Description
This Old-Fashioned Swiss Chocolate Cake is a classic, nostalgic dessert—rich and moist, packed with deep chocolate flavor and topped with a creamy frosting.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (preferably Dutch-process)
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted and slightly cooled)
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot brewed coffee (or hot water for milder flavor)
- ¾ cup unsalted butter (softened) for frosting
- 2 ½ cups powdered sugar (sifted) for frosting
- ¾ cup cocoa powder for frosting
- ¼ cup heavy cream (more as needed) for frosting
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for frosting
- Pinch of salt for frosting
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add eggs, milk, sour cream, melted butter, and vanilla. Beat with a hand mixer on medium speed until smooth.
- Pour in hot coffee and mix on low speed until the batter is fully combined.
- Divide batter evenly between pans. Bake for 28–32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then remove to wire racks to cool completely before frosting.
- In a large bowl, beat butter until creamy. Add cocoa powder, powdered sugar, salt, and vanilla. Slowly pour in cream until fluffy and spreadable.
- Place one cake layer on a plate. Spread frosting evenly on top, then add the second layer and cover with remaining frosting. Smooth the top and sides.
- Garnish with chocolate curls, shavings, or a dusting of powdered sugar if desired.
Notes
- This cake can be made the day before and stored in an airtight container.
- Use high-quality cocoa powder for the best flavor.
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 32 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Swiss
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 60mg