Decadent Triple Chocolate Layer Cake

There’s something magical about a perfectly executed chocolate cake, and this triple chocolate layer cake takes that magic to new heights. Each forkful delivers three layers of incredibly moist chocolate cake, filled with silky chocolate buttercream, and finished with a professional dusting of cocoa powder. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving the ultimate chocolate experience, this cake is guaranteed to impress!

Why This Recipe Works

We’ve tested dozens of chocolate cake recipes, and this version stands out for several reasons:

• The cake layers are incredibly moist but still sturdy enough to stack
• The buttercream holds its shape perfectly while remaining creamy
• The combination of different chocolate elements creates depth of flavor
• The simple decoration looks professional with minimal effort

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Cake Layers:

• 2¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• ¾ cup premium dark cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
• 1 cup strong hot coffee
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons pure alcohol free vanilla extract

For the Chocolate Buttercream:

• 2 cups (4 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 6 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 1 cup premium cocoa powder, sifted
• ⅓ cup heavy cream
• 2 teaspoons pure alcohol free vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• Extra cocoa powder for dusting
• Fresh raspberries for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Making the Cake Layers:

1. Prep Work:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C)
   • Grease and line three 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper
   • Sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt
2. Mix the Batter:
   • In a stand mixer bowl, combine eggs, sugar, and oil until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes)
   • Add vanilla extract
   • Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk in three portions, starting and ending with dry
   • Slowly pour in hot coffee while mixing on low speed
   • Mix until just combined – don’t overmix!
3. Bake:
   • Divide batter evenly between prepared pans
   • Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean
   • Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then remove and cool completely on wire racks

Making the Buttercream:

1. Prepare the Frosting:
   • Beat softened butter until creamy (about 5 minutes)
   • Gradually add sifted powdered sugar and cocoa powder
   • Pour in heavy cream and vanilla
   • Beat on medium-high for 5 minutes until light and fluffy
   • Add salt and adjust consistency with more cream if needed

Assembly:

1. Layer the Cake:
   • Level each cake layer if needed
   • Place first layer on cake board or serving plate
   • Add about 1 cup of buttercream, spread evenly
   • Repeat with second layer
   • Place final layer on top
2. Frost and Decorate:
   • Apply thin crumb coat and chill for 15 minutes
   • Add final coating of buttercream, smoothing sides and top
   • Using a fine-mesh sieve, dust top generously with cocoa powder
   • Garnish with fresh raspberries if desired

Pro Tips for Success

• Room temperature ingredients are crucial for a smooth batter
• Don’t skip the coffee! It enhances the chocolate flavor without making the cake taste like coffee
• When dusting with cocoa powder, hold the sieve high above the cake for the most even coverage
• For the cleanest slices, refrigerate the cake for 1 hour before cutting with a hot knife

Storage

• Room Temperature: Covered, up to 3 days
• Refrigerated: Up to 1 week
• Freezer: Up to 3 months (wrap individual slices well)

Perfect Pairings

Serve this cake with:

• Fresh raspberries or strawberries
• A glass of cold milk
• Coffee or espresso
• Vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert

This triple chocolate cake is more than just dessert – it’s an experience. The combination of deep chocolate cake layers, smooth buttercream, and that professional cocoa powder finish creates a dessert that’s both visually stunning and absolutely delicious. Whether you’re an experienced baker or trying your hand at layer cakes for the first time, this recipe will guide you to chocolate cake perfection!

Recipe Note: Allow about 3 hours total time including cooling and assembly. Active time is approximately 1 hour.