Rich Chocolate and Vanilla Cake:

Table of Contents

Yesss, now we’re talking! A Rich Chocolate and Vanilla Cake is the ultimate crowd-pleaser—classic, dramatic, and SO satisfying. You get that deep chocolate intensity balanced with creamy, dreamy vanilla. Want it layered? Swirled? I’ve got you.

Rich Chocolate & Vanilla Layer Cake

Ingredients

Vanilla Cake Layers:

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

2 1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

3/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)

1 3/4 cups sugar

4 large eggs

1 tbsp vanilla extract

1 cup whole milk

Chocolate Cake Layers:

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-processed = richer)

2 tsp baking soda

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

1 cup buttermilk

1/2 cup vegetable oil

2 eggs

1 3/4 cups sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 cup hot coffee (or hot water for no coffee taste)

Vanilla Buttercream:

1 1/2 cups unsalted butter (room temp)

5 cups powdered sugar

2–3 tbsp heavy cream or milk

1 tbsp vanilla extract

Pinch of salt

Instructions

Bake the Cakes

Vanilla batter:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8″ or 9″ round cake pans.

Cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla.

Mix in flour, baking powder, and salt alternately with milk.

Divide into pans and bake for 25–30 mins, until a toothpick comes out clean.

Chocolate batter:

Same temp. Grease two more pans.

Whisk dry ingredients. In another bowl, mix buttermilk, oil, eggs, vanilla, and sugar.

Make the Frosting

Beat butter until creamy.

Add powdered sugar gradually, then vanilla, salt, and cream to desired consistency.

Beat until light and fluffy (3–5 minutes).

Assemble It

Level the cakes if needed.

Alternate layers: chocolate > vanilla > chocolate > vanilla.

Frost between layers, then do a crumb coat. Chill 20 mins.

Finish with a smooth or rustic final layer of buttercream.

Optional: drizzle with chocolate ganache, top with shaved chocolate or sprinkles.

Variations

Add a chocolate ganache layer between each cake for extra richness.

Make it a marble cake by swirling the batters.

Want to go full glam? Cover it in dark chocolate glaze and edible gold.

Want me to write out a ganache recipe or tweak this to be dairy-free/gluten-free or in cupcake form? I’m down.