Meet my Super Moist Chocolate Cake that tastes even BETTER on day two. This is my go-to chocolate sponge for birthdays and celebrations. You can easily make it ahead of time and you don’t need an electric mixer.
Oh chocolate cake, you dreamboat you. With a mighty moist crumb, tender texture and a deep cocoa flavour, this Moist Chocolate Cake is anything but boring. Think of it as the chocolate cake from the movie Matilda.
THIS is my go-to chocolate sponge cake. The one I make for any special occasions, birthdays and celebrations that require a finger-licking chocolate cake that must stay moist.
While I love chocolate cakes that use butter, this oil-based cake is a MUST any time you need to make a cake ahead of time.
In fact, it tastes even better on day two and day three. Unlike most baked goods that are best fresh, this cake is best, well, not fresh.
You can use it to make a layer cake or a sheet cake. No electric mixer needed! I’ve frosted it here using my easy Chocolate Ganache Frosting.
So even if this is your first time making a chocolate cake, I’ve got you covered with this easy recipe.
Why you will love this recipe
- Quick to make: It only takes a few minutes to make the cake batter and get it into the oven.
- No electric mixer: Just a bowl and a spoon is all you need.
- Stays moist for days: If you want a cake that tastes even better on day two or three, this is the recipe for you.
- Customise the size and shape: You can use this recipe to make a layer cake, a sheet cake or even cupcakes.
I made exactly as per your recipe and the result was a super soft, fudgy, moist sponge. All my colleagues loved it. One said best chocolate cake ever!
– Faz
Recipe testing
I didn’t know I needed another chocolate cake recipe in my life. After all, we’ve been enjoying my buttery Chocolate Fudge Cake for years, and I love the moist crumb of my Chocolate Olive Oil Cake. And don’t even get me started on my Chocolate Orange Cake.
But it turns out we do. In the way that we all need a go-to chocolate sponge for ANY and every occasion.
If you need a cake for a birthday party, a graduation, an impromptu dinner party, Valentine’s Day or just because we all need a slice of damn good chocolate cake from time to time, this Moist Chocolate Cake is for you.
Why? Because it’s ridiculously easy to make. You don’t need to get out the electric mixer, just a couple of bowls and a whisk and you are DONE.
Second, it makes two large layers, so you can easily slice them in half to make a four layer cake OR opt for a simple 13 by 9 inch sheet cake. Or go for 30 cupcakes!
And thirdly, it stays moist for days. I’ll even go as far to say it is BETTER on day 2, and maybe even better on day 3!
I’ve tested a number of variations of this cake, changing up the amounts of sugar, baking powder and soda, removing the sour cream (and adding it back in) and using hot water versus coffee.
But I can confidently say that this cake is THE ONE. It’s the one I keep going back to. The one I use when I’m serving it to friends for birthdays or bringing to a potluck. It’s the one that has me reaching for just one more bite. This is the Best Chocolate Cake Recipe.
Ingredients
To make this Super Moist Chocolate Cake, you only need a handful of simple ingredients. And for those that find it hard to come by buttermilk and/or sour cream, we can talk about that below.
Here’s a quick rundown of the key ingredients you’ll need, including any substitutions you can make:
Cocoa powder: You can use either natural unsweetened cocoa powder OR Dutch processed cocoa powder in this recipe. Just don’t use drinking chocolate or any sweetened cocoa powder.
Brown sugar AND caster sugar: Using both sugars gives you the best of both worlds. Brown sugar adds moisture and flavour, while caster sugar offers sweetness. If you don’t have access to caster sugar, use granulated sugar instead. And for the brown sugar, choose regular or light brown sugar.
Oil: You will need a flavourless oil or neutral-tasting oil for this cake. I prefer to use mild olive oil or grapeseed oil as it leaves no aftertaste, but vegetable oil works too.
Buttermilk: Full fat storebought butter does wonders for making a super moist cake crumb. I highly recommend getting your hands on it if you can. If you can’t you can use a DIY buttermilk substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or fresh lemon juice to 240 ml (1 cup) of full fat or whole milk. Leave it to curdle for 5 minutes and then use as per recipe.
Sour cream: Likewise, full fat storebought sour cream also helps create a rich, flavourful chocolate cake. You can leave it out in this recipe – I’ve tested it and the cake is still great – it’s just better with sour cream. Alternatively, you can add full fat Greek yogurt or natural yogurt.
Hot coffee: You can use hot water or hot coffee in this cake recipe. Hot water works just fine but 1 teaspoon of instant coffee or espresso powder can help enhance the chocolate flavour.
See recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.
How to make Chocolate Cake
See below for a step-by-step guide on how to make this homemade chocolate cake. The full method is included in the recipe card below.
Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, add flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, sugars and salt. Give it a quick stir.
Step 2: In a large bowl, add oil, vanilla, eggs, buttermilk and sour cream. Stir briefly with a fork just to break up the egg yolks.
save this recipe
We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!
Step 3: Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients. Drizzle in hot coffee or hot water down the side of the bowl.
Step 4: Stir gently until all the ingredients are combined. Batter will be thin.
Step 5: Divide batter between two round 8-inch cake pans. Bake in preheated oven for 30-35 minutes.
Step 6: Carefully transfer cakes to a wire rack and leave to cool completely.
Frosting ideas
You can frost this cake any which way you like! In these photos, I’ve used my simple Chocolate Ganache Frosting, but any sort of buttercream, drizzle, glaze will work. Try these sweet combination ideas:
Storage instructions
This Moist Chocolate Cake will keep well for days at room temperature. Once cooled, you can wrap it in plastic wrap and keep it at room temperature for two, three or even four days.
Beyond that, consider freezing the layers to maximise freshness. Once decorated, you can also store this cake in the fridge and it won’t go dry.
Frequently asked questions
Yes absolutely. In fact, this cake is EVEN BETTER the next day. Make it a day or two in advance – simply cover it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container at room temperature.
Yes. You can use homemade DIY buttermilk in this recipe if you need to. Simply add 1 tablespoon white vinegar to 240 ml (1 cup) whole or full fat milk.
I haven’t tested this recipe without eggs BUT I have a brilliant Egg Free Chocolate Cake recipe you should try.
A few common reasons why your chocolate cake might be dry include adding too much flour and cocoa. Be sure to measure these ingredients using a baking scale to avoid over-measuring. Over-baking your sponges will always make for a dry cake. If you find your cakes are dry around the edges, be sure to remove them from the pans once they have finished baking – letting them cool in the pans will cause the edges to continue to cook against the hot pan. Ingredients like sugars, buttermilk and sour cream ensure chocolate cake is moist so if you change these, it can affect the overall texture in your cake.
MAKE THIS CAKE ANY SIZE OR SHAPE
Use this recipe to make two 8-inch cake layers, three 6-inch cakes, a large 9 by 13 inch sheet cake, or approximately 30 cupcakes.
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to rate the recipe and leave a comment below. Hungry for more? Join me on Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, Pinterest and TikTok for more amazing recipe ideas.
Let’s Bake
Moist Chocolate Cake
My go-to chocolate sponge cake that tastes even better on day two and three.
Ingredients
Chocolate cake
- 315 grams (2 and 1/4 cups) plain flour or all purpose flour, sifted
- 80 grams (1 cup) cocoa powder, sifted
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 200 grams (1 cup) caster sugar or granulated sugar
- 90 grams (1/2 cup) brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 180 ml (3/4 cup) flavourless oil (see notes)
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 240 ml (1 cup) buttermilk
- 60 ml (1/4 cup full fat sour cream
- 240 ml (1 cup) hot water or hot coffee (see notes)
Frosting
- 1 x batch of my Chocolate Ganache Frosting
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180 C (350 F) standard / 160 C (320 F) fan-forced. Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with baking or parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, add flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, sugars and salt. Briefly whisk or stir using a spatula.
- In a separate mixing bowl, add oil, vanilla, eggs, buttermilk and sour cream. Whisk with a fork just to break up the egg yolks.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Start stirring, while slowly adding in the hot water or hot coffee (see notes). Continue to mix until all the ingredients are incorporated.
- Divide the mixture evenly into prepared cake pans and bake for approximately 30-35 minutes or until a skewer inserted comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs.
- Leave for 10 minutes before gently removing the cakes, and placing them on a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Cocoa powder: You can use either natural unsweetened cocoa powder OR Dutch processed cocoa powder in this recipe. Just don’t use drinking chocolate or any sweetened cocoa powder.
Flavourless oil: You will need to choose a flavourless oil or neutral-tasting oil for this cake. I prefer to use mild olive oil or grapeseed oil as it leaves no aftertaste, but vegetable oil works too.
Buttermilk: If you don’t have access to buttermilk, you can use a DIY buttermilk substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or fresh lemon juice to 240 ml (1 cup) of full fat or whole milk. Leave it to curdle for 5 minutes and then use as per recipe.
Sour cream: If you don’t have access to sour cream, you can leave it out in this recipe. I’ve tested it and the cake is still great – it’s just better with sour cream. Alternatively, you can add full fat Greek yogurt or natural yogurt.
Hot water or coffee: You can use either hot water or hot coffee in this recipe. You won’t be able to taste the coffee but it does help to enhance the chocolate flavour. You can simply add 1 teaspoon of instant or espresso powder to the hot water before adding it to the cake batter.
Size and shape: You can use this recipe to make two 8-inch cake layers as pictured OR three 6-inch cakes, a large 9 by 13 inch sheet cake, or approximately 30 cupcakes.
Storage: This cake will keep well for days at room temperature. Once cooled, you can wrap it in plastic wrap and keep it at room temperature for two, three or even four days. Beyond that, consider freezing the layers to maximise freshness. Once decorated, you can also store this cake in the fridge and it won’t go dry.
Frosting: I used my easy Chocolate Ganache Frosting to decorate the cake as pictured.
Nutrition Information
Jen says
Such a good recipe, I used it to make a Black Forest cake and it turned out amazing. I didn’t have the right sized cake tins so I doubled the recipe, made 3 tiers and 16 cupcakes. Everyone really enjoyed them, thanks!
Jessica Holmes says
That’s so lovely to hear Jen! This recipe does make such good cupcakes too!
Lise Mitchell says
I don’t understand you say it’s a two layer cake – just like the picture! The picture shows a four layer cake???
Jessica Holmes says
Hi Lise, it’s two layers that are then sliced into four. I hope you enjoy it!
debbie says
This recipe is amazing, I’ve got so many compliments each time I make this and it’s so easy too! I even used this recipe to make a doll cake for my daughter’s birthday. Thank you for the detailed instructions!
Jessica Holmes says
That is so lovely to hear Debbie!
Shannan says
Guess what? I made this cake with fresh milled flour using grams, and wow, it was the most perfect cake ever! It worked beautifully for an ice cream cake- milk bar style! I used soft white wheat fresh milled and measured in grams. I posted your recipe in a success post for a fresh milled flour group. Stand by to receive rave reviews. Someone else already used the recipe and had the same perfect results. Way to go, Jessica. Us fresh milled flour girls appreciate good recipes using gram measurements.
Jessica Holmes says
Ohh wow that sounds ingredient Shannan! Sounds like you nailed it!
Roberta says
It’s so delicious and moist. I baked it for my birthday and it was a hit, cery much appreciated by my friends as well. You are a guarantee, Jessica!
I also added some strawberry jam in-between layers and loved it!
Jessica Holmes says
Thank you so much Roberta! Add jam in-between the layers would be delicious, I’ll have to try that!
Sophia says
Sounds so nice, i just want to make one 8 inch cake, so i”l just halve all ingredients ?
Jessica Holmes says
You could do that Sophia, or try my Buttermilk Cake recipe which makes just one layer. You can swap the butter for oil if you are looking for an oil-based cake like this one. Or you make this recipe and freeze the other layer for another day.
Sophia says
Thanks Jessica, i might try the buttermilk cake, it also sounds very nice.
Stephanie says
Hi! Could I also use self-raising flour instead of regular flour with baking powder and baking soda?
Jessica Holmes says
Hi Stephanie, I haven’t tried so I can’t say for sure. You could give it a go and report back for us. The baking soda is key to making a soft and moist cake with a deep cocoa flavour as it reacts with the cocoa powder and the buttermilk.
Louise says
Hi Jessica, This recipe looks amazing. I’m hoping to use to make my cousin’s wedding cake next year. I need to up the recipe to make 4 x 7 inch layers and 4 x 9 inch layers. Is this easy to do. Would I double up for 7 inch and triple up for 9 inch? I’m in the UK. Thanks
Jessica Holmes says
Hi Louise, I’m so honoured you would use my recipe for your cousin’s wedding cake. How cool! I think those measurements would be about right. Doubling will give you four 8-inch layers so might be a little too much batter for the four 7-inch layers, but you could make them slightly thicker or do a few extra cupcakes on the side. And you might even get away with doubling the recipe to make the four 9-inch layers. This article on cake conversions from might help you convert! Please do send me a photo when you make it.
Louise says
Thanks Jessica, that’s a great help. I’ll send you photos of finished cake next year. 😊
Malak Elkayal says
Is it possible to make this into a loaf cake? Thanks!
Jessica Holmes says
Absolutely! But it’ll make two!
Shannan says
Hi Jessica. Can I use this cake to make a milk bar style cake? Would it work for cutting out circles? I need a chocolate cake fit for a 4 year old’s taste buds and most milk bar style cakes are for a seasoned palate. If I can, how long would you bake> Same as your other milk bar style recipes?
Jessica Holmes says
Yes! This would be perfect for a Milk Bar-style cake Shannan! If you bake it in a 9 by 13-inch sheet pan, I’d check it at the 35-40 minute mark. I hope that helps!
Shannan says
Thanks, Jessica!
Lynne Barrowman says
I made this cake today but it’s not for me so can’t comment on how it tastes. It cracked badly because I think I over beat it! It still looked amazing once the icing was on. Wish I could post a picture.
Jessica Holmes says
I’m so glad it worked well for you Lynne! Cracking could be a sign of over-mixing like you mentioned. I’m sorry you can’t add a picture here but you can always show me one on Instagram or email me at jessica@sweetestmenu.com – I love to see them!
Annette ocallaghan says
Would it work with GF flour
many thanks
Jessica Holmes says
Hi Annette, I’m sorry I have’t tried this one with gluten free flour. Could be worth a shot though!
Amanda says
Hi.
Does this cake need to be in a air proof container before going into a fridge?
Jessica Holmes says
Hi Amanda, yes I often do or wrap it with plastic wrap, especially if it doesn’t have the ganache on yet.
Angela Citrigno says
The best scratch chocolate cake I have ever made. So moist and delicious. I also made your white chocolate buttercream. Which is amazing too. Creamy and so delicious. My husband agree with me. Best ever and I’ve been baking for 50 some years. Thank you for sharing.
Jessica Holmes says
Wow what wonderful feedback! Thank you so much Angela, that means so much!
Nadia says
Made this cake for my son’s birthday and it’s just so moist and so good! I have a tendency of messing up and cakes being dry but this was so easy to make and just so yum. Not dry, not rich, just perfect for a chocolate cake.
Jessica Holmes says
Yaaay! That makes me so happy Nadia! Thank you for your lovely review.