Jean's Darn Good Chocolate Cake

Indulge in pure chocolate bliss with Jean's Darn Good Chocolate Cake, a moist and fudgy masterpiece that strikes the perfect balance between rich flavor and homey comfort. This decadent dessert combines simple pantry staples—like cocoa powder, sugar, and flour—for a tender, airy crumb, while the addition of boiling water creates a uniquely light yet moist texture. Topped with an irresistibly creamy chocolate buttercream frosting made from melted chocolate chips, butter, and a hint of vanilla, this cake is a true showstopper for birthdays, celebrations, or cozy nights in. Easy to prepare in under an hour, this two-layer chocolate cake is sure to impress anyone who takes a bite. Serve it as-is or add a personal touch with sprinkles, fresh fruit, or caramel drizzle to elevate your dessert table!

Nutriscore Rating: 47/100

Prep Time:25 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 0.75 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1.5 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• 0.5 cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1.5 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 0.5 cup heavy cream
• 0.125 teaspoon salt (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 the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Step 3

Add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Beat the mixture on medium speed for 2 minutes. The batter will be thick.

Step 4

Carefully stir in the boiling water. The batter will thin out considerably—this is normal.

Step 5

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans.

Step 6

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

Step 7

Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8

To make the frosting, melt the butter in a medium saucepan over low heat.

Step 9

Add the semi-sweet chocolate chips and stir until melted and smooth. Remove from heat.

Step 10

Gradually sift and whisk in the powdered sugar, followed by the heavy cream, salt, and vanilla extract. Continue whisking until smooth and creamy.

Step 11

Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous amount of frosting over the top.

Step 12

Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake evenly.

Step 13

Decorate as desired and serve. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2274.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	7400.6

Total Fat 353.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 159.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 67.5g
Cholesterol 769.3mg	0%
Sodium 5722.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 1121.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 87.8g	0%
Total Sugars 787.0g
Protein 98.8g	0%

Vitamin D 189.4IU	0%
Calcium 629.4mg	0%
Iron 47.7mg	0%
Potassium 3510.4mg	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: 39.5%

Protein: 4.9%

Carbs: 55.6%