Instructions:
For the Cake:
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (176°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch (23 cm) round cake pans, then tap out any excess flour.
Step 2
In a stand mixer bowl, combine 3 cups of flour, 3 cups of sugar, 1½ cups of cocoa powder, 1 tablespoon of baking soda, 1½ teaspoons of baking powder, and 1½ teaspoons of salt.
Step 3
Mix on low speed until well blended.
Step 4
Add 4 eggs, 1½ cups of buttermilk, 1½ cups of warm water, ½ cup of vegetable oil, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract to the dry ingredients.
Step 5
Beat on medium speed until the batter is smooth, about 2 minutes.
Step 6
Divide the batter evenly among the three prepared pans.
Step 7
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 8
Let the cakes cool in the pans on wire racks for 15 minutes.
Step 9
Then, remove them from the pans and let them cool completely on the racks.
For the Chocolate Cream Cheese Buttercream Frosting:
Beat Butter and Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, beat 1½ cups of softened butter and 8 oz of softened cream cheese until fluffy, using a hand or stand mixer.
Step 10
Mix in 1½ cups of cocoa powder and 3 teaspoons of vanilla extract until fully combined.
Step 11
Gradually add 7-8 cups of powdered sugar, one cup at a time.
Step 12
Adjust consistency with about ¼ cup of milk, adding as needed until the frosting is spreadable.
Step 13
Frost the cooled cakes with the chocolate cream cheese buttercream.
Enjoy your delicious chocolate cake!
Pro Tips:
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, cream cheese, and eggs are at room temperature before starting. This helps ensure a smooth, well-blended batter and frosting.
Measure Cocoa Powder Correctly: For accurate results, spoon the cocoa powder into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife. This avoids packing the powder, which can lead to an overly dense cake.
Check Cake Doneness Early: Start checking the cakes a few minutes before the recommended baking time. Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
Cool Completely Before Frosting: Allow the cakes to cool completely on wire racks before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting or sliding off.
Nutrition Information (per serving, based on 12 servings):
Calories: 540
Total Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 17g
Trans Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 95mg
Sodium: 320mg
Total Carbohydrates: 73g
Dietary Fiber: 4g
Sugars: 58g
Protein: 6g