This triple chocolate cake recipe is a game-changer, promising a super moist crumb and a fudgy, rich, and creamy chocolate frosting. It's a chocolate lover's dream and a guaranteed hit at any gathering. The best part? It's easier to make than you think!
This chocolate layer cake features perfect layers of classic chocolate cake and a rich chocolate frosting. It's a dessert that's perfect for any occasion. Use it for a birthday party, or when guests are over and trust me everyone will love it!
If you're a fan of this cake, you'll love some of my other popular chocolate cake recipes. My mint chocolate cake is a refreshing twist on the classic, while my chocolate meringue cake is a light and airy alternative. And for those who enjoy a bit of fruit with their chocolate, my chocolate cherry cake is a must-try.
Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Key Ingredients
- How to Make Triple Chocolate Cake (Step-by-Step)
- Tips for Making the Best Triple Layer Chocolate Cake
- Serving Suggestions for Triple Chocolate Cake
- Recipe Variation Ideas for Triple Chocolate Cake
- Frequently Asked Questions
- How to Store Leftover Triple Chocolate Cake
- Similar Recipes You'll Love
- Recipe Card
- Triple Chocolate Cake (Moist Four Layer Chocolate Cake)
- Comments
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Classic Flavors: This recipe is a classic for a reason. The combination of chocolate cake and chocolate frosting is simply irresistible.
- Easy to Make: Despite its sophisticated look, this cake is surprisingly easy to make. The recipe is straightforward and perfect for all skill levels.
- Family Favorite: This cake is always a hit with my family and friends. It's the perfect dessert for family gatherings, potlucks, and parties.
- Comfort Food: There's something incredibly comforting about a slice of this homemade chocolate cake. It's the perfect treat for a cozy night in.
- Impressive Presentation: This cake not only tastes amazing but looks stunning too. It's a guaranteed showstopper at any event.
Key Ingredients
With a few simple ingredients, you'll easily whip up this delicious chocolate layer recipe! Here's what you'll need:
For the Chocolate Cake Batter:
- All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the cake, it gives the cake structure and texture.
- Cacao Powder: This gives our cake a deep, intense chocolate flavor. Make sure to use unsweetened cacao powder for the best result.
- Baking Soda and Baking Powder: These are the leavening agents that make the cake rise, giving it a light, fluffy texture.
- Sea Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the chocolate flavor and balances the sweetness of the cake.
- Eggs: Eggs add structure, leavening, and flavor to our cake. Room temperature eggs incorporate more easily into the batter.
- Granulated Sugar: This not only sweetens the cake, but it also helps to tenderize it.
- Vanilla Extract: A dash of pure vanilla extract enhances all the other flavors in the cake.
- Melted and Cooled Butter: Butter adds a rich flavor and helps in achieving a tender crumb in the cake.
- Buttermilk or Kefir: These add a tangy flavor and create a tender, moist crumb by breaking down the long, tough gluten strands.
- Freshly Brewed Espresso: The coffee intensifies the dark chocolate flavor in the cake.
For the Triple Chocolate Frosting:
- Softened Unsalted Butter: This is used in the frosting to create a smooth, creamy texture.
- Powdered Sugar: This sweetens the frosting and helps it to hold its shape.
- Cacao Powder: It gives a delicious, deep flavor to the chocolate frosting that truly takes it to the next level.
- Heavy Whipping Cream: This makes the frosting light and fluffy.
- Chocolate Ganache: This adds a rich, glossy finish and an intense chocolate flavor to the frosting.
- Pure Vanilla Extract: A little vanilla enhances the chocolate flavor in the frosting.
- Sea Salt: A pinch in the frosting balances sweetness and enhances flavor. It is the secret ingredient that makes everything taste better!
How to Make Triple Chocolate Cake (Step-by-Step)
Making this incredible triple chocolate layer cake is easier than you think. Here's how to make them at home step by step:
How to Make the Triple Chocolate Cake Batter
Start by preheating your oven to 350 ℉, which is approximately 180 ℃. This helps guarantee that your cake will bake evenly. Next, grease two 8-inch cake pans and line them with parchment paper to prevent the cake from sticking.
In a medium-sized bowl, sift together the dry ingredients - this includes your purpose flour, baking soda, cocoa powder, and a pinch of salt. Sift and whisk these ingredients together and set the bowl aside for later use.
Now, it is time to beat your eggs and sugar. Use a stand mixer to beat them on high for about 5 minutes until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale yellow in color. This step is crucial as it helps to incorporate air into the cake batter, making the cakes lighter in texture.
Turn the mixer speed down to medium/low and add your pure vanilla extract, melted butter, and your room temperature buttermilk, and make sure to take it out of the fridge ahead of time. The use of buttermilk in this recipe gives the cake a moist and tender crumb.
Take the bowl off the mixer stand and add the dry ingredients you set aside earlier into the egg mixture, ½ cup at a time alternating with a tablespoon of freshly brewed espresso for added depth of flavor. This is where your measuring cup comes in handy. Use a hand whisk or silicone spatula to fold in the dry ingredients gently, being careful not to deflate the air pockets you created earlier.
How to Bake the Cake
Divide the cake batter evenly into 2 8-inch greased springforms and bake in a preheated oven at 350 F for 25 minutes.
Remove from the oven and let the cake sponges rest in baking pans for 5 minutes before transferring them onto a cooling rack to cool completely.
How to Make the Chocolate Buttercream Frosting
To create the chocolate buttercream frosting, start by making a chocolate ganache. This will give your frosting a rich chocolate flavor. Once your ganache is prepared, set it aside to cool before adding it to the frosting.
Using your stand mixer again, but this time with a paddle attachment, beat the butter until it is creamy. Then, turn the mixer speed to low and gradually add confectioners’ sugar and cocoa powder. mix until everything is well combined.
With the mixer still running on low, add your cooled chocolate ganache and mix until it is fully incorporated.
Then add your vanilla, and a pinch of salt and continue to mix until everything is well combined.
Finally, add heavy whipping cream and beat until the mixture thickens.
How to Assemble the Triple Chocolate Cake
To assemble your triple chocolate cake, begin by splitting each cake into two layers using a large, sharp knife. Place one layer onto your cake stand or serving plate. Spread a generous amount of chocolate buttercream frosting over the top.
Repeat this step with the remaining layers, and make sure that there is frost between each one.
Once all layers have been stacked and frosted, use the remaining frosting to cover the sides and top of the cake. Use an icing or cake spatula to smooth out the frosting for a neat finish.
Garnish the cake with your choice of toppings. This could be anything from chocolate chips, dark chocolate shavings, chocolate ganache drip, or even a dusting of cocoa powder.
Once your cake is assembled, cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 6 hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes the cake easier to slice. Your triple chocolate cake is ready to serve!
Tips for Making the Best Triple Layer Chocolate Cake
- Preheat the oven: Always remember to preheat your oven before baking. This helps guarantee that your cake will bake evenly and rise properly.
- Use room temperature ingredients: Using eggs, butter, and buttermilk at room temperature can make a difference in your cake's texture. They mix better with the dry ingredients and create a uniform texture throughout the cake.
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing the cake batter can lead to a dense or tough cake. Once you've added the dry ingredients to the wet, mix just until combined.
- Use the toothpick test: To check if your cake is done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, your cake is ready. If it is wet, bake a bit longer.
- Let the cake cool before frosting: Frosting a warm cake can result in a gooey mess. Make sure your cake is completely cool before you apply the chocolate buttercream.
- Refrigerate before slicing: Giving your assembled cake time to chill in the fridge helps the frosting set and makes slicing much easier. Aim for at least 6 hours, or overnight if possible.
Serving Suggestions for Triple Chocolate Cake
- For a delicious breakfast, pair a slice of this triple chocolate cake with a cup of freshly brewed coffee. The bitterness of the coffee enhances the rich chocolate flavor of the cake.
- Looking for a fun dessert idea? Try serving this triple chocolate cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creamy, cool vanilla contrasts beautifully with the warm, rich chocolate.
- Want to make it more delicious? Drizzle a bit of chocolate ganache on top before serving. It adds an extra layer of chocolatey goodness.
- A slice of this triple chocolate cake makes a great afternoon treat. Pair it with a mug of hot cocoa for a cozy, comforting snack.
- If you're serving this cake for a special occasion, consider garnishing it with fresh berries or mint leaves. Not only does it add a pop of color, but the tartness of the berries or the freshness of the mint can cut through the richness of the cake.
- For a portable dessert option, consider turning this triple chocolate cake recipe into cupcakes. They're perfect for picnics, school lunches, or office treats. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.
Recipe Variation Ideas for Triple Chocolate Cake
This delicious triple chocolate cake recipe is absolutely perfect as is, but if you're looking to change things up, here are a few variation ideas you can try:
- Add some Nuts: If you love a bit of crunch in your cake, try adding 1 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts into the cake batter. Not only does it give the cake a lovely texture, it also adds a delicious nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with the rich chocolate.
- Boost the Chocolate: If you're a true chocoholic, try adding an extra ½ cup of dark chocolate chips into the cake batter. This will intensify the chocolate flavor and give the cake an even more wonderful texture.
- Try it with Cream Cheese Frosting: If you want to switch up the frosting, try using cream cheese frosting instead of the chocolate buttercream. The tangy cream cheese frosting will provide a nice contrast to the rich, chocolatey cake.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can substitute buttermilk with regular milk in the cake batter recipe. However, buttermilk gives a moist texture to the cake. You can make your own buttermilk at home if you like too, using my buttermilk recipe.
For the best chocolate flavor, use a good quality dark chocolate for the chocolate ganache. Dark chocolate provides a rich, deep flavor that compliments the sweetness of the cake.
Yes, you can use a bundt pan instead of an 8-inch cake pans. However, make sure to adjust the baking time as a bundt pan might require a longer baking time due to its shape.
If you don't have a stand mixer, you can use a hand mixer or a whisk. It might take a little more effort and time, but you'll still achieve a smooth and creamy chocolate buttercream frosting.
To check if the cakes are baked properly, insert a toothpick into the center of the cakes. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, the cakes are done. If it comes out wet, bake for a few more minutes and check again.
How to Store Leftover Triple Chocolate Cake
- Refrigerating: To store leftovers, wrap the cake tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out. Store the cake in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Unfortunately, this cake does not freeze well due to its rich, moist texture. The freezing process can alter the texture of the cake, making it less enjoyable when thawed.
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See all the cake recipes.
Recipe Card
Triple Chocolate Cake (Moist Four Layer Chocolate Cake)
Ingredients
For the Triple Chocolate Cake Batter
- 2½ cups – all-purpose flour
- ½ cup – cacao or cocoa powder
- 1 tsp. – baking soda
- 1 tsp. – baking powder
- ½ tsp. – sea salt
- 8 large – eggs
- 1 ½ cup – granulated sugar
- 1 tsp. – vanilla extract
- ½ cup – melted and cooled butter
- 1 cup – buttermilk or Kefir
- ¼ cup – freshly brewed espresso
For the Triple Chocolate Frosting
- 8 oz. – softened unsalted butter
- 2 cup – powdered sugar
- ½ cup – cacao or cocoa powder
- 1 cup – chocolate ganache
- 1 tsp. – pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of sea salt
- 2 cup – heavy whipping cream
Instructions
How to Make the Triple Chocolate Cake Batter
- Start by preheating your oven to 350 ℉, which is approximately 180 ℃. This helps guarantee that your cake will bake evenly. Next, grease two 8-inch cake pans and line them with parchment paper to prevent the cake from sticking.
- In a medium-sized bowl, sift together the dry ingredients - this includes your purpose flour, baking soda, cocoa powder, and a pinch of salt. Sift and whisk these ingredients together and set the bowl aside for later use.
- Now, it is time to beat your eggs and sugar. Use a stand mixer to beat them on high for about 5 minutes until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale yellow in color. This step is crucial as it helps to incorporate air into the cake batter, making the cakes lighter in texture.
- Turn the mixer speed down to medium/low and add your pure vanilla extract, melted butter, and your room temperature buttermilk, and make sure to take it out of the fridge ahead of time. The use of buttermilk in this recipe gives the cake a moist and tender crumb.
- Take the bowl off the mixer stand and add the dry ingredients you set aside earlier into the egg mixture, ½ cup at a time alternating with a tablespoon of freshly brewed espresso for added depth of flavor. This is where your measuring cup comes in handy. Use a hand whisk or silicone spatula to fold in the dry ingredients gently, being careful not to deflate the air pockets you created earlier.
How to Bake the Cake
- Divide the cake batter evenly into 2 8-inch greased springforms and bake at 350 F for 25 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and let the cake sponges rest in baking pans for 5 minutes before transferring them onto a cooling rack to cool completely.
How to Make the Chocolate Buttercream Frosting
- To create the chocolate buttercream frosting, start by making a chocolate ganache. This will give your frosting a rich chocolate flavor. Once your ganache is prepared, set it aside to cool before adding it to the frosting.
- Using your stand mixer again, but this time with a paddle attachment, beat the butter until it is creamy. Then, turn the mixer speed to low and gradually add confectioners’ sugar and cocoa powder. mix until everything is well combined.
- With the mixer still running on low, add your cooled chocolate ganache and mix until it is fully incorporated.
- Then add your vanilla, and a pinch of salt and continue to mix until everything is well combined.
- Finally, add heavy whipping cream and beat until the mixture thickens.
How to Assemble the Triple Chocolate Cake
- To assemble your triple chocolate cake, begin by splitting each cake into two layers using a large, sharp knife. Place one layer onto your cake stand or serving plate. Spread a generous amount of chocolate buttercream frosting over the top.
- Repeat this step with the remaining layers, and make sure that there is frost between each one.
- Once all layers have been stacked and frosted, use the remaining frosting to cover the sides and top of the cake. Use an icing or cake spatula to smooth out the frosting for a neat finish.
- Garnish the cake with your choice of toppings. This could be anything from chocolate chips, dark chocolate shavings, chocolate ganache, or even a dusting of cocoa powder.
- Once your cake is assembled, cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 6 hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes the cake easier to slice. Your triple chocolate cake is ready to serve!
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