Jul 13 2026
RestaurantsTavern 180Chocolate Cake Recipe

Chocolate Cake Recipe

Inspired by Tavern 180
Time1h 20m
Serves12

Rich chocolate cake with a creamy frosting.

Was this page helpful?

Help improve this recipe for others.

Send this recipe to your inbox.

We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.

Ingredients

Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Cake Ingredients

Method

Cake Directions

  1. 1

    Preheat the Oven

    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

  2. 2

    Mix Dry Ingredients

    In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk together until well combined.

  3. 3

    Add Wet Ingredients

    Add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.

  4. 4

    Incorporate Boiling Water

    Carefully stir in the boiling water until the batter is smooth. The batter will be thin.

  5. 5

    Bake the Cake

    Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

  6. 6

    Cool the Cakes

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

Frosting Directions

  1. 7

    Make the Frosting

    In a mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter until creamy. Gradually add the cocoa powder and powdered sugar, alternating with the milk, until you reach a smooth and spreadable consistency.

  2. 8

    Add Vanilla

    Stir in the vanilla extract and mix until fully incorporated.

  3. 9

    Frost the Cake

    Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate, spread a layer of frosting on top, and place the second layer on top. Frost the top and sides of the cake.

More from Tavern 180