The BEST Chocolate Cake Recipe

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350F (175C) and prepare two deep 8" round cake pans⁴ by lining the bottoms with parchment paper and lightly greasing and flouring the sides.  Set aside.

Step 2

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, whisk together flour, sugars, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.

Step 3

Add melted butter and oil, stir well.

Step 4

Add eggs and egg yolk, one at a time, stirring well after each addition.  Pause occasionally to scrape down sides and bottom of bowl.

Step 5

Stir in vanilla extract.  Gradually add buttermilk and stir well.

Step 6

Add hot coffee, stirring until ingredients are well-combined (be sure to scrape sides and bottom of bowl again).

Step 7

Evenly divide batter between prepared pans.  Bake on 350F (175C) for 35-40 minutes (toothpick inserted in center should come out with moist crumbs).

Step 8

Allow to cool for 15 minutes before inverting onto cooling rack to cool completely before frosting.

Step 9

In a microwave-safe bowl, microwave chocolate chips at 15 second intervals, stirring between intervals, until chips are completely melted. Set aside and allow to cool slightly (about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally).

Step 10

Cream room temperature butter with an electric mixer.  Stir in slightly cooled chocolate and beat well.

Step 11

Gradually add sugar, scraping down the sides and bottom of bowl occasionally.

Step 12

Sprinkle in salt and vanilla extract, stir well.

Step 13

Gradually add heavy cream, increase speed to high and beat for 1 minute.

Step 14

Spread a thick layer of frosting over the top of one cake round and sprinkle with mini chocolate chips.  Top with second cake round and evenly frost cake.  Slice and serve.