Embrace the cozy magic of winter with this incredible hot chocolate cake! This decadent dessert combines rich chocolate flavor with swirls of sweet marshmallow, creating a truly irresistible treat. It is perfect for holiday gatherings or simply a comforting evening indulgence. Get ready to bake a show-stopping cake that tastes like a warm hug in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Hot Chocolate Cake
This recipe makes baking a delightful experience, even for beginners. You will adore this hot chocolate cake for many reasons:
- It offers an intensely rich chocolate flavor that satisfies any craving.
- The cake boasts a wonderfully light, moist, and fluffy texture.
- Sweet marshmallow buttercream perfectly balances the deep chocolate notes.
- It is an ideal dessert for any celebration, holiday, or cozy night in.
- The simple, step-by-step instructions make baking easy and fun.
Ingredients
Gather your ingredients to create this delicious hot chocolate cake with luscious frostings. Using quality components ensures the best flavor and texture.
For the Hot Chocolate Cake
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 ¾ cups + 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup natural unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- ⅔ cups avocado oil or vegetable oil or canola oil
- ½ cup water
- 2 large eggs (preferably room temperature)
- 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups hot chocolate (prepared and hot to the touch)
For the Chocolate Frosting
- 3 sticks (1 ½ cups) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted
- 4 ½ cups powdered sugar
- ⅓ cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Marshmallow Buttercream
- 6 Tbsp unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 ½ cups marshmallow fluff (about 1 7oz container)
- ⅔ cup powdered sugar
For Topping (Optional)
- Mini marshmallows for garnish
Notes & Substitutions
Ensuring ingredients like eggs and butter are at room temperature can significantly impact the final texture of your baked goods. For more on this, see why room temperature ingredients are crucial for baking. Use natural unsweetened cocoa powder for a classic chocolate flavor. You can swap avocado oil for vegetable or canola oil without altering the outcome. Any milk (dairy or non-dairy) works well in the frosting. If you cannot find marshmallow fluff, you can make homemade marshmallow cream or use a store-bought jarred variety.
Equipment
You do not need many specialized tools to make this delightful cake. These standard kitchen items will set you up for success.
- Two 8-inch or 9-inch round cake pans, or three 6-inch round cake pans
- Large mixing bowls
- Electric mixer (stand mixer or hand-held mixer)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk, rubber spatula
- Parchment paper
- Cooling racks
- Offset spatula or knife for frosting
Instructions
Creating this delightful hot chocolate cake is straightforward when you follow these steps. Take your time with each stage for the best results.
Prepare the Hot Chocolate Cake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your chosen cake pans, then line the bottoms with parchment paper. In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir in the oil and water until just combined. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Mix in the vanilla extract. Gradually add the hot chocolate to the batter, mixing until just combined and smooth. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
Divide the batter evenly among your prepared pans. For 8-inch or 9-inch pans, bake for 30-35 minutes. For 6-inch pans, bake for 25-30 minutes. A wooden skewer inserted into the center should come out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10-15 minutes before inverting them onto cooling racks. Remove the parchment paper and allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting. This is crucial for a perfectly assembled hot chocolate cake.
Make the Chocolate Frosting
Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature. In a large mixing bowl with your electric mixer, cream the softened butter until light and fluffy. This takes about 2-3 minutes. Gradually add the sifted cocoa powder and about half of the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until combined. Pour in half of the milk and the vanilla extract, then beat on medium speed until smooth. Add the remaining powdered sugar and milk, continuing to beat until the frosting is light, fluffy, and smooth. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is well incorporated.
Prepare the Marshmallow Buttercream
In a separate clean bowl, cream the softened butter and marshmallow fluff together using your electric mixer until well combined. This mixture will be very sticky. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating on low speed until completely incorporated and smooth. The buttercream will be thick and spreadable.
Assemble the Cake
Once your cake layers are completely cool, use a serrated knife to level any domed tops. Place the first cake layer on your serving plate or cake stand. Spread an even layer of chocolate frosting over the top of this layer, going almost to the edge. Create a small “nest” or border of chocolate frosting around the perimeter of this layer. This will hold the marshmallow buttercream in place. Carefully spoon or pipe the marshmallow buttercream into the center of the chocolate frosting nest.
Place the next cake layer on top and repeat the frosting process, creating another chocolate border and filling it with marshmallow buttercream. If making a three-layer cake, repeat again. Once all layers are stacked, use the remaining chocolate frosting to cover the entire outside of the cake. Smooth the frosting with an offset spatula. Decorate the top of the cake with swirls of the remaining marshmallow buttercream. For the ultimate hot chocolate cake experience, scatter mini marshmallows on top just before serving.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Achieving a perfect cake comes down to a few key details. Follow these tips to ensure your hot chocolate cake turns out beautifully.
- Measure Accurately: Use a kitchen scale for flour and sugar if possible. For guidance on achieving precise dry ingredient measurements in baking, refer to this detailed article on how to properly measure baking ingredients. Always level dry ingredients.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Softened butter and eggs at room temperature emulsify better, creating a smoother batter and fluffier frosting.
- Avoid Overmixing: Mix the cake batter until just combined. Overmixing develops gluten, leading to a dense, dry cake.
- Prevent Cake Sinking: Do not open the oven door during baking. Ensure your leavening agents (baking soda/powder) are fresh.
- Fluffy Frosting: Beat butter well until light and airy before adding other ingredients. This incorporates air for a light texture.
- Smooth Frosting: Sift cocoa powder and powdered sugar to prevent lumps. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature.
Serving, Storage, & Variations
Enhance your hot chocolate cake experience with these suggestions.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this magnificent cake slightly chilled or at room temperature, depending on your preference. It pairs wonderfully with a warm mug of homemade hot chocolate or a rich cup of coffee. For an extra touch of elegance, sprinkle some chocolate shavings or a drizzle of chocolate syrup on each slice. A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream also makes a delightful accompaniment.
Storage Instructions
Store the frosted hot chocolate cake at room temperature under a cake dome or covered with plastic wrap for up to 2-3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate the cake, tightly covered, for up to 5 days. Bring slices to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture. You can also freeze unfrosted cake layers, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil, for up to 2 months. Thaw completely before frosting.
Flavor Variations
Get creative with your hot chocolate cake by trying these delicious twists. Add a teaspoon of peppermint extract to the cake batter or chocolate frosting for a festive mint-chocolate flavor. Incorporate 1-2 teaspoons of instant espresso powder into the cake batter to deepen the chocolate notes. Experiment with different types of chocolate, such as dark chocolate chips in the batter or white chocolate shavings for garnish. A luscious chocolate ganache poured over the top provides a stunning finish.
Nutrition
Enjoy this rich and satisfying hot chocolate cake as a delightful treat.
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving (1 slice, 14 servings) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 650 kcal |
| Total Fat | 35g |
| Saturated Fat | 20g |
| Cholesterol | 80mg |
| Sodium | 310mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 80g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3g |
| Total Sugars | 60g |
| Protein | 5g |
Please note: Nutritional information is an estimate based on ingredients used and typical serving sizes. Actual values may vary.
FAQ
Got questions about making this fantastic hot chocolate cake? Find answers to common queries here.
Can I make this cake in advance?
Yes, you can bake the cake layers up to two days ahead. Store them tightly wrapped at room temperature or freeze them.
What kind of hot chocolate should I use?
Use your favorite prepared milk-based hot chocolate. This adds a unique depth of flavor and moisture to the cake.
Why did my cake sink in the middle?
This often happens if the oven door opened too soon, the cake was underbaked, or too much leavening agent was used. Ensure your oven temperature is accurate.
Should I use salted or unsalted butter for frosting?
Unsalted butter is generally preferred for baking, allowing you to control the salt content precisely. If you only have salted, omit the added salt in the frosting.
How can I make a three-layer 8-inch cake?
You will need to increase the recipe by 50% for three thicker 8-inch layers or reduce it slightly for three thinner 8-inch layers. For this recipe, it makes a two-layer 8-inch or 9-inch cake, or a three-layer 6-inch cake as written.
Conclusion
This Ultimate Hot Chocolate Cake is more than just a dessert; it is an experience! With its rich chocolate layers, fluffy marshmallow buttercream, and simple preparation, it is sure to become a cherished recipe in your home. Perfect for any celebration or a cozy evening, this cake brings warmth and joy with every bite. We encourage you to try making this stunning dessert soon. Share your creations and feedback with us, we love seeing your baking triumphs!
