Description

An incredibly moist chocolate cake that improves with age, featuring a bold flavor profile enhanced by bloomed cocoa and a hint of chili. Perfect for make-ahead baking and busy weekends.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (preferably dutched)
2 tsp baking powder
1 ½ tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
2 large eggs (room temperature)
1 cup buttermilk
½ cup vegetable oil
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup hot brewed coffee
½ tsp chili powder (optional)
1 tsp lime zest (optional)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and line bottoms with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until no lumps remain.
In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and mix on low speed or with a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix.
Carefully pour in hot brewed coffee and stir gently until the batter is smooth and liquidy.
Divide batter evenly between prepared pans.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with moist crumbs.
Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a cooling rack to cool completely.
Wrap cooled layers tightly in plastic wrap. Store at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
For serving, dust with powdered sugar or serve with whipped cream and fresh berries.

Notes

The cake tastes best after resting for 24 hours as flavors meld and moisture redistributes. Do not cut into the cake while warm as it may fall apart. Hot coffee blooms the cocoa powder for deeper flavor; hot water can be substituted if preferred. For gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of cake
Calories: 350
Sugar: 40
Sodium: 350
Fat: 12
Saturated Fat: 3
Carbohydrates: 55
Fiber: 2
Protein: 4

Keywords: chocolate cake, moist chocolate cake, make-ahead dessert, baking, easy cake recipe, chili chocolate cake