Chocolate Cake Recipe
This easy Chocolate Cake Recipe starts with a cake mix for convenience but elevates the flavor with the addition of flour, cocoa powder and sour cream for an ultra-moist, decadent result.
With simple ingredients like eggs, vanilla extract and a bit of canola oil, this cake comes together quickly to create a rich and tender dessert that’s perfect for any occasion!
We just love these Best Cake Recipes at home!

This post contains affiliate links.
Can Chocolate Cake Be Frozen
Yes, chocolate cake can be frozen. To freeze, allow the cake to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
For added protection, place the wrapped cake in an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag. If the cake is frosted, you can freeze it as a whole or freeze individual slices.
100pcs Cake Pan Sets for Baking + Cake Decorating SuppliesWilton 3-Tier Folding Cooling Grid – Cool Dozens of Cookies or Treats on an Expandable Cooling Rack, Collapse for Easy Storage, 10 x 16-Inch
Silicone Baking Mats
Measuring Cups and Spoons – Set of 20
It’s best to freeze the cake without frosting if possible, but if you do frost it, use a sturdy frosting like buttercream.

To thaw, let the cake sit at room temperature for a few hours or overnight in the fridge.
When Is Chocolate Cake Day
Chocolate Cake Day is celebrated on January 27 each year.
It’s a fun occasion to indulge in this beloved dessert, whether homemade or from your favorite bakery.
Chocolate Cake Recipe Ingredients
- 15.25 oz devil’s food cake mix, sifted
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour (scooped with a spoon and leveled with a knife), sifted
- ¼ cup Dutched processed cocoa powder, sifted
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon canola oil (the back of the cake mix will have a different amount, however since you are adding the sour cream you won’t need as much oil)
- 1 ¼ cup water
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (you can use imitation)
- 1 cup regular sour cream
How to Make Chocolate Cake From Scratch
To make this chocolate cake recipe, preheat the oven to 350°F (or the temperature specified in your recipe).
Grease and flour your cake pans or use your preferred baking spray, then set them aside.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, flour, cocoa powder, eggs, oil, water and vanilla.
Start mixing on low speed for one minute, then increase to medium speed and mix for two minutes.
Scrape the sides of the bowl, mix again if necessary and fold in the sour cream using a spatula.
Divide the batter evenly between the pans and bake according to the cake mix instructions.
Selene 2-Piece Cake Stand with LidRoyalty Art European Cake Stand with Dome
Pasabahce Premium Clear Glass Servicing Tray
Top Shelf Elements Round Cake Carrier Two Sided Cake Holder
Begin checking for doneness at the earliest recommended time on the box by inserting a toothpick or cake tester into the center — if it comes out with a few crumbs, it’s done.
If the tester is still wet, return the cake to the oven and check every five minutes.

Once done, remove the pans and let the cakes cool. Add Perfect Vanilla Frosting and decorate!
RECIPE NOTES:
This cake recipe uses a store-bought cake mix and canned frosting, but feel free to substitute with your favorite from-scratch recipes for both.
Sifting the cake mix, flour and cocoa powder not only eliminates lumps but also helps aerate the dry ingredients, resulting in a lighter texture in your finished desserts.
When measuring flour, always scoop it with a spoon and level it with a knife to ensure accuracy, as simply scooping with the measuring cup can lead to an incorrect measurement.
Kitchen Aprons for Women with Pockets, Cooking Aprons for WomenLofekea Aprons 2 Pack Adjustable Bib Aprons with 2 Pockets Cotton Linen
LessMo Kitchen Cooking Aprons with 3 Pockets – Cotton Adjustable Professional Grade Chef Apron
Britimes Apron Home Kitchen Cooking Baking Gardening
For this chocolate cake recipe, we used Dutched cocoa powder, which has undergone an alkaline process to reduce its acidity, giving it a sweeter flavor.
More Chocolate Cake Recipes
Indulge in more irresistible chocolate cake recipes that promise rich, decadent flavor in every bite!
- Whiskey Chocolate Ganache Cake
- Cherry Chocolate Cake
- Mississippi Mud Cake
- German Chocolate Cake
- Chocolate Orange Cake
- Blackberry Chocolate Cake
- Black Forest Cake
- Mint Chocolate Cake
- Triple Chocolate Gingerbread Cake
- Chocolate Cake In A Mug
- Decadent Chocolate Layer Cake

Chocolate Cake Recipe
This easy Chocolate Cake Recipe starts with a cake mix for convenience but elevates the flavor with the addition of flour, cocoa powder and sour cream for an ultra-moist, decadent result.
Ingredients
- 15.25 oz devil's food cake mix, sifted
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour (scooped with a spoon and leveled with a knife), sifted
- ¼ cup Dutched processed cocoa powder, sifted
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- 1 ¼ cup water
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup regular sour cream
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (or the temperature specified in your recipe). Grease and flour your cake pans or use your preferred baking spray, then set them aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, flour, cocoa powder, eggs, oil, water, and vanilla. Start mixing on low speed for one minute, then increase to medium speed and mix for two minutes. Scrape the sides of the bowl, mix again if necessary, and fold in the sour cream using a spatula.
- Divide the batter evenly between the pans and bake according to the cake mix instructions. Begin checking for doneness at the earliest recommended time by inserting a toothpick or cake tester into the center—if it comes out with a few crumbs, it's done. If the tester is still wet, return the cake to the oven and check every five minutes.
- Once done, remove the pans and let the cakes cool. Then add icing and decorate. I recommend this Perfect Vanilla Frosting.
Notes
While the back of the cake mix box will have a different amount for canola oil, because you are adding the sour cream you won’t need as much.
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 10 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 284Total Fat: 9gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 69mgSodium: 345mgCarbohydrates: 45gFiber: 1gSugar: 20gProtein: 5g
Nutrient values are only estimates provided by online calculators. Various factors can change the nutritional information in any given recipe.
For more mouth-watering cake ideas!
The Perfect Cake: Your Ultimate Guide to Classic, Modern, and Whimsical CakesCake Decorating for Beginners: A Step-by-Step Guide to Decorating Like a Pro
Martha Stewart’s Cake Perfection: 100+ Recipes for the Sweet Classic, from Simple to Stunning: A Baking Book
The Great British Baking Show: The Big Book of Amazing Cakes