The Ultimate Chocolate Cake Recipe

all-purpose flour

🥗Healthier: whole wheat flour

💰Cheaper: cake flour

Whole wheat flour adds fiber; cake flour is often cheaper.

granulated sugar

🥗Healthier: coconut sugar

💰Cheaper: brown sugar

Coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index; brown sugar is often less expensive.

vegetable oil

🥗Healthier: applesauce

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Applesauce reduces fat and adds moisture; canola oil is often cheaper.

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Butter two nine-inch cake pans on the sides and bottom, and line the bottoms with parchment paper.

In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 cups of sugar, 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, 2 teaspoons of baking soda, and 1 teaspoon of salt; whisk together.

In a second bowl, combine 2 cups of warm coffee, 2/3 cup of light olive oil, 2 tablespoons of vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract; whisk to combine.

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and whisk just until they come together; the batter will be slightly lumpy and thin.

Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans.

Bake on the center rack for about 35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Let the cakes rest in the pans for about 15 minutes, then run a knife around the edges to loosen them and invert onto a wire rack.

Let the cakes cool to room temperature before frosting.

In a stand mixer, combine 12 ounces of softened cream cheese and 1 cup of unsalted butter; beat on medium-high speed for about 3 minutes.

Sift in 5 cups of powdered sugar and 1 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, adding 1/2 teaspoon of salt; mix on low speed until combined, then increase to medium-high speed until smooth and whipped.

Add 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract and beat for another minute.

Assemble the cake by placing the first layer flat side down on a cake platter, spreading with a generous third of the frosting, then adding the second layer flat side up.

Spread the remaining frosting on top and the sides of the cake, creating a rustic look.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens