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 ¾ cups all-purpose flour; 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar; ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder; 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 large eggs; 1 cup whole milk; ½ cup vegetable oil; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 cup boiling water; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3 ½ cups powdered sugar; ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2-4 tablespoons heavy cream

Highlighted under: Whisk & Bake

I absolutely love making this Chocolate Buttercream Birthday Cake for special occasions! With its rich chocolate layers and creamy buttercream, every slice is a true celebration. The cake is moist and decadent while the frosting adds the perfect sweet finish. It’s become a staple in our household, as everyone requests it for birthdays and gatherings. Not only is it visually stunning, but it also tastes heavenly, making it an irresistible treat for chocolate lovers, just like me.

Created by

Perrie Lawson

Last updated on 2026-02-15T07:45:36.147Z

From the moment I decided to bake a birthday cake for my best friend's party, I knew it had to be chocolate. I experimented with different recipes, combining elements to achieve the ultimate chocolate flavor! The result amazed me; it was rich yet light and had just the right amount of sweetness.

One significant tip I learned during this process is to make sure your butter is at room temperature before mixing it with sugar. It creates a fluffier texture for the buttercream. Trust me, it makes all the difference when frosting the layers!

Why You Will Love This Cake
Indulgent layers of rich chocolate flavor contrasted with creamy, sweet buttercream
Perfectly moist cake that stays fresh for days, ideal for celebrations
A stunning centerpiece for any event that will impress your guests

Understanding the Ingredients

The combination of cocoa powder and baking soda in this recipe not only provides the cake with its rich chocolate flavor but also contributes to its impressive rise. The acid from the cocoa interacts with the baking soda, creating a chemical reaction that helps the cake achieve a light, airy texture. When selecting cocoa powder, opt for high-quality unsweetened varieties, as this can significantly enhance the overall taste of your cake.

Using whole milk in the cake batter is essential for moisture and richness. If you're looking for a dairy-free alternative, consider using almond or oat milk, which can provide similar results in terms of texture. Just be mindful that almond milk has a slightly nutty flavor, which might change the overall taste profile of the cake. Ensure that any alternative milk you choose is unsweetened to avoid unwanted sweetness.

Tips for the Perfect Frosting

The key to achieving a smooth and fluffy buttercream frosting is to start with softened butter, which allows for better incorporation of the powdered sugar. A common mistake is using cold butter, which makes it difficult to create that light texture. To soften butter quickly, you can cut it into small pieces and let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes, or microwave it for just a few seconds, watching closely to prevent melting.

When mixing the frosting, it's vital to add powdered sugar in gradual increments. This prevents the sugar from clouding your kitchen. If the buttercream seems too thick, add more heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. If it feels too thin or runny, simply add a bit more powdered sugar until it thickens up.

Ingredients

For the Cake

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
½ cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water

For the Buttercream Frosting

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 ½ cups powdered sugar
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2-4 tablespoons heavy cream

Instructions

Steps

Prepare the Cake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk together until well combined.

Mix Wet Ingredients

Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat using an electric mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes. Carefully stir in boiling water until the batter is well combined; it will be thin.

Bake the Cake

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Make the Buttercream Frosting

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder, alternating with heavy cream. Mix until smooth and fluffy, then stir in vanilla extract.

Assemble the Cake

Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of buttercream over the top. Place the second layer on top and frost the sides and top of the cake. Decorate as desired.

Enjoy!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of coffee to the boiling water or mixing in some chocolate chips to the batter.

Serving Suggestions

This Chocolate Buttercream Birthday Cake can be served with a side of fresh berries, such as raspberries or strawberries, which not only adds a vibrant color contrast but also enhances the flavors with a touch of acidity. You might also consider pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert experience that guests will love.

For an elegant presentation, you can sprinkle some chocolate shavings or cocoa powder on top of the frosting. Edible gold or silver leaf can also elevate the look of the cake for a truly special occasion. Consider using cake stands or decorative plates that align with your party theme to make your serving display even more appealing.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

This cake holds up beautifully for several days, making it perfect for preparing ahead of time. Store the fully assembled cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate it for longer freshness. Just be sure to bring it to room temperature before serving, as this allows the frosting to soften and enhances the cake’s texture.

If you're looking to prepare in advance, you can bake the cake layers a day or two ahead. Once cooled, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator. The buttercream can also be made up to a week in advance; just ensure it is stored in an airtight container in the fridge. Before frosting the cake, allow the buttercream to come to room temperature and whip it briefly to restore its fluffy consistency.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this cake in advance?

Yes, you can bake the cake layers a day ahead and store them wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature. Frost them on the day of serving.

→ Can I freeze the cake?

Absolutely! You can freeze the cake layers before frosting. Just ensure they are tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and stored in an airtight container.

→ What can I substitute for the eggs?

You can use flax eggs or unsweetened applesauce as a substitute if you want to make it eggless.

→ How can I customize the frosting?

Feel free to add flavors like peppermint extract, or try mixing in some chopped chocolate or a dollop of fruit preserves for a unique twist.