Chocolate Chip Cake Recipe

Fluffy Chocolate Chip Cake Recipe: A Sweet Family Favorite

Chocolate chip cake brings pure bliss to any gathering with its irresistible comfort and nostalgic charm.

Sweet morsels of chocolate dancing through a tender, moist crumb create a dessert that speaks directly to our soul’s deepest cravings.

Family recipes often carry generations of love, and this particular cake represents more than just a simple treat—it embodies memories and connections.

Soft, pillowy layers infused with rich chocolate hints promise a delightful experience that transcends ordinary baking.

Each slice tells a story of warmth, happiness, and culinary creativity that reimagines basic ingredients into something magical.

The subtle interplay between buttery cake and melted chocolate chips guarantees a sensory journey that delights both children and adults alike.

Bakers seeking a crowd-pleasing dessert will find this recipe perfectly balanced and wonderfully satisfying.

Chocolate Chip Cake Ingredients

Cake Base Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and foundation for the cake's texture.
  • Baking Powder: Essential leavening agent for creating a light and fluffy cake.
  • Salt: Enhances and balances the overall flavor of the cake.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Unsalted Butter, Granulated Sugar: Classic combination for creating a rich, sweet cake base.
  • Eggs: Adds moisture, richness, and helps bind the ingredients together.
  • Vegetable Oil: Ensures a moist and tender cake texture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Provides warm, classic flavoring to enhance the cake's taste.
  • Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a smooth batter consistency.
Chocolate Components:
  • Mini Chocolate Chips, Chocolate Chips: Adds delightful chocolate bursts throughout the cake and frosting, with a small amount reserved for coating to prevent sinking.
Frosting Ingredients:
  • Unsalted Butter: Creates a creamy, smooth base for the buttercream.
  • Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps achieve the right frosting consistency.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth of flavor to the frosting.
  • Heavy Cream: Helps create a smooth, spreadable frosting texture.

Directions to Bake This Moist Chocolate Cake

Step 1: Prepare Oven And Baking Pans

Slide the oven rack to the middle position. Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Coat two 8-inch cake pans with baking spray. Optional: Line with parchment paper for easier removal.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Grab a medium bowl. Combine:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Salt

Set aside 2-3 tablespoons of this mixture for chocolate chip coating.

Step 3: Create Wet Ingredient Base

In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add:
  • Eggs
  • Vegetable oil
  • Vanilla extract
  • Milk

Blend until smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Combine Cake Batter

Slowly mix dry ingredients into wet mixture. Stir until just combined. Gently fold in chocolate chips coated with reserved flour mixture.

Step 5: Bake Cake Layers

Pour batter evenly into prepared pans. Bake side by side for 32-35 minutes. Check doneness with a toothpick- it should come out clean.

Step 6: Cool Cake Layers

Let cakes rest in pans for 10 minutes. Transfer to wire cooling racks. Allow complete cooling before frosting.

Step 7: Prepare Buttercream Frosting

Beat butter until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. Gradually add:
  • Powdered sugar
  • Vanilla extract
  • Heavy cream

Mix on low speed until blended.

Step 8: Finish Frosting

Fold in mini chocolate chips with a spatula. If preparing ahead, add chips just before frosting the cake.

Step 9: Assemble And Decorate

Spread frosting between cake layers and over entire cake. Sprinkle additional chocolate chips for extra delight.

Tips to Keep Chips from Sinking

  • Prevent Chocolate Chip Sinking: Coat mini chocolate chips with reserved flour mixture to keep them evenly distributed throughout the cake, stopping them from dropping to the bottom during baking.
  • Achieve Perfect Moisture: Use vegetable oil alongside butter to create a tender, soft cake texture that stays deliciously moist for several days.
  • Master Even Baking: Place cake pans side by side in the oven's center rack to ensure consistent heat distribution and uniform cake layers.
  • Control Frosting Consistency: Gradually add powdered sugar and adjust cream amounts to create a smooth, spreadable buttercream that holds its shape without being too thick or runny.
  • Maximize Cake Freshness: Cool cakes completely on wire racks before frosting to prevent melting and ensure a clean, professional-looking final presentation.

Storing and Warming Up Chocolate Chip Cake

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Wrap cake layers or slices tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
  • Freeze: Place cooled cake layers or slices in freezer-safe containers. Seal tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Reheat: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds on medium power. For best texture, let cake sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before enjoying to restore softness and flavor.

What to Eat with Chocolate Chip Cake

  • Pair with Creamy Milk: Serve this decadent chocolate chip cake alongside a cold glass of whole milk. The rich, smooth dairy perfectly balances the cake's sweet chocolate chips and buttery texture.
  • Coffee Companion: Brew a medium-roast coffee with a hint of caramel or hazelnut notes. The warm, aromatic beverage complements the cake's sweetness and enhances the chocolate flavor profile.
  • Vanilla Ice Cream Delight: Top a slice with a scoop of classic vanilla ice cream. The cold, creamy contrast creates a heavenly combination that elevates the cake's texture and brings out its indulgent chocolate notes.
  • Caramel Drizzle Upgrade: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the cake slice. The buttery, golden sweetness intensifies the chocolate chips and adds a luxurious dimension to each bite.

Ways to Remix Chocolate Chip Cake

  • Nutty Chocolate Chip Sensation: Incorporate chopped toasted walnuts or pecans into the cake batter for extra crunch and depth of flavor.
  • Mocha Chocolate Chip Dream: Add 2 tablespoons of instant espresso powder to the dry ingredients to create a rich coffee-chocolate flavor profile.
  • Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Indulgence: Drizzle homemade salted caramel sauce between cake layers and sprinkle sea salt flakes on top of the frosting for a sweet-salty contrast.
  • Chocolate Chip Marble Magic: Swirl melted dark chocolate into half the cake batter before baking to create a beautiful marbled effect throughout the cake.

Why Chocolate Chip Cake Is a Favorite Dessert

  • Create Delectable Chocolate Chip Delight: This cake offers an irresistible blend of soft, moist cake layers packed with mini chocolate chips, delivering a classic comfort dessert that satisfies sweet cravings.
  • Master Simple Baking Techniques: Perfect for bakers of all skill levels, the recipe provides straightforward instructions with easy-to-follow steps, making it accessible for beginners while ensuring professional-quality results.
  • Elevate Celebration Moments: Ideal for birthdays, family gatherings, or casual weekend treats, this chocolate chip cake transforms ordinary occasions into memorable experiences with its crowd-pleasing flavor and homemade charm.
  • Customize with Versatile Frosting: The buttercream frosting allows creative freedom, letting bakers adjust sweetness and texture by controlling sugar and cream proportions, making each cake unique and personalized.
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Chocolate Chip Cake Recipe

Chocolate Chip Cake Recipe


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4.6 from 20 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Rich chocolate chip cake brings classic comfort to dessert tables with nostalgic charm. Moist layers studded with chocolate morsels offer sweet indulgence that welcomes you into a world of delightful homemade goodness.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 ¼ cups (532 milliliters) all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ cups (300 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) whole milk
  • 1 cup (170 grams) semi-sweet mini chocolate chips

Wet Ingredients:

  • 2 large eggs (room temperature)
  • ½ cup (113 grams) unsalted butter (room temperature)
  • ¼ cup (60 milliliters) vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Dry and Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Chocolate Chip Buttercream Frosting:

  • 1 cup (227 grams) unsalted butter (room temperature)
  • 4 cups (454 grams) sifted powdered sugar
  • ¼ cup (60 milliliters) heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup (43 grams) semi-sweet mini chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350ºF (175°C) and position the rack on the second level from the top.
  2. Prepare two 8-inch cake pans by coating with flour-based baking spray and optionally lining with parchment paper for enhanced baking performance.
  3. Create a dry ingredient blend by whisking flour, baking powder, and salt together in a medium mixing bowl. Separate a small portion of this mixture to coat the mini chocolate chips.
  4. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light and airy, creating a smooth foundational texture.
  5. Incorporate eggs, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and milk into the butter-sugar mixture, blending until the ingredients form a homogeneous liquid.
  6. Slowly fold the remaining dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently to prevent overmixing and maintain a tender cake texture.
  7. Toss mini chocolate chips with the reserved dry ingredient mixture to prevent sinking during baking, then delicately fold into the cake batter.
  8. Distribute the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans, ensuring balanced layers.
  9. Bake for 32-35 minutes, monitoring for a golden surface and checking doneness with a clean toothpick inserted into the center.
  10. Allow cakes to rest in their pans for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer to wire cooling racks to reach room temperature.
  11. For the frosting, whip butter until smooth and creamy using an electric mixer at medium-high speed.
  12. Gradually introduce sifted powdered sugar, mixing on low speed to create a silky buttercream consistency.
  13. Enhance the frosting with vanilla extract and heavy cream, blending until perfectly smooth.
  14. Gently fold mini chocolate chips into the frosting just before assembling the cake.
  15. Once cooled, frost the cake layers, creating a delectable chocolate chip dessert.

Notes

  • Keep oven rack positioned just above center for even heat distribution and golden cake texture.
  • Use flour-based baking spray or parchment paper to prevent cake from sticking and ensure easy removal.
  • Coat mini chocolate chips in reserved flour mixture to prevent sinking during baking, creating even chocolate distribution.
  • Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to prevent breaking and maintain structural integrity.
  • Sift powdered sugar gradually to avoid lumps and achieve smooth, creamy buttercream frosting.
  • Add chocolate chips to frosting just before assembling cake to maintain their crisp texture and prevent melting.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 430
  • Sugar: 37 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 23 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 53 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 65 mg
David Bennett

David Bennett

Founder & Head Recipe Developer

Expertise

Culinary Nutrition​, Recipe Development​, Nutritional Counseling​, Food Science​

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Nutrition
  • Focus: Blending culinary arts with nutritional science to create health-focused cuisine.

Certified Nutrition Specialist® (CNS®)

  • Credential: Advanced certification in personalized nutrition therapy. ​

David Bennett is the lead recipe creator and nutrition expert at HealthyChoices.org, your friendly space for tasty meals that nourish body and mind. 

With a Culinary Nutrition degree from Johnson & Wales University and a Certified Nutrition Specialist® credential, David pairs practical nutrition with delicious cooking, creating recipes you’ll crave daily. 

At Healthy Choices, David shares easy, nutritious dishes and smart cooking tips to make healthy eating something everyone can enjoy, with no complicated diets needed.

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