Best Ever Chocolate Cake is a rich chocolate cake layered with homemade chocolate mousse and finished with chocolate buttercream.

Chocolate cake is a classic treat that people have loved for ages. Whether for a birthday party, a holiday get-together, or just a craving for something sweet, chocolate cake always does the is my to go to!

slice of chocolate cake on a plate filled with rainbow sprinkles

Suppose someone had told me three years ago. In that case, I’d be on a cruise ship in Mexico, traveling for a week, eating some of the best food, drinking drinks I didn’t even know existed, and hanging out with some fantastic, talented, strong, empowering women that have become my friends, I would’ve laughed.

If three years ago you had told me that I’d be taking pictures of everything I eat – if you had said to me that I’d be sharing my favorite things with others and sharing my secrets to my “sanity”, I would’ve giggled until I peed my pants, which isn’t that hard for me to do since I’m a mom of 5. But honestly, this blog, this life, wasn’t something I even thought of dreaming of.

Highlights of my blog have been meeting some of the sweetest, dearest people in the world and making friends online who have empowered me, had faith in me, and challenged me to be better virtual friends who have become authentically real friends in my life. Oh, you so know who you all are.

top down view of chocolate cake on a white plate covered in rainbow sprinkles

Three years ago, I was a mom, a wife, a sister, a friend, and a daughter. And guess what? I am still all those things and more. But I wouldn’t be here today without the support of my family and friends.

bite of chocolate cake on a fork laying next to a slice of cake on a plate

But the biggest shout-out goes to my hubby, Jake – my number one lover, fan, and the best-looking human being on earth. He has put up with my ups and downs, the many personalities that have appeared because of my blog, late-night runs to the grocery stores, dishes, and more dishes, and days the fridge is full of food, but I insist we go out. He has carried me through moments where I thought I couldn’t do it anymore, moments where I wanted to give up, and moments where I felt alone.

Throughout it all, he held my hand, whispered sweet nothings, and kissed me until I cracked a smile. He cheers with me and is thrilled when new opportunities present – whether or not I take them. He loves being my traveling buddy and is super stoked to head to Jamaica with me on a “work” trip next week.

a slice of cake being moved onto a spatula, cake on a white cake stand

And I can’t forget my five little sous chefs and fans. They are my constant inspirations and critics. They make me a better mom, person, and “chef”. I can’t imagine my life without them. They are my world!

My sisters make me laugh through this entire thing – if you could only see our text messages. Special shout-outs go to my sister Nicole, my Starbucks buddy, Pinterest guru, work-out buddy, and mentor, and to my mom and dad, who always supported me no matter what.

If you had asked me three years ago if I would be living the dream, I would have answered yes. My dream is to do what I love with the people I love, and I am learning just what that is every day. The journey has been incredible—not Hollywood perfect, but San-perfect. God is my number one, family number two, and all the rest are the sprinkles on an already-loaded sundae.

And really, let’s be frank: the best way to celebrate anything is with cake, this Best Ever Chocolate Cake.

More of my favorite blog recipes

Pin To Your Favorite Pinterest Board!

Best Ever Chocolate Cake

Prep: 30 minutes
Cook: 35 minutes
Total: 3 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 16
Calories: 685 kcal
Best Ever Chocolate Cake is a rich chocolate cake layered with homemade chocolate mousse and finished off with chocolate buttercream.
Print Pin Rate

Ingredients
 

  • Chocolate Cake
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 3/4 cup cocoa
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • Chocolate Mousse
  • 3 cups heavy cream divided
  • 12 ounces dark chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/4 white sugar
  • Chocolate Frosting
  • 3/4 cups butter softened
  • 1/2 cup cocoa
  • 2 1/2 cups confectioner’s sugar
  • 3-4 tablespoons heavy cream milk or chocolate milk
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Instructions
 

  • Chocolate Cake
  • Preheat oven to 350º F. Grease two 9-inch round cake pans with cooking spray and lightly dust with some flour or cocoa powder
  • In mixing bowl, I use my Kitchen Aid, add flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir until well combined.
  • Add milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla to flour mixture and mix together on medium speed until well mixed. Reduce the speed to low and add boiling water to the cake batter a little bit at a time. Once the water is all mixed in beat on high for about 1 minute.
  • Evenly distribute cake batter between the prepared cake pans.
  • Bake for 30-35 minutes, until a toothpick or cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Remove from the oven and allow to cool for about 10 minutes, remove from the pan and cool completely.
  • **Don’t worry if the cake falls in the center, it will still turn out just fine. I have this happen every once in a while, for instance when I forget to stick the cake in the oven and it sits on the counter for a while….not that I do that too much. (wink, wink)**
  • Chocolate Mousse
  • In a small sauce pan add the whipping cream and bring 1 cup to a boil, remove from heat and add in chocolate chips. Do not mix or stir them in, let the chocolate sit for 5 minutes. Stir until smooth. Let it cool to room temp, you do not want it warm or hot.
  • In a large bowl, beat 2 cups chilled cream with 1/4 cup sugar. Beat until stiff peaks form. Fold whipped cream into chocolate mixture.
  • Set in the refrigerator until ready to use to layer cakes.
  • Cut each round cake in half. Place one layer on a cake plate or the serving plate you will be using. Add 1/3 of the chocolate mousse, you don’t need to be exact just eyeball it.
  • Allow the cake to chill in the refrigerator for 2-4 hours. Then frost the cake with the chocolate buttercream.
  • Set back in the refrigerator until ready to cut, serve and devour.
  • Chocolate Buttercream
  • In a stand mixer cream together butter and cocoa powder until well-combined.
  • Add powder sugar and milk to cocoa mixture by adding 1 cup of sugar followed by about a tablespoon of milk. After each addition has been combined, turn mixer onto a high speed for about a minute. Repeat until all sugar and milk have been added.
  • Add vanilla extract and mix well.
  • Tip to get the right consistency of frosting you may need to add additional milk or powdered sugar. If frosting appears too dry, add more milk, a tablespoon at a time until it reaches the right consistency. If it appears to wet and does not hold its form, add more confectioner’s sugar, a tablespoon at a time until it reaches the right consistency.
  • Store the remaining cake in the refrigerator, if there are any leftovers.

Notes

Chocolate Cake & Chocolate Buttercream from Best Ever Chocolate Layer Cake Chocolate Mousse recipe from Death by Chocolate Mousse
Calories: 685kcalCarbohydrates: 73gProtein: 6gFat: 43gSaturated Fat: 27gCholesterol: 111mgSodium: 362mgPotassium: 353mgFiber: 4gSugar: 52gVitamin A: 1030IUVitamin C: 0.2mgCalcium: 99mgIron: 3.2mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know what you think!
Let us know how it was Tag me on Insta
chocolate cake on a white plate with rainbow sprinkles

Hey, I'm Sandra! At A Dash of Sanity, you'll discover family-friendly recipes for every occasion. Whether it's speedy dinners or delectable desserts, I'm here to make your mealtime delicious, simplify your holiday baking, and unite your loved ones around the table.

Similar Posts

44 Comments

  1. Oh, my! This looks awesome. I have birthdays in my house soon and will be making this cake. I do need some clarification. In your mousse directions section, you say to add the whipping cream and bring to a boil. Since you call for 3 cups, divided and later say to whip 2 cups, just need to verify that only 1 cup is what to bring to a boil. Thanks very much!

    Reply
  6. Pingback: CHEWY OATMEAL PEANUT BUTTER CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES - A Dash of Sanity
  7. Pingback: BEST BROWNIE RECIPES - A Dash of Sanity
  8. Pingback: INCREDIBLY DELICIOUS CHOCOLATE CAKE RECIPES - A Dash of Sanity
  14. Pingback: Double Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake
  15. Pingback: Best Ever Chocolate Layer Cake - A Dash of Sanity
  16. Pingback: Best Ever German Chocolate Cake
  17. Pingback: Ding Dong Cookies - A Dash of Sanity

  24. 5 stars
    Delicious! Love how easy the different layers were to put together and the chocolate flavors are just perfect!

    Reply
4.80 from 10 votes (1 rating without comment)

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating