Chocolate Cake With Milk Chocolate Frosting

Name: Chocolate Cake With Milk Chocolate Frosting
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour; 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar; ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 ½ tsp baking powder; 1 ½ tsp baking soda; 1 tsp salt; 2 large eggs; 1 cup whole milk; ½ cup vegetable oil; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup boiling water; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3 ½ cups powdered sugar; ½ cup cocoa powder; ½ cup milk; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup milk chocolate chips, melted

Highlighted under: Cozy Baking Recipes

I absolutely love baking this Chocolate Cake With Milk Chocolate Frosting whenever I want to impress family and friends. The rich, moist chocolate cake is perfectly complemented by the smooth, creamy frosting that gives it an indulgent touch. It has become my go-to recipe for special occasions or just a delightful weekend treat. The combination of dark cocoa and a touch of vanilla creates a flavor profile that is simply irresistible. I can't wait for you to try this delicious dessert!

Created by

Rebecca Mills

Last updated on 2026-01-24T10:04:22.352Z

When I first made this Chocolate Cake, I was stunned by how well it turned out, especially for a recipe that seemed simple. I discovered that using high-quality cocoa powder significantly enhances the flavor, giving it that deep, chocolaty richness that everyone loves. It’s important to sift the dry ingredients to ensure a light and fluffy cake.

One of my favorite tips is to make the frosting a day ahead. Allowing it to chill not only makes it easier to spread but also intensifies the chocolate flavor, creating a velvety, luxurious layer over the cake. Trust me, this small step makes a huge difference!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Rich chocolate flavor paired with creamy milk chocolate frosting
Moist, fluffy texture that melts in your mouth
Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or just as a special treat

The Perfect Chocolate Cake Structure

Creating the perfect chocolate cake is all about the balance between its structure and moisture. The combination of all-purpose flour and cocoa powder forms the foundation of the cake, giving it both lift and rich chocolate flavor. Make sure to sift the dry ingredients properly to prevent lumps, which can affect the final texture. Mixing the dry ingredients first ensures that the baking powder and soda are evenly distributed, leading to an even rise during baking.

Another crucial step to achieving a moist cake is incorporating boiling water into the batter. It helps to dissolve the cocoa powder fully, intensifying the chocolate flavor. Plus, the hot water activates the cocoa, ensuring a lighter cake as the batter expands in the oven. Lastly, ensure that your oven is preheated to a consistent temperature; an oven that is too hot can lead to a cake that rises too quickly and subsequently collapses.

Making the Milk Chocolate Frosting Shine

To get the perfect consistency for your milk chocolate frosting, start by beating the softened butter until it becomes light and creamy. If the butter is too cold, the frosting can turn out lumpy. Once the butter is creamy, gradually incorporate the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, mixing until smooth and fluffy. The key here is to add the milk incrementally; too much too fast can make it runny. Aim for a glossy finish that holds peaks without being overly stiff.

For a richer flavor, using high-quality milk chocolate chips for melting is a game-changer. This not only enhances the taste but also lends a luscious texture to the frosting. Some bakers prefer to chill the melted chocolate briefly before mixing it in to maintain the frosting's consistency. If your frosting seems too thick, just add a splash of milk; if too thin, a little more powdered sugar can help thicken it back up.

Ingredients

Gather your ingredients before starting:

For the Chocolate Cake

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 ½ tsp baking powder
1 ½ tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
2 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
½ cup vegetable oil
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water

For the Milk Chocolate Frosting

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 ½ cups powdered sugar
½ cup cocoa powder
½ cup milk
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup milk chocolate chips, melted

Ensure everything is fresh for the best results!

Instructions

Follow these steps for a perfect cake:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, sift together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, mix eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla until combined.

Combine Mixtures

Gradually add wet ingredients to dry ingredients, then carefully stir in the boiling water.

Bake the Cakes

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Cool the Cakes

Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely.

Prepare the Frosting

Beat the softened butter until creamy, then mix in powdered sugar and cocoa powder. Gradually add milk and vanilla, then fold in the melted chocolate.

Frost the Cake

Once the cakes are completely cooled, spread a layer of frosting between the cakes and cover the top and sides of the cake.

Enjoy your delicious homemade chocolate cake!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, add chocolate shavings or sprinkles on top of the frosting.

Tips for Storing and Serving

If you're not serving the cake immediately, it's essential to store it properly to maintain its freshness. Cover the cake with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, consider refrigerating or freezing individual slices. To freeze, wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil; it can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature for a few hours.

When it comes to serving, presenting the cake on a beautiful platter can elevate its appearance. Consider garnishing with chocolate shavings, berries, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for a stunning effect. If you’re feeling creative, pair the cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream to balance the richness. This cake is also delightful with a glass of milk or coffee, making it a versatile treat for any palate.

Customizing Your Cake

While this chocolate cake is undoubtedly delicious as is, don’t hesitate to add your twist! For a texture surprise, try folding in half a cup of chocolate chunks or nuts into the batter before baking. Alternatively, you can introduce layers of flavor by adding a tablespoon of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor profile further. If you're looking for a lighter cake, consider substituting half of the vegetable oil with applesauce; this maintains moisture while reducing fat content.

Finally, think about the frosting variations you can create with this base recipe. If milk chocolate isn't your favorite, try dark chocolate or a white chocolate frosting instead. For a hint of flavor, infuse the frosting with a tablespoon of flavored liqueur or add a teaspoon of almond or peppermint extract. This creativity not only makes each cake unique but also allows you to tailor it to specific occasions and tastes.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of chocolate for the frosting?

Yes! You can use dark chocolate or even white chocolate for a different flavor profile.

→ How should I store the leftovers?

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week.

→ Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! Bake the cake a day in advance and frost it just before serving.

→ What can I do if the frosting is too thick?

Add a little more milk, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.