Description

Who doesn’t love a rich, moist chocolate cake that’s easy to make and absolutely irresistible? This Hershey Chocolate Cake is a timeless classic, packed with deep chocolate flavor and a soft, tender crumb. Perfect for birthdays, gatherings, or just because you’re craving something sweet, this recipe is simple enough for beginners yet impressive enough to wow any crowd.

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups granulated sugar
3/4 cup Hershey’s cocoa powder
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

2 large eggs (room temperature)
1 cup whole milk (or buttermilk for extra richness)
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Additional Ingredients:

1 cup boiling water

Optional Frosting:

1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
2/3 cup Hershey’s cocoa powder
3 cups powdered sugar
1/3 cup milk (adjust for consistency)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two 9-inch round cake pans by greasing and flouring them or lining with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, Hershey’s cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
Add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix with a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed until the batter is smooth and fully incorporated.
Gradually stir in the boiling water. The batter will be thin—this is normal and ensures a moist texture.
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Remove the pans from the oven and let the cakes cool for 10 minutes. Turn them out onto a wire rack and let them cool completely.
If using frosting, beat the butter and Hershey’s cocoa powder together until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and milk, alternating between the two, until the frosting is smooth and spreadable. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous amount of frosting on top. Add the second layer and frost the top and sides of the cake evenly.
Slice, serve, and enjoy your rich, chocolatey masterpiece!

Notes

For the best results, use room-temperature eggs and milk to ensure a smooth batter. Adding boiling water may seem unusual, but it enhances the chocolate flavor and creates an ultra-moist texture. For a polished look, use a crumb coat before applying the final layer of frosting.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Hershey chocolate cake, chocolate dessert, easy cake recipe, moist chocolate cake, homemade chocolate cake