Classic Chocolate Layer Cake with Vanilla Buttercream

By AislePrompt Editorial · ·

How this recipe was made — this recipe was drafted by AislePrompt's AI-assisted pipeline from technique templates and USDA-sourced nutrition data, and published by AislePrompt Editorial — see how AislePrompt recipes are drafted and published.

Moist chocolate cake layers paired with a smooth vanilla buttercream frosting create a timeless dessert perfect for any celebration. This American-inspired recipe, ready in about 55 minutes, layers all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 12, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 35 min Serves 12 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. In a large bowl, sift together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 cups granulated sugar, 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 1/2 tsp baking powder, 1 1/2 tsp baking soda, and 1 tsp salt.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 cup buttermilk, 1/2 cup vegetable oil, 2 large eggs, and 2 tsp vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Carefully stir in 1 cup boiling water until batter is smooth and thin. Pour batter evenly into the prepared pans.
  4. Step 4: Bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then remove to wire racks and cool completely.
  5. Step 5: For the frosting, beat 1 cup softened unsalted butter with 4 cups powdered sugar, 2 tsp vanilla extract, and 1/4 cup whole milk on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 4 minutes.
  6. Step 6: Spread frosting between layers and over top and sides of the cooled cakes. Chill briefly to set before slicing.

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