Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Light and Fluffy – Despite its rich flavor, this devil’s food cake has a light, airy texture that melts in your mouth.
Moist and Flavorful – Thanks to the addition of buttermilk and hot coffee, the cake stays moist and full of deep chocolate flavor.
Easy to Make – With simple ingredients and an easy method, you can create a bakery-worthy cake right at home.
Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or casual gathering, this cake is sure to impress!

Ingredients

For the Cake:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 teaspoons baking soda
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (sifted)
2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup prepared hot coffee
1 cup canola oil
1 cup buttermilk
2 eggs (room temperature)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Frosting:

4 cups confectioners’ sugar (sifted)
16 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (2 sticks)
3 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
1–2 teaspoons vanilla extract

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pans

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
Grease and lightly flour two 9-inch round cake pans. Set them aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter

Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, sifted cocoa powder, and granulated sugar.
Add Wet Ingredients: Stir in the hot coffee, oil, and buttermilk until the mixture is well combined.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing just until combined.
Pour and Bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Bake on the middle rack for 30 minutes. Check with a toothpick; it should come out clean when done. If needed, adjust the baking time.

Step 3: Cool the Cakes

Allow the cakes to cool in the pans until they are cool enough to touch. Once cooled, remove the cakes and let them cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 4: Prepare the Frosting

Cream the Butter: While the cakes are cooling, prepare the frosting by creaming the softened butter with a mixer in a medium bowl.
Add Powdered Sugar: Slowly add the sifted powdered sugar to the butter, mixing until combined.
Mix in Cream and Vanilla: Add the heavy whipping cream and vanilla extract, mixing on medium speed for 2–3 minutes until the frosting becomes light and fluffy.

Step 5: Assemble the Cake

Once the cakes have completely cooled, spread a layer of frosting between the two cakes and over the top and sides with an offset spatula.
Decorate with any remaining frosting, or add sprinkles for extra flair!

Servings and Timing

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 12 servings

Variations

Chocolate Lovers’ Twist: Add mini chocolate chips to the batter for added texture and richness.
Coffee Flavor: If you love the taste of coffee, increase the amount of hot coffee in the batter for a more pronounced flavor.
Fruit Addition: Add fresh raspberries or cherries to the frosting for a fresh burst of flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Reheating: This cake is best served at room temperature. If refrigerated, allow it to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use cake flour instead of all-purpose flour?

While you can use cake flour for a lighter texture, all-purpose flour offers more stability and is a great option for this cake.

2. Can I make the cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cakes a day or two ahead of time. Store them in an airtight container until you’re ready to frost and assemble.

3. How can I make the frosting richer?

For a richer frosting, you can substitute part of the heavy cream with cream cheese or add a bit of melted chocolate to the frosting mixture.

4. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can make this recipe dairy-free by using a dairy-free butter substitute and a non-dairy milk (like almond milk) instead of buttermilk.

5. Can I add fillings to the cake?

Absolutely! You can add layers of fruit preserves or chocolate ganache in between the layers for an added flavor dimension.

Conclusion

This Devil’s Food Cake is rich, decadent, and incredibly moist, with a frosting that’s light and fluffy. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just in the mood for a comforting dessert, this cake is sure to hit the spot. Simple, quick, and absolutely delicious—it’s the ultimate chocolate cake that everyone will love!