The Best Moist Chocolate Cake From Scratch (with Coffee)

Credit where Credit is Due

This recipe belongs to my mother-in-law, Liz, who has generously agreed to let me post it here. She's the one who has been making this cake for, I kid you not, decades. The first time I had it, I knew I was going to have to marry her son. Because I could not live without this cake in my life. And you know. Him also.

One-Bowl Wonder

This cake is simple, easy and produces results every time. You can use a stand mixer if you want, but mixing by hand also works. And: Yay! You don't have to destroy your entire kitchen with dishes because this comes together in one bowl.

How to Make Cake from Scratch

Making most types of cake from scratch really isn't that much harder than in a mix. The only time your saving yourself is measuring the dry ingredients. There is definitely a time and a place for cake mixes, but this isn't one of them. If you're cake is more than one layer high (this one is two), then we're officially in special occasion cake territory. And those cakes are just so much better from scratch. Like the best moist chocolate cake is only ever going to be homemade. While our family traditionally uses this chocolate cake for birthdays, it's also perfect to bring out at Christmas.

This is a pretty standard cake recipe. We're going to measure our dry ingredients, whisk them, and then add our wet ingredients (except the coffee) and combine. After everything's nice and combined, we add the hot, rich coffee which is going to take the flavour of this cake to another level (more on that later).

Next, we need to prepare our baking rounds (and this is key. I have thrown literal tantrums over a perfectly baked cake tearing itself apart because it was stuck to the bottom of the pan FOR NO REASON, omg FINE it was because I didn't use parchment paper even after my mom told me too), and there's nothing worse. We're not taking any chances and using both cooking spray and parchment paper.

Once we get our cake batter in the pans, the go into the oven for about 35 minutes. After that the cool in the pans for 15, and then we CAREFULLY take them out and let them cool the rest of the way on wire racks. At this point they're ready to be frosted, and eaten.

How to make the Best MOIST Cake Ever

To me, making the best moist cake comes down to one ingredient: oil. It's an absolute must for this recipe, and here's why. First, oil is liquid, and is liquid at room temperature, unlike butter. This means, because science, that the cake is going to have a more moist sensation, and remains moist for longer. Because butter solidifies at room temperature, the cake, as it cools, tends to get more crumbly. Second: butter is actually 80% fat and 20% liquid (water). When the dry ingredients interact with the butter then, they're mixing with both fat and water. Water + flour = gluten, meaning that you're cake is going to be relatively tough. That's compared to oil, which is pure, pure fat. If you want to read more about this, and how it works, check out this Bon Appetit article. And also, stop making your cakes with butter. Immediately. Chocolate cake without butter is the way to go.

There's a lot of info out there about using sour cream and mayo to make your cakes moist, but I haven't found this makes a huge difference for me. It's really all about the oil vs. butter.

What about Olive Oil?

Olive oil has the same effect as regular vegetable oil - but, it has much much more flavour. So this can be an absolutely delicious variation - you just have to be aware of all the flavours your using in the cake, and how they will interact with the olive oil.

Why Are we Using Coffee?

Apart from the fact that coffee is the elixir of the gods, it's because it makes the chocolate flavour so much more intense and delicious. This cake does not taste like coffee, I promise you. It tastes like the most decadent, rich and complex chocolate cake you've ever had. So even if you're tempted to skip it, don't. We're also putting it in the frosting for good measure.

Can you Freeze it?

Yes you can, as long as you haven't frosted it yet. Once the cakes have cooled completely, wrap them separately in plastic wrap and lay them flat in the freezer. They should keep for up to three months. To defrost, let them warm up on the counter, and then decorate as normal.

What do I do with the Leftovers?

Ok, when you're making the best moist chocolate cake ever, there are not often leftovers. However, on the off chance you do find yourself in this enviable situation, here's what you're going to make:

This is a chocolate cake milkshake. And yes, it's as outrageous and ridiculous as it sounds. You're welcome.