Chocolate Buttercream Celebration Cake

Name: Chocolate Buttercream Celebration Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar; 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 large eggs; 1 cup whole milk; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 cup boiling water; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/4 cup heavy cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Delightful Desserts

I absolutely love baking, and there's nothing quite like a rich Chocolate Buttercream Celebration Cake to bring everyone together. When I first created this recipe, I wanted to capture the essence of a classic celebration cake, with layers of moist chocolate sponge and a luscious buttercream frosting. The combination is irresistible, and every time I bake it, the kitchen fills with warm, sweet aromas that make the entire house feel festive. It’s perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or just a cozy gathering with friends.

Created by

Vanessa Doyle

Last updated on 2026-02-16T06:05:36.908Z

When I first made this chocolate buttercream cake, I was pleasantly surprised by how moist the sponge turned out. I decided to incorporate a higher cocoa content in the cake batter, which not only gave it a rich flavor but also created a beautiful dark color that looked fantastic on the dessert table. The secret to my buttercream is using high-quality cocoa powder which enhances the flavor significantly.

I also learned to let the butter sit at room temperature before whipping it into the frosting. This ensured that the buttercream was especially creamy and easy to spread. Each layer of cake and frosting was a piece of love—and I can honestly say that this cake has earned a permanent spot in my special occasion baking repertoire!

Why You'll Love This Cake
Rich chocolate flavor paired with fresh orange zest
Creamy texture that melts in your mouth
Perfect for celebrations or as a sweet indulgence

The Role of Key Ingredients

In this Chocolate Buttercream Celebration Cake, each ingredient plays a crucial role. The unsweetened cocoa powder not only provides flavor but also contributes to the moist texture of the chocolate sponge. When choosing cocoa powder, opt for a high-quality brand as it affects the final taste significantly. A richer cocoa powder can elevate the chocolate flavor, making each bite more indulgent and delightful.

The use of boiling water in the batter may seem unusual, but it helps to bloom the cocoa, enhancing its rich flavor while also ensuring a moist cake. This technique prevents the sponges from drying out, leading to a tender crumb. If you're in a pinch, you can replace the boiling water with hot coffee to intensify the chocolate flavor even more.

Expert Frosting Techniques

When preparing the buttercream, it’s vital to begin with softened butter; this guarantees a smooth consistency that will spread easily. If your butter is too cold, you can cut it into small cubes and allow it to sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. If you're short on time, you can microwave it in 5-second intervals—just be careful not to melt it.

As you mix the powdered sugar into the butter, do this gradually to prevent a cloud of dust from forming. A stand mixer on low speed can be very handy here. Once combined, add heavy cream to achieve that luscious, fluffy texture and adjust the cream quantity to get your desired consistency. If the frosting feels too soft, adding a little extra powdered sugar can help stiffen it up.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this decadent cake.

For the Chocolate Cake

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water

For the Buttercream Frosting

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Gather your ingredients and let’s start baking!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your delicious cake.

Make the Cake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, mix eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, then carefully stir in boiling water until smooth.

Bake the Cake

Divide the batter evenly between two greased 9-inch round cake pans. Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Prepare the Buttercream

In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder, then pour in heavy cream and vanilla, mixing until smooth and fluffy.

Frost the Cake

Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a layer of buttercream on top. Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining buttercream.

Enjoy your Chocolate Buttercream Celebration Cake!

Pro Tips

For the best results, use high-quality cocoa powder and allow your butter to reach room temperature before making the frosting. This will ensure a smoother texture in your buttercream.

Serving and Storage Tips

After frosting, let the cake sit for about 30 minutes at room temperature before serving. This allows the frosting to slightly set and makes slicing easier. When storing leftovers, cover the cake with a cake dome or wrap it with plastic wrap to maintain freshness. It can be kept at room temperature for up to three days, but if you want to store it longer, refrigerating it will help retain its quality for up to a week.

If you've baked the layers ahead of time, they freeze beautifully. Wrap each layer in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze them for up to three months. To thaw, simply place them in the fridge overnight. Frosting can also be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to two weeks. Just remember to re-whip it before using to restore its fluffy texture.

Variations and Customization

Feel free to play around with flavors in the buttercream by incorporating additional extracts like orange or almond. A touch of orange zest goes particularly well with chocolate, bringing a refreshing contrast to the richness. You can also experiment by adding a sprinkle of sea salt over the top for a delightful sweet-salty combination that enhances the chocolate flavor even more.

For a richer experience, consider adding a layer of ganache between the cake layers or drizzling it over the top. To make ganache, simply heat equal parts heavy cream and chocolate until melted and smooth. Let it cool slightly before pouring it over the frosted cake for an elegant finish. This added layer not only looks impressive but also amplifies the decadent chocolate experience.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of flour?

You can try using gluten-free all-purpose flour, but the texture might vary.

→ How can I make this cake dairy-free?

You can substitute the milk with almond or soy milk and the butter with a dairy-free alternative.

→ Can I freeze this cake?

Yes, the cake layers can be frozen. Simply wrap them well and store them in an airtight container.

→ What toppings can I add?

Feel free to decorate with chocolate shavings, fresh berries, or even some colorful sprinkles for added flair!