNNING! I’m such a sucker for classic chocolate cake, and this honestly looks like fudgy, chocolate-y perfection! Also I need it. Like today?! 🙂
The chocolate covered strawberries on this are just stunning! I love chocolate on chocolate. This looks wonderfully moist and delicious. Thanks for sharing!
Amen to that! Being single can be the most magnificent and freeing thing for a person. You just do you, and that’s all there is to it.
Meanwhile, this cake is fabtabulous. I am going to make a chocolate cake this weekend, but I don’t think it’s going to come close to the beauty of this one!
Gorgeous cake Alice! I love how you used both chocolate covered and plain strawberries. The simple red berries make a beautiful contrast to all that delicious chocolate. Nice touch!
“Eat the chocolate cake dammit.” Hahaha! You’re hilarious, Alice! I couldn’t agree with you more. This cake looks phenomenal; everyone should enjoy it and be happy! Have a wonderful Friday, my friend.
Take time and enjoy life – so true Alice! Would be happy to enjoy a huge slice of this chocolate cake! Double the strawberries! Looks gorgeous! Pinned!
I’ve never heard that Bruno Mars song but this cake right here is totally rocking my world girl. Insane!!!
Alice – I fully agree – no matter what our situation might be – there’s no point wallowing around – might as well make the most of it and be happy and EAT CAKE! Specially when it looks like this!
If I double the recipe, is it enough for one double-layered 9 inch cake? I don’t have 6-in cake pans …
thanks.
This cake makes me want to sing winsome love songs.
What great advice, Alice! & not just about having 2 slices of cake 😉 (although that’s the easier part to hear and act on) I love the mountain of chocolate covered strawberries!
Happy or sad, chocolate cake is my BFF and I need a slice of this as of now. And thanks for a reminder to just pause for a while. I really need that 🙂
You don’t have to convince me to eat this cake because I already want to dive right in! Chocolate cake with chocolate covered strawberries is a match made in heaven!
What a beautiful post Alice, I love it when you get deep with us 🙂 And when you share delicious desserts with us too! This cake looks stunning! I would totally want at least two slices with a big plate of chocolate covered strawberries because you’re right, we do deserve to indulge a little! Happy Friday and hope you have a great weekend 🙂
You are so talking my language with this cake! Bring on all the chocolate and the strawberries! I’m so glad those singles days are over.. Mine were horrible. I’ll have to check that song out! I love Bruno Mars..
Okay, usually when I read “best of xxx ever”, I think, “yeah right”. But when I look at this mile high stack of chocolate goodness, I think you might just be stating a fact.
That is one nice looking chocolate cake and the strawberries go really well on top!
Awwww, I love this post, Alice. My girlfriends got me through every lonely Valentines, every hideous break-up, every sad event, they were there, with ice cream and cake. Tony buys me ice cream too but I will forever hold my girls in my heart. Lady, this cake. There aren’t enough words for how insanely decadent and delicious it looks. Fabulous job on the chocolate covered strawberries and hallelujah for time savers like pre-made frosting.
Another gorgeous cake, Alice! Wow! And topped with chocolate covered strawberries? Truly a celebratory dessert.
Chocolate covered strawberries make everything better! This cake seriously looks like the best ever 🙂
Such a delicious looking cake and those chocolate covered strawberries totally take it over the top!! Stunning job!
You make chocolate cake look so beautiful. And I love that Bruno Mars song too. Heck I like any Bruno Mars song.
I love that song too and I’m with you on the fact that a little indulgence is perfectly acceptable on V-day. And what better way to indulge than with a piece of this gorgeous cake!
This cake looks super! It’s so pretty and looks so amazingly chocolaty!
What a sweet little cake, Alice. Love that you decorated with chocolate covered strawberries – I’m not great at cakes, but I think even I could make this one look pretty!
Oh this cake looks divine. Rich chocolatey cake is the way to go on Valentine’s day! I know what you mean by regret – When I worked in DC for a year and moved away to start med school, the one thing I regretted most was not eating more cupcakes while I was there (so many cupcake stores on the East coast!). 🙂 This cake looks perfect for indulging on during Valentine’s day, or any day (Fridays, I am looking at you).
Great advice (as always) from enjoying the moment to eating two slices of cake. Thanks for a great recipe and reminding us to live life to the fullest.
Craving this amazing cake! Love the chocolate and strawberries – so delicious, Alice!
This little cake is so cute, and looks sooo incredibly delicious! Love that it can be made without a mixer too. Pinned!
Aw, I loved this post so much, Alice! (Also, I bookmarked the cake recipe ASAP.) But seriously–regret is such a complex and sad emotion, and I totally agree with your formulation for tackling V-day. I just had a similar conversation with a friend about being single on this weird holiday, and I think it’s going to be a real blast. Filled with chocolate and lots of friend love 🙂 hope yours will be filled with the same!!
I. Believe. You.
Next time I make cake, this is the one I am using. I love that you use oil instead of butter. I ALWAYS forget to soften, then I nuke it to speed up the softening but I ALWAYS manage to end up with half melted butter.
So really, it’s like this cake is MADE for me!! 🙂
February has Valentine’s Day AND my birthday…and calories don’t count on either of those, right? 😛 This is decadent!! And pretty. I love it!
Mmmmmm! Calling all chocolate lovers! This cake looks amazing 🙂
Gorgeous cake Alice! 🙂 The chocolate covered strawberries are the perfect finishing touch!
Haha I just came across your blog and I totally love your style of writing. You’re so funny and refreshing. This cake looks incredible and decadent. Damn it, I will eat it! Hell, I will have two slices! .. I’ll just have to make it vegan.. Boo. Oh well.. shouldn’t be too hard. Looks incredible and you take beautiful pictures. So incredibly glad I stopped by 😀
Just saved this delicious gem of the cake! WOWWWWW.
My fave slow song is: I go CRAZYYYY: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lp-EO5I60KA
Craving a slice right now Alice. This chocolate cake definitely looks like the best – so dark, dense, decadent… and of course delicious!
I do love baking chocolate cake with coffee. It just enhances the chocolate and it’s amazing! Girl, I used to love Valentine’s Day when I was single. I feel like I did more then than now lol! This cake looks amazing!
Ummmm – yes, please! I am all about the chocolate these days (like everyone!), this cake is stunning, my friend!
I love how you framed this with strawberries on top. Strawberries and chocolate and nearly impossible to beat
Such a pretty cake, I love the chocolate covered strawberry toppers!
Wow, Alice. Your post reminded me of when my girlfriends and I would go out on Valentine’s for a nice dinner together and then split huge chocolate desserts. I miss those days. We had so much fun!
And this cake, like all of your cakes, is perfect. I wish we could use it to bring back the girlfriend Valentine’s celebrations!
I’ll take the indulgence! This cake is amazing. And for me? Right now I’m obsessed with Welcome to NY by Taylor Swift. It’s a little embarrassing how much I like that song.
Gosh, I just love your cakes. Your chocolate Merlot cake had me totally sold but now there’s this beautiful cake! Love how it’s little and tall and covered with chocolate dipped strawberries, Alice. Pinning to try soon.
What can I use as a substitube for cake flour? They dont sell it here in the UK
Hi Shabana, you can use regular all-purpose flour. Cake flour is ideal because it is so fine and makes for a great texture for the cake but again, all purpose flour works fine too! Let me know how it goes!!!
Right now my favorite slow song is probably Soft Shock by Yeah Yeah Yeahs. Love that song!
I love this cake, too. Is it ok to be sad and sappy that I probably won’t have this cake for Valentine’s Day? The other goodies I will probably have should make up for it, though. 🙂
Beautiful cake, Alice!
I really shouldn’t be staring at this cake when I have a lame PB+J sandwich in front of me for lunch. Maybe if I close my eyes and think really hard, this sandwich will taste like a perfect chocolate cake
…….nope, didn’t work hahaha! This is stunning Alice!
I’ve never heard that song before but it’s hauntingly beautiful
Karen, I love Bruno Mars. . 🙂
This looks incredible! Does this recipe work well if I want to make tiers? say, a wedding cake? 2-3 tiers? Other recipes I’ve used are too moist/soft and makes cake a little unstable for stacking. Can’t wait to try. 🙂
Hello Dolores! Thank you for the comment! This cake is moist too but works great as a tiered cake BUT I would make it for yourself and see what you think. I also have a sour cream chocolate cake that might be more stable: http://hipfoodiemom.com/2015/05/20/sour-cream-chocolate-cake/ Hope that helps!
Hello Alice, I have a question:) Do you use top and bottom heat or just the bottom heat to bake this cake? Thank you!!
Hi! just the bottom!
Hello Alice, your cake looks very nice! I have 6 inches x deep 1 inche pan. Can you tell me how much batter should I put in one pan?? And should I change the temperature and the baking time too??
Hi Wes! how many cake pans do you have? This recipe makes three 6-inch round cakes.
I have 3 pans but because my pans are very low, so I wander how much batter should I put in each pan like half or 2/3 of the pan:)
DYING TO MALK0PE THIS!!! A lot of ingredients are still hard to come by so I have to wait.. do you have a preference of cocoa powder?? I’ve seen Hershey’s and Sharfenburger both just plain unsweetened cocoa.. LMK Thanks!!