The Ultimate Chocolate Cake with White Frosting Recipe

Picture this: layers of rich, moist chocolate cake embraced by clouds of creamy white frosting that melts on your tongue. This chocolate cake with white frosting isn’t just dessert – it’s pure happiness on a plate!

Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting friends, or simply craving something sweet, this timeless combination delivers every single time. Much like our popular vanilla cupcakes recipe, this cake proves that sometimes the classics are classic for a reason. Get ready to create magic in your kitchen!

What is Chocolate Cake with White Frosting?

Ever wondered why this pairing is considered the ultimate dessert duo? It’s like asking why peanut butter and jelly work so perfectly together! This beloved dessert features tender, chocolatey layers crowned with silky white frosting that creates the perfect sweet balance.

Legend says this combination became popular because the contrast reminded bakers of fresh snow on rich earth. After all, the way to anyone’s heart is through their stomach! Ready to fall in love with baking all over again?

Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Cake with White Frosting:

Irresistibly Moist and Decadent This chocolate cake delivers that perfect tender crumb that practically melts in your mouth. Every bite bursts with rich cocoa flavor while the smooth white frosting adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the chocolate’s depth.

Budget-Friendly Homemade Goodness Skip the expensive bakery prices! Making this chocolate cake with white frosting at home costs a fraction of store-bought versions. You’ll have all the ingredients you need right in your pantry, and the results taste infinitely better than anything you can buy.

Customizable and Crowd-Pleasing The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. Add chocolate chips, fresh berries, or a hint of vanilla extract to make it your own. Unlike our complex red velvet recipe, this straightforward approach guarantees success every time.

Ready to impress your family and friends? Let’s get baking!

How to Make Chocolate Cake with White Frosting:

Quick Overview

This chocolate cake with white frosting combines simple pantry ingredients to create an absolutely stunning dessert. The cake bakes up incredibly moist thanks to our secret ingredient combination, while the frosting whips into silky perfection.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 25-30 minutes
Cooling Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Servings: 12 slices

Key Ingredients for Chocolate Cake with White Frosting:

For the Chocolate Cake:

• 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup strong black coffee, cooled
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the White Frosting:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• ⅓ cup heavy cream
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Preparing the Chocolate Cake

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and dust with cocoa powder, tapping out excess.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat eggs lightly. Add buttermilk, cooled coffee, oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
4. Create the Batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined – don’t overmix. The batter will be thin, which creates the perfect moist texture.
5. Bake the Cakes: Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
6. Cool Completely: Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely before frosting.

Making the White Frosting

1. Cream the Butter: In a large bowl, beat softened butter with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
2. Add Sugar Gradually: Add powdered sugar one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
3. Perfect the Consistency: Pour in heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat on high speed for 2-3 minutes until frosting is smooth and spreadable.
4. Adjust if Needed: If frosting is too thick, add more cream 1 tablespoon at a time. If too thin, add more powdered sugar.

Assembly and Decoration

1. Layer the Cake: Place one cake layer on your serving plate. Spread 1 cup of frosting evenly over the top.
2. Add Second Layer: Gently place the second layer on top, pressing lightly to secure.
3. Apply Crumb Coat: Spread a thin layer of frosting all over the cake to seal in crumbs. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
4. Final Frosting: Apply remaining frosting in smooth, even strokes using an offset spatula.

What to Serve Chocolate Cake with White Frosting With:

This chocolate cake with white frosting pairs beautifully with:

• Fresh berries – strawberries, raspberries, or blackberries add a tart contrast
• Vanilla ice cream – classic combination that never disappoints
• Hot coffee or cold milk – perfect beverages to complement the rich flavors
• Caramel sauce drizzle – for extra indulgence
• Chopped nuts – walnuts or pecans add delightful texture

Top Tips for Perfecting Chocolate Cake with White Frosting:

Essential Baking Tips

• Use room temperature ingredients for the smoothest batter and best texture
• Don’t skip the coffee – it enhances the chocolate flavor without adding coffee taste
• Measure flour correctly by spooning it into the cup and leveling off
• Test doneness carefully – the cake should spring back when lightly touched

Frosting Perfection

• Ensure butter is properly softened – it should give slightly to pressure but not be melted
• Sift powdered sugar to prevent lumps in your frosting
• Beat long enough – proper beating time creates that signature fluffy texture
• Chill between coats – this prevents crumbs from mixing into your final frosting layer

Storing and Reheating Tips:

Storage: Store your chocolate cake with white frosting covered at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 1 week. The cake actually improves after a day as flavors meld together.

Freezing: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 2-3 hours before serving.

Reheating: While this cake is delicious cold, you can warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore that just-baked taste.

Nutrition Information

Nutrient	Per Slice (1/12 cake)
Calories	485
Total Fat	18g
Saturated Fat	10g
Cholesterol	65mg
Sodium	385mg
Total Carbs	82g
Dietary Fiber	4g
Sugars	70g
Protein	6g

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this chocolate cake without coffee?

Yes! Replace the coffee with an equal amount of hot water or milk. The coffee enhances chocolate flavor, but it’s not essential for the recipe’s success.

Why is my chocolate cake dense?

Dense cake usually results from overmixing the batter or using expired leavening agents. Mix just until ingredients are combined, and check that your baking powder and soda are fresh.

How do I prevent my white frosting from being too sweet?

Add a pinch of salt and an extra teaspoon of vanilla extract to balance the sweetness. You can also reduce the powdered sugar slightly and add more cream for consistency.

Can I make this chocolate cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! Bake the cake layers up to 3 days in advance and store wrapped at room temperature. You can also freeze unfrosted layers for up to 3 months.

What’s the best way to get smooth white frosting?

Ensure your butter is at perfect room temperature, sift the powdered sugar, and beat the frosting for the full recommended time. A stand mixer works best for achieving that silky texture.

Can I use this recipe for cupcakes?

Yes! This batter makes about 24 cupcakes. Bake at 350°F for 18-20 minutes. Perfect for parties and individual servings.

Elegant Finishing Touches -Ready Presentation

Stunning Decoration Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• ¼ cup chocolate shavings (use a vegetable peeler on a chocolate bar)
• Edible flowers (optional)
• Pearl dust or edible glitter
• Fresh mint sprigs

Professional Presentation Steps:

1. Create Texture: Use an offset spatula to create subtle swirls in the final frosting layer, working from bottom to top in gentle curves.
2. Berry Border: Arrange sliced strawberries in an overlapping pattern around the top edge of the cake, creating a beautiful red border against the white frosting.
3. Chocolate Elegance: Sprinkle chocolate shavings in the center of the cake, leaving the berry border visible. This creates lovely contrast and adds sophisticated texture.
4. Final Glamour: Dust lightly with pearl dust for an ethereal shimmer that photographs beautifully. Add 2-3 mint sprigs between berry sections for color pop.
5. Plating Perfection: Place on a white or glass cake stand to make colors pop. Scatter a few extra berries and chocolate shavings around the base for a professional bakery look.

This presentation transforms your homemade chocolate cake with white frosting into a show-stopping centerpiece that’s absolutely irresistible on social media. The combination of colors, textures, and height creates visual drama that makes everyone reach for their cameras before their forks!

Happy baking! Don’t forget to share your beautiful creations and tag us – we love seeing your chocolate cake masterpieces come to life!