Chocolate Cake With Vanilla Icing – Best Homemade

Chocolate cake with vanilla icing is a rich, moist dessert topped with smooth, creamy frosting. I have personal experience making this classic treat in my kitchen.

I was inspired to make this chocolate cake with vanilla icing after watching a home baking show where it was prepared with love and detail.

The main specialty of this cake is its deep chocolate flavor balanced by the light, sweet vanilla icing. I made it because I wanted something nostalgic and comforting.

Now, I’m here to guide you step-by-step through how I made this chocolate cake with vanilla icing from scratch.

Taste Of Chocolate Cake With Vanilla Icing

Chocolate cake with vanilla icing delivers a rich, deep cocoa flavor that’s moist and slightly fudgy in texture. The sweetness of the vanilla icing adds a creamy, buttery contrast that complements the bold chocolate base.

Together, they create a balanced bite soft, smooth, and indulgent. The cake melts in your mouth, while the icing adds a light, sugary finish. It’s not overly sweet, allowing the cocoa and vanilla to shine through naturally.

This chocolate cake with vanilla icing feels both comforting and nostalgic, making it a favorite for those who love a blend of classic flavors in every slice.

How To Prepare Chocolate Cake With Vanilla Icing?

Preparation Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: About 1 hour (including cooling and frosting)

Course: Dessert

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 10 people

Kitchen Utensils Needed

• 2 mixing bowls
• Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Whisk
• 9-inch round cake pans (x2)
• Cooling rack
• Offset spatula (for frosting)
• Cake knife (optional, for leveling)

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Cake:

• 1¼ cups granulated sugar
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1½ teaspoons baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup canola oil (or sunflower oil)
• 2 eggs
• ½ cup milk (regular or plant-based)
• 1 cup hot water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Vanilla Buttercream Icing:

• 1 cup butter, softened (unsalted works best)
• 3½ cups icing sugar (powdered sugar)
• 1½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoons milk (adjust for consistency)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven & Prep the Pans

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab two 9-inch round cake pans. You can either grease and flour them or line them with parchment paper — whichever you prefer. This helps the cakes come out clean after baking.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, sift in the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and granulated sugar. Once sifted, whisk everything together until it’s evenly combined.

3. Add the Wet Ingredients (Except Water)

Now add the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and oil right into the dry mix. Use an electric mixer on medium speed to blend it all together. Beat for about 2 minutes until the batter looks smooth.

4. Add the Hot Water

Slowly pour in the hot water while mixing on low speed. This step brings out the chocolate flavor. The batter will be thin that’s exactly what you want.

5. Bake the Cakes

Pour the batter evenly into your two prepared pans. Place them in the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick poked in the center comes out clean.

6. Let the Cakes Cool

Take the pans out of the oven and let the cakes sit in them for about 10 minutes. Then carefully remove the cakes and place them on a wire rack to cool completely. Don’t frost while warm — it’ll melt the icing.

7. Make the Vanilla Buttercream

In a clean bowl, beat the softened butter for 2–3 minutes until it’s light and fluffy. Gradually add icing sugar, a little at a time, mixing on low so it doesn’t fly everywhere. Add the vanilla extract. Then pour in milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the texture feels spreadable. Once it’s right, beat on high for another 1–2 minutes until fluffy.

8. Assemble and Frost the Cake

Make sure your cakes are totally cool. If the tops are domed, level them with a knife. Place the first layer on a serving plate. Spread a thick layer of buttercream on top. Add the second cake layer. Use the rest of the buttercream to frost the top and sides. Smooth it out with a spatula and decorate however you like.

Notes: For a more intense chocolate flavor, add ½ teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the hot water. The cake can be made a day in advance and stored unfrosted, wrapped tightly at room temperature. If you prefer cupcakes, this recipe makes about 18–20 standard-size cupcakes. Bake for 18–20 minutes.

Nutrition Facts Of Chocolate Cake With Vanilla Icing

Nutrition	Amount
Calories	410
Total Fat	22g
Saturated Fat	9g
Cholesterol	60mg
Sodium	210mg
Total Carbohydrates	53g
Sugars	39g
Protein	4g

Why We Love This Recipe

We love this chocolate cake with vanilla icing because it brings together rich flavor and homemade comfort. The chocolate cake is moist and deep in taste, while the vanilla icing adds a smooth, creamy contrast that feels just right.

This chocolate cake with vanilla icing feels like something made from memory familiar, warm, and always welcome. It doesn’t require complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients, which makes it easy to bake any time.

Sharing it brings smiles, and making it fills the kitchen with the kind of aroma that draws everyone in. That’s why this chocolate cake with vanilla icing stands out.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this chocolate cake with vanilla icing alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh berries to add a refreshing touch. A drizzle of warm chocolate or caramel sauce can make it even more indulgent.

For a cozy twist, pair it with a hot cup of coffee or tea. You can also sprinkle some chopped nuts or chocolate shavings on top for extra texture and flavor.

This chocolate cake with vanilla icing shines best when enjoyed fresh but also tastes great a day later, making it a lovely treat anytime.

Best Variations

✔ Chocolate Ganache Drip: Add a glossy chocolate ganache drip over the vanilla buttercream for a richer, more indulgent finish.

✔ Espresso Infused Cake: Mix a bit of instant espresso powder into the cake batter to deepen the chocolate flavor with a subtle coffee kick.

✔ Salted Caramel Swirl: Add swirls of salted caramel sauce between the cake layers and drizzle a little on top of the icing for a sweet-salty twist.

✔ Berry Layered Cake: Add fresh or frozen berries between the cake layers for bursts of tartness that cut through the sweetness.

✔ Coconut Vanilla Icing: Replace the regular milk in the icing with coconut milk and sprinkle shredded toasted coconut on top for a tropical touch.

Recipe Tips And Techniques

1. Use a kitchen scale or proper measuring cups to get your ingredients exact. Baking is all about precision, especially with flour and cocoa powder.

2. Sifting cocoa, flour, baking powder, and soda helps avoid lumps and ensures an even, light crumb in the cake.

3. Eggs, milk, and butter should be at room temperature so they blend smoothly, resulting in a tender cake.

4. When adding the hot water, mix slowly to avoid splashing and to keep the batter silky but not overworked.

5. Allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent the buttercream from melting or sliding off.

6. Beat the butter alone first until fluffy, then slowly add sugar and liquids. This makes the icing light and easy to spread. If too stiff, add a splash more milk; if too soft, add more icing sugar.

How Strong Is The Chocolate Flavor?

The chocolate flavor in this cake is rich and well-developed, thanks to the use of quality cocoa powder and hot water which helps bloom the cocoa.

It’s deep but not overpowering, allowing the natural chocolate taste to shine through without being too bitter or intense.

Is The Cake Very Sweet?

The sweetness level is balanced carefully. The granulated sugar in the cake and the powdered sugar in the vanilla icing create a pleasant sweetness, but it doesn’t feel overly sugary.

The vanilla icing adds just the right amount of sweetness to complement the chocolate without overwhelming it.

Is There Any Bitterness From The Cocoa?

No harsh bitterness lingers because the recipe balances the cocoa powder with sugar and vanilla. The hot water helps mellow the cocoa, resulting in a smooth, rich chocolate flavor that is pleasant rather than sharp or bitter.

Does The Cake Feel Dense Or Light?

This cake strikes a good balance between being rich and light. It’s not heavy or dense, but it’s substantial enough to satisfy chocolate cravings.

The combination of baking soda, baking powder, and well-mixed batter ensures a soft, airy crumb.

How Do The Flavors Work Together?

The chocolate and vanilla flavors complement each other beautifully. The chocolate provides depth and richness, while the vanilla icing adds a creamy sweetness that lifts the cake’s profile.

Together, they create a harmonious and classic taste experience that appeals to many palates.

How Do I Store This Cake?

To store this chocolate cake with vanilla icing, keep it covered at room temperature if you plan to eat it within 2 days. Use a cake dome or airtight container to prevent it from drying out.

For longer storage, place the chocolate cake with vanilla icing in the refrigerator, tightly wrapped or in a sealed container, where it will stay fresh for up to 5 days.

Before serving, let it come to room temperature for the best texture and flavor. If you want to freeze it, wrap it well in plastic wrap and foil, and thaw in the fridge overnight before frosting or serving.

Conclusion

This chocolate cake with vanilla icing is a timeless favorite that brings warmth and joy to any table. Its rich, moist texture paired with smooth, sweet frosting creates a delightful treat that’s hard to resist.

Whether made for celebrations or a simple dessert, this chocolate cake with vanilla icing offers comfort and satisfaction in every slice. With easy steps and accessible ingredients, it’s a recipe worth keeping on hand.

Sharing this chocolate cake with vanilla icing with loved ones makes the experience even sweeter, turning moments into lasting memories.

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