If you love chocolate cake that melts in your mouth with every bite, the Butter Soft Chocolate Cake will be your new go-to recipe. This indulgent dessert is incredibly moist, tender, and packed with rich cocoa flavor. The buttery texture ensures each slice feels luxurious, making it perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or any time you crave a chocolatey treat.
Whether you enjoy it plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or topped with a silky chocolate ganache, this cake promises to impress both your taste buds and your guests.
Ingredients
Serves 10–12
For the Cake:
- 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups (300g) granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (50g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (240ml) whole milk, room temperature
For the Optional Ganache Topping:
- 4 ounces (115g) semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
- 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Preparation Time
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Bake time: 35–40 minutes
- Cooling time: 30 minutes
- Total time: About 1 hour 20 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and line a 9-inch round cake pan with parchment paper.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with milk, beginning and ending with the dry mixture.
- Mix until just combined—do not overmix.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 6: Prepare the Ganache (Optional)
- Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan until just simmering, then pour over the chopped chocolate.
- Let sit for 2–3 minutes, then stir until smooth.
- Add butter and stir until glossy.
- Pour the ganache over the cooled cake and spread evenly.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for contrast.
- Sprinkle with powdered sugar for a classic look.
- Garnish with fresh berries for added freshness.
- Perfect alongside coffee or espresso for a rich pairing.
Nutritional Highlights
| Nutrient | Per Slice (1 of 12) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 310 |
| Protein | 5 grams |
| Total Fat | 17 grams |
| Saturated Fat | 10 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 38 grams |
| Sugars | 23 grams |
| Fiber | 2 grams |
| Sodium | 190 milligrams |
Nutritional Notes:
- Butter provides richness and a soft, tender crumb.
- Cocoa powder adds antioxidants and deep chocolate flavor.
- Milk gives moisture and helps create the soft texture.
Tips for Best Results
- Use room temperature ingredients for even mixing.
- Don’t overmix the batter—this ensures the cake stays tender.
- For a deeper chocolate flavor, use Dutch-processed cocoa powder.
- Let the cake cool completely before adding ganache to avoid melting.
Variations to Try
- Add chopped nuts for crunch.
- Fold in chocolate chips for extra bursts of chocolate.
- Replace milk with buttermilk for a tangy twist.
- Infuse the ganache with espresso for a mocha flavor.
The Butter Soft Chocolate Cake is the ultimate chocolate lover’s dream—rich, moist, and indulgent. It’s easy enough for beginner bakers yet elegant enough for special occasions. Whether you top it with ganache or enjoy it plain, this cake is guaranteed to satisfy every craving for soft, melt-in-your-mouth chocolate goodness.