Recreate Costco Chocolate Cake Recipe at home with rich layers of moist chocolate cake and creamy chocolate mousse filling. Use high-quality cocoa powder, buttermilk, and sour cream for a dense, flavorful base. Fill and frost with a smooth chocolate mousse or ganache. Chill before serving for best texture. This decadent dessert is perfect for celebrations or chocolate lovers anytime.
Saucepan or microwave-safe bowl (to melt chocolate)
Ingredients
For the Cake:
¾cupDutch-processed cocoa powder
2cupsgranulated sugar
2cupsall-purpose flour
1 ½teaspoonsbaking powder
1teaspoonbaking soda
½teaspoonsea salt
1cuphot water or freshly brewed coffee
100gdark chocolatemelted
1cupbuttermilkroom temperature
½cupsour cream or Greek yogurt
½cupvegetable oil
2large eggsroom temperature
2teaspoonsvanilla extract
For the Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting:
8ozcream cheesesoftened
3–4 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
1cup2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
½cupDutch-processed cocoa powder
1teaspoonvanilla extract
3cupspowdered sugarsifted
Instructions
Preheat and Prep Pans:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy release.
Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and sea salt. Whisk to evenly combine.
Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, sour cream or Greek yogurt, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Incorporate Wet into Dry:
Slowly pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients while mixing on low speed (or using a hand whisk). Mix just until combined—do not overmix.
Add Hot Liquid and Melted Chocolate:
Carefully add the hot water or brewed coffee to the batter while mixing on low. Then fold in the melted dark chocolate until the batter is fully smooth and slightly runny.
Bake the Cake Layers:
Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. Bake for 32–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Make the Frosting:
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until fluffy and smooth. Add in the cocoa powder and vanilla extract. Gradually mix in the powdered sugar, alternating with heavy cream, until you reach a smooth and spreadable consistency.
Assemble and Frost the Cake:
Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a generous amount of frosting on top. Place the second layer over it, then frost the top and sides of the cake evenly. Use an offset spatula for a smooth finish. Optional: garnish with chocolate shavings or curls.
Notes
Recipe Notes: Using coffee instead of hot water deepens the chocolate flavor. Make sure all dairy ingredients are at room temperature to ensure a smooth batter. Chill the frosted cake for 30 minutes before slicing for clean cuts. The frosting is rich and not overly sweet, perfectly balancing the cake’s deep chocolate flavor.