Bill Knapp's Chocolate Cake

Indulge in nostalgia with Bill Knapp's Chocolate Cake, a rich and moist dessert that’s brimming with old-fashioned charm. This classic recipe combines a decadently chocolatey batter made with unsweetened cocoa powder and buttermilk, creating a perfectly tender crumb. The secret to its unparalleled moisture lies in the addition of boiling water, ensuring every bite melts in your mouth. Topped with a silky homemade chocolate frosting crafted from real butter and powdered sugar, this cake is an irresistible crowd-pleaser. Perfect for celebrations or an after-dinner treat, this two-layer chocolate cake is a simple yet stunning dessert that comes together in just under an hour. Elevate your baking game with this timeless favorite that’s sure to become a family tradition!

Nutriscore Rating: 47/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 0.75 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup whole buttermilk
• 0.5 cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water
• 0.5 cup unsalted butter
• 0.25 cup milk
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 0.25 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (for frosting)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (for frosting)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, sift together flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Whisk to combine.

Step 3

Add the eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until smooth using a hand or stand mixer on low speed.

Step 4

Gradually stir in the boiling water. The batter will be thin; this is normal and creates a moist cake.

Step 5

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Tap the pans gently on the counter to remove air bubbles.

Step 6

Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.

Step 7

Remove the cakes from the oven and let cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely.

Step 8

While the cake cools, prepare the frosting. In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over low heat.

Step 9

Stir in 1/4 cup cocoa powder, milk, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and slightly thickened.

Step 10

Remove the saucepan from heat and gradually whisk in the powdered sugar until the frosting is thick but spreadable.

Step 11

Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate and spread a thick layer of frosting on top. Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake.

Step 12

Optionally, garnish with chocolate shavings or sprinkles. Serve and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1783.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5147.2

Total Fat 182.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 56.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 67.2g
Cholesterol 531.5mg	0%
Sodium 5768.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 877.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 30.3g	0%
Total Sugars 650.7g
Protein 59.7g	0%

Vitamin D 228.8IU	0%
Calcium 534.7mg	0%
Iron 19.1mg	0%
Potassium 1788.0mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 30.4%

Protein: 4.4%

Carbs: 65.2%