Chocolate Buttercream Birthday Cake

Name: Chocolate Buttercream Birthday Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 2 cups sugar; 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 large eggs; 1 cup whole milk; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 cup boiling water; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/4 cup milk; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Easy Desserts Collection

I love making this Chocolate Buttercream Birthday Cake for special occasions because it never fails to impress! The rich, moist chocolate cake pairs perfectly with the velvety buttercream, creating a dessert that’s irresistible. Whether it’s a birthday celebration or just a sweet treat, this cake is a fun project that I always enjoy. By incorporating high-quality cocoa and real butter, I ensure that each slice is packed with flavor, making it a favorite among family and friends.

Created by

Prudence Whitby

Last updated on 2026-02-10T17:01:36.173Z

When I first made this cake for a friend's birthday, I was amazed by how quickly it became a hit. The combination of chocolate and buttercream is classic, yet something about my recipe makes it special. I experimented with a blend of oils and butter to get the perfect moist texture that holds up well when layered.

One crucial tip I learned is to ensure that your butter and eggs are at room temperature before mixing. This helps form a better emulsion, leading to a smoother batter and a fluffier cake. I can’t wait for you to try this out and share it with your loved ones!

Why You'll Love This Cake
Decadent chocolate flavor that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
Luxurious buttercream frosting that adds richness with every bite.
Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or any occasion that calls for a sweet treat.

Understanding the Ingredients

The quality of the ingredients you choose can significantly affect the final outcome of your Chocolate Buttercream Birthday Cake. It’s essential to use high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder, as this will provide a deep, rich chocolate flavor that is the star of the dessert. When measuring the flour, spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife to avoid compacting and ensure the correct amount is used—too much flour can lead to a dense cake.

Using whole milk instead of low-fat alternatives contributes to the cake's moist texture and tender crumb. The egg's role is crucial as well; it not only binds the ingredients together but also adds richness and acts as a leavening agent when whisked with the sugar, creating a light airy structure in the finished cake.

Tips for Perfect Baking

When baking the cakes, keep an eye on the time—you’ll want them to bake for around 30 minutes, but ovens can vary. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. If you find your cakes are doming in the middle, you might be overmixing the batter. Gentle mixing after adding the wet ingredients can help prevent this.

Cooling the cakes properly is crucial for easy frosting. Allow them to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. If you frost the cakes while they're still warm, the buttercream can melt, resulting in a messy application. For easier stacking and frosting, consider placing the cooled cakes in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to help firm them up.

Ingredients

For the Cake

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 cups sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water

For the Buttercream Frosting

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 cup milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Instructions

Preheat the Oven and Prepare Pans

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk until well mixed.

Add Wet Ingredients

Add eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes. Stir in boiling water until the batter is evenly combined.

Bake the Cakes

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow cakes to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

Prepare the Buttercream

In a bowl, beat softened butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder, then add milk and vanilla. Beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.

Frost the Cake

Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of buttercream on top, then place the second layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining buttercream.

Pro Tips

For a touch of elegance, decorate the cake with chocolate shavings or sprinkles. If desired, you can add a layer of fruit preserves between the cake layers for added flavor!

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

This Chocolate Buttercream Birthday Cake is perfect for make-ahead baking! You can bake the cakes a day in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want to keep them fresher longer, wrap them in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before refrigerating. Frosting can also be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to a week. Just make sure to bring it back to room temperature and rewhip it until it’s fluffy again before frosting the cake.

If you have leftover cake, it can be stored for about 3-4 days at room temperature. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap to keep it moist. Alternatively, freezing the cake is a great option! Slice the cake and place pieces in airtight containers or freeze them individually wrapped. When you're ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature for about an hour.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

This cake can be served plain or dressed up with various toppings and decorations. Fresh berries or a sprinkle of sea salt can enhance the chocolate flavor beautifully. To elevate the presentation, consider adding chocolate shavings or ganache drizzles for extra decadence. You could also layer in some fruit preserves between the cake layers for a fruity twist that complements the rich chocolate.

For a different flavor profile, feel free to experiment with the buttercream frosting. You can infuse it with flavors like espresso or mint by adding extracts or a bit of espresso powder. Alternatively, consider using cream cheese instead of butter for a tangy, slightly lighter frosting that pairs well with chocolate.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I replace the cocoa powder with chocolate?

Yes, you can use melted chocolate instead of cocoa powder, but note that the texture might differ slightly.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

→ Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the cakes and frost them a day in advance, just make sure to store them properly.

→ Is there a gluten-free version of this cake?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, but keep an eye on the baking time.