This chocolate cake with white icing delivers a rich and moist texture, with deep chocolate flavor balanced by the creamy sweetness of smooth white frosting.
The cake melts softly in the mouth, leaving a tender, indulgent sensation. The white icing provides a gentle contrast to the dark chocolate, making the dessert visually appealing and flavorful.
Chopped chocolate pieces folded into the batter increase the chocolate intensity and create pockets of melted chocolate throughout.
The following is a detailed, step-by-step guide to preparing this chocolate cake with white icing, showing every stage of the process clearly.
About This Chocolate Cake With White Icing
This chocolate cake with white icing delivers a rich, deep chocolate flavor that is both intense and smooth. The cake itself is moist and tender, melting gently on the tongue, while the white icing adds a creamy sweetness that balances the chocolate’s richness.
Small pockets of melted chocolate within the batter create bursts of additional chocolate flavor, enhancing the overall experience. The texture is soft yet slightly dense, allowing the frosting to complement each slice.
The result is an indulgent dessert that delights the palate with a harmonious blend of chocolate and creamy sweetness.
How To Prepare Chocolate Cake With White Icing?
Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Yield: 12 servings
Kitchen Utensils Needed
- Two 9-inch round cake pans
- Mixing bowls (large and medium)
- Whisk and spatula
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cooling rack
- Saucepan or kettle (for boiling water)
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Cake:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups white sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk (low-fat or whole)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
For the White Icing:
- 1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 6 cups powdered sugar
- 2 to 4 tablespoons milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Oven and Pan Prep
Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inches round pans and dust lightly with flour, or line with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Dry Ingredients
Sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar in a large bowl. Stir until everything is evenly mixed.
3. Wet Ingredients
Beat the eggs in a separate bowl. Add milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla, mixing until smooth.
4. Combine Wet and Dry
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until the batter is smooth and lump-free. Avoid over mixing.
5. Add Boiling Water
Pour in the hot water slowly while stirring. The batter will thin out, which is normal and helps make the cake moist.
6. Bake
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. White Icing
Beat butter in a bowl until creamy. Add powdered sugar gradually, 1 cup at a time, mixing well. Stir in 2 tablespoons milk and vanilla extract. Adjust with extra milk if needed to get a smooth spreading consistency.
8. Assemble the Cake
Place one cooled cake layer on a plate. Spread a generous layer of icing on top. Add the second cake layer and cover the whole cake with remaining icing. Smooth with a spatula and decorate as you like.

Notes: For extra richness, use whole milk. The chocolate cake with white icing can be made a day ahead and stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Boiling water in the batter intensifies the chocolate flavor.
Nutrition Facts Of Chocolate Cake With White Icing
| Nutrition | Amounts |
|---|---|
| Calories | 480 kcal |
| Fat | 22 g |
| Saturated Fat | 13 g |
| Carbohydrates | 65 g |
| Sugar | 50 g |
| Protein | 5 g |
| Sodium | 300 mg |
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Reasons to love this chocolate cake with white icing recipe are plentiful. The cake is exceptionally moist and tender, with a deep, rich chocolate flavor that appeals to all chocolate lovers.
The smooth, creamy white icing adds a sweet, delicate balance, making each bite indulgent without being overwhelming.
The chocolate cake with white icing is versatile, allowing additions like chocolate chunks or nuts to enhance texture and flavor. The baking process is simple to follow, producing consistent, professional-looking results.
This chocolate cake with white icing is suitable for birthdays, celebrations, or casual treats, leaving a lasting impression on anyone who tastes it.
How To Decorate And Serve This Cake Recipe
To decorate and serve this chocolate cake with white icing, start by ensuring the cake has completely cooled to room temperature to prevent the frosting from melting. Use a spatula to spread a thick, even layer of white icing over the top.
For added elegance, pipe decorative swirls, rosettes, or borders using a piping bag and star tip. Sprinkle finely chopped chocolate, chocolate shavings or colorful sprinkles on top for extra texture and visual appeal.
Slice the cake into generous pieces using a sharp knife, wiping the blade between cuts for clean edges. Serve on a platter or individual plates, and enjoy with coffee, tea, or milk for a delightful presentation.
Expert Tips And Tricks
1. Allowing the cake to cool completely before applying the white icing is crucial. If the cake is still warm, the frosting can melt, become runny, and fail to hold its shape. Cooling ensures the icing stays smooth and even, giving a polished look and the right texture when served.
2. Sifting cocoa powder and flour together removes lumps and incorporates air, producing a light, tender cake. This step helps the dry ingredients blend more evenly with the wet ingredients, preventing dense spots in the final cake.
3. Adding boiling water to the batter intensifies the chocolate flavor and keeps the cake moist. The heat helps the cocoa bloom, releasing its full flavor, and creates a slightly thinner batter that bakes into a soft, delicate texture.
4. Using butter at room temperature for the icing ensures it whips smoothly and evenly. Cold butter can create a lumpy frosting, while softened butter produces a creamy, fluffy consistency that spreads easily over the cake.
5. Folding in small pieces of chopped chocolate just before baking adds pockets of melted chocolate throughout the cake. These create bursts of extra chocolate flavor in every slice, giving the cake a richer, more indulgent taste.
Additions And Variations
1. Chocolate Chips or Chunks:
Adding chocolate chips or chopped chocolate bars to the batter creates little pockets of gooey, melted chocolate throughout the cake. This intensifies the chocolate experience, making each slice richer and more decadent.
2. Nuts:
Chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds bring a delightful crunch to the soft, moist cake. The nutty flavor pairs naturally with chocolate and adds texture contrast, giving each bite a satisfying bite.
3. Berries:
Fresh or frozen raspberries, cherries, or blueberries can be gently folded into the batter or layered between cakes. Their natural tartness balances the sweetness of the chocolate and icing, creating a fresh, vibrant flavor.
4. Caramel or Toffee:
Drizzling caramel or crushed toffee pieces between cake layers or over the white icing adds a rich, buttery sweetness. It complements the chocolate without overpowering it and gives a gourmet touch to the cake.
5. Spices or Coffee:
Incorporating a small amount of cinnamon, nutmeg, or instant espresso powder enhances the depth of the chocolate flavor. These additions create subtle warmth or a mild coffee undertone, elevating the taste of the cake while keeping it familiar and comforting.
Substitutions For Chocolate Cake With White Icing
➢ Flour – All-purpose flour can be replaced with whole wheat flour for a slightly denser, nuttier cake, or a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
➢ Sugar – White granulated sugar can be swapped with coconut sugar, brown sugar, or a sugar substitute suitable for baking, though the flavor and color may slightly change.
➢ Milk – Cow’s milk can be substituted with almond milk, soy milk, oat milk, or any other plant-based milk without affecting texture significantly.
➢ Butter (for icing) – Butter in the white icing can be replaced with margarine or vegan butter for a dairy-free option, or a combination of butter and cream cheese for a tangy twist.
➢ Vegetable Oil – Can be swapped with melted coconut oil, canola oil, or sunflower oil for slight variations in flavor and richness.
➢ Eggs – For vegan or egg-free baking, eggs can be replaced with flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water per egg) or unsweetened applesauce (1/4 cup per egg).
➢ Cocoa Powder – Regular unsweetened cocoa powder can be swapped with Dutch-processed cocoa for a smoother, less acidic chocolate flavor.
Storage & Make Ahead
This chocolate cake with white icing can be prepared in advance and stored to maintain its freshness. Once baked and completely cooled, the cake layers can be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and kept at room temperature for up to two days.
For longer storage, refrigerate the wrapped layers for up to one week, or freeze them for up to three months. The white icing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator if not used right away.
Assemble and frost the chocolate cake with white icing just before serving to preserve its texture and flavor.
FAQs For Chocolate Cake With White Icing
Can I make this cake in different pan sizes?
Yes, this recipe works in 8-inch, 9-inch, or 9×13-inch pans. Adjust the baking time slightly smaller pans may need more time and larger pans slightly less. Check with a toothpick for doneness.
Can I use dark or milk chocolate instead of cocoa powder?
Yes, melted dark or milk chocolate can replace part of the cocoa powder for a richer flavor. Reduce the liquid slightly if adding melted chocolate.
How do I prevent the frosting from being too runny?
Ensure the butter is softened but not melted. Add milk gradually, 1 teaspoon at a time, until reaching spreadable consistency. Too much liquid can make frosting runny.
How can I make the cake extra chocolaty?
Add chocolate chips or chunks to the batter, or use high-quality cocoa powder. A thin layer of melted chocolate over the frosting can also enhance richness.
Can I decorate the cake differently?
Yes, try piping designs with the white icing, adding sprinkles, chocolate shavings, or toasted nuts. Fruit like berries or cherries can also add a fresh and colorful touch.
Conclusion
This chocolate cake with white icing is a timeless dessert that brings rich, moist chocolate layers together with creamy, sweet frosting.
Every slice delivers a perfect balance of deep chocolate flavor and smooth, delicate icing. I make this chocolate cake with white icing often for family and friends, serving it on special occasions or simply as a treat.
Each time I prepare chocolate cake with white icing, I follow my easy, step-by-step method to ensure consistent results. I am sharing this chocolate cake with white icing method so anyone can recreate this indulgent, flavorful cake at home and enjoy it with loved ones.
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Chocolate Cake With White Icing
Equipment
- Two 9-inch round cake pans
- Mixing bowls (large and medium)
- Whisk and spatula
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cooling rack
- Saucepan or kettle (for boiling water)
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Cake:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups white sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk low-fat or whole
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
For the White Icing:
- 1 1/2 cups 3 sticks unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 6 cups powdered sugar
- 2 to 4 tablespoons milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
Oven and Pan Prep
- Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inches round pans and dust lightly with flour, or line with parchment paper for easy removal.
Dry Ingredients
- Sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar in a large bowl. Stir until everything is evenly mixed.
Wet Ingredients
- Beat the eggs in a separate bowl. Add milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla, mixing until smooth.
Combine Wet and Dry
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until the batter is smooth and lump-free. Avoid over mixing.
Add Boiling Water
- Pour in the hot water slowly while stirring. The batter will thin out, which is normal and helps make the cake moist.
Bake
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
White Icing
- Beat butter in a bowl until creamy. Add powdered sugar gradually, 1 cup at a time, mixing well. Stir in 2 tablespoons milk and vanilla extract. Adjust with extra milk if needed to get a smooth spreading consistency.
Assemble the Cake
- Place one cooled cake layer on a plate. Spread a generous layer of icing on top. Add the second cake layer and cover the whole cake with remaining icing. Smooth with a spatula and decorate as you like.
Notes
Nutrition Facts Of Chocolate Cake With White Icing
Calories: 480 kcal | Fat: 22 g | Saturated Fat: 13 g | Carbohydrates: 65 g | Sugar: 50 g | Protein: 5 g | Sodium: 300 mg
Hi! I’m Sophia, your trusted cake guide with years of hands-on baking experience. I’m passionate about creating delicious and wholesome cakes that bring happiness to every occasion and home. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned baker, I’m here to share tips, recipes, and inspiration to make your baking journey enjoyable and rewarding. From classic flavors to healthy twists, my goal is to help you discover the joy of baking and sharing beautiful cakes with family and friends.