The Perfect Boy Birthday Chocolate Cake
A moist, rich chocolate cake that's easy to make and perfect for decorating with any boy birthday theme - from dinosaurs to superheroes.
Equipment
- 8-inch round cake pans (two) OR one 9x13 inch pan
- Parchment Paper
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Medium mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula or wooden spoon
- Electric Mixer handheld or stand mixer
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Wire cooling rack
- Offset Spatula
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- 1 cup buttermilk room temperature
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot water or hot brewed coffee
For the Chocolate Buttercream Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar sifted
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder sifted
- 3-4 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans or one 9x13 inch pan. Line bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until well combined.2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 cups granulated sugar, 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 2 teaspoons baking soda, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon salt
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla until smooth. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and mix just until combined.2 large eggs, 1 cup buttermilk, 1/2 cup vegetable oil, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Carefully pour hot water or coffee into the batter, mixing on low speed until smooth. The batter will be thin but this is normal.1 cup hot water or hot brewed coffee
- Pour batter evenly into prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let cakes cool in pans on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes before inverting onto the rack to cool completely before frosting.
- For the frosting, beat softened butter in a large bowl with an electric mixer until creamy, about 2 minutes.1 cup unsalted butter
- Gradually add sifted powdered sugar and cocoa powder, alternating with milk or cream, beating on low speed and increasing to medium until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.3 1/2 cups powdered sugar, 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 3-4 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
- Add vanilla extract and salt to the frosting, adjusting consistency with more milk (if too thick) or powdered sugar (if too thin).2 teaspoons vanilla extract, 1/4 teaspoon salt
- When cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate, spread frosting on top, add second layer, and frost the entire cake. Decorate according to your theme.
Video
Notes
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature eggs and buttermilk creates a smoother batter and more even texture.
- Don't Overmix: Mix just until ingredients are combined to avoid a tough cake.
- Hot Water Tip: The hot water or coffee enhances the chocolate flavor without making the cake taste like coffee.
- Crumb Coat: For clean decorations, apply a thin layer of frosting first, chill for 15 minutes, then apply the final layer.
- Theme Ideas: Transform this cake with simple decorations like crushed cookies and toy construction vehicles, dinosaur figures, sports-themed toppings, or superhero cake toppers.
- Storage: Store frosted cake at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Bring to room temperature before serving.