Looking for a simple chocolate cake that stays moist, fluffy, and deeply chocolatey every time? This recipe is perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or whenever you crave a slice of pure chocolate goodness. The secret to its rich flavor is the instant coffee and hot water, which enhance the cocoa beautifully — plus the cake flour makes it extra soft!
Ingredients
For the Cake
1 cup cake flour
1/3 cup cocoa powder
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1/4 cup oil
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup fresh milk
1/2 cup hot water
1/2 – 1 tsp instant coffee
1 tbsp vinegar
Chocolate Ganache
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
How to Make Cake Flour (if needed)
- For every 1 cup of flour, remove 2 tbsp of flour.
- Replace with 2 tbsp cornstarch.
- Sift 3 – 4 times until well combined. Instructions – How to Make It
Step 1 — Prepare the Batter
- In a mixing bowl, add cake flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk to combine.
- Add eggs, oil, and fresh milk. Mix until smooth.
- Dissolve instant coffee in the hot water, then pour into the batter and mix well.
- Add vinegar last and mix until fully combined. The batter will be thin — this is normal for a moist cake.
Step 2 — Bake
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Pour the batter into a greased and lined cake pan.
- Bake for 30 – 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before adding the ganache. Step 3 — Make the Chocolate Ganache
- Heat heavy cream in a saucepan until it just begins to simmer — do NOT boil.
- Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips.
- Let sit for 1–2 minutes, then stir until smooth and glossy.
- Once the cake has cooled, pour or spread the ganache on top.
Enjoy