Semi-Sweet Moist Chocolate Cake Recipe That Will WOW Everyone

If you’re a true semi sweet chocolate cake lover, you will love semi sweet moist chocolate cake recipe, this is about to become your new go-to dessert! 🍫✨
Rich, soft, and layered with a creamy homemade chocolate buttercream frosting, this cake has everything you could ever want in a classic chocolate treat.

What makes this cake stand out is the perfect balance of sweetness from the semi-sweet chocolate and the incredibly moist texture you get from the simple homemade batter. It’s the kind of cake that makes people ask for seconds — and thirds!

Whether you’re baking for a birthday, a family gathering, or just treating yourself, this semi-sweet moist chocolate cake recipe will absolutely wow everyone who tries it. It’s easy enough for beginners but impressive enough to feel like it came straight from a bakery.

Ready to make the best homemade chocolate cake of your life? Scroll down for the full step-by-step recipe, and don’t forget to check out the tips for getting that perfect frosting finish!

Semi-Sweet Moist Chocolate Cake Recipe

This rich semi-sweet chocolate cake is moist, tender, and topped with a luscious homemade chocolate buttercream frosting. Perfect for celebrations or when you need a show-stopping dessert!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 8 people

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

• 1 Mixing Bowl For mixing frosting and cake batter
• 1 Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer To whip frosting and batter
• 2 8-inch Cake Pans For baking
• 1 Saucepan For melting chocolate
• 1 Spatula For spreading frosting

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups sugar
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon espresso powder optional
• 1 cup milk
• 1 stick butter or 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 stick eggs or 3 small eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water
• 2 ounces semi-sweet chocolate melted

Ingredient Group: Chocolate Buttercream Frosting

• 2 ounces semi-sweet chocolate melted
• 3 cups confectioner's sugar
• 1/2 cup butter softened
• 3-4 tablespoons milk as needed
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Video

Notes

Instruction Group: Chocolate Buttercream Frosting

1. In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the semi-sweet chocolate with a small amount of butter until smooth. Set aside to cool.
2. In a mixing bowl, beat softened butter until creamy.
3. Gradually add confectioner’s sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla, and cooled chocolate, mixing between each addition.
4. Add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until frosting reaches a spreadable consistency. Set aside.

Instruction Group: Chocolate Cake

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease two 8-inch cake pans with baking spray.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and espresso powder.
4. In another bowl, beat eggs one at a time. Add milk, melted chocolate, vanilla, and boiling water. Mix well.
5. Gradually combine wet and dry ingredients until fully incorporated.
6. Pour batter evenly into prepared pans.
7. Bake for about 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with moist crumbs.
8. Allow cakes to cool completely before frosting.

Instruction Group: Assemble the Cake

1. Spread the frosting evenly between the layers and over the top and sides of the cooled cakes.
2. Slice, serve, and enjoy!

Keyword chocolate buttercream frosting, easy chocolate cake recipe, moist chocolate cake, semi sweet, semi sweet chocolate cake, semi sweet moist chocolate cake

Tips for the Best Semi Sweet Chocolate Cake

• Always use good-quality semi-sweet chocolate for the richest flavor.
• Don’t overbake the cakes — a little moisture on the toothpick is perfect.
• Let the cakes cool completely before frosting so the frosting stays smooth.

Storing Your Chocolate Cake

Store your semi sweet chocolate cake recipe at room temperature, covered, for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate it for longer freshness — just let it come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy this easy semi sweet chocolate cake recipe as much as I loved creating it! 🍫
If you try it, please leave a comment and let me know how it turned out. I’d love to hear what you think!

Frequently Asked Questions About Chocolate Cakes

Can I use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate?
Yes, you can substitute dark chocolate if you prefer a richer, less sweet flavor. Just be aware that the overall taste will be slightly more intense than the classic semi sweet chocolate cake recipe.

Can I freeze this chocolate cake?
Absolutely! After the cakes have completely cooled, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before frosting and serving.

What makes a chocolate cake moist?
Using oil or softened butter, adding enough liquid (like milk or boiling water), and not overbaking are the keys to a moist chocolate cake. This semi sweet chocolate cake recipe balances all three perfectly!

Can I make cupcakes instead of a full cake?
Yes! You can pour the batter into cupcake liners and bake at 350°F for about 12–15 minutes. Always check doneness with a toothpick.

Why Semi-Sweet Chocolate Is Perfect for Cakes

Semi-sweet chocolate is the perfect choice when you want a chocolate cake that’s rich without being overpoweringly sweet. It provides a deep cocoa flavor while keeping the cake light enough for everyone to enjoy — even those who aren’t huge fans of super dark chocolate. That’s why this semi sweet chocolate cake recipe is a must-try for any occasion.

From birthdays to casual get-togethers, a moist semi-sweet chocolate cake will always impress your guests. And because it’s made with simple, easy-to-find ingredients, you don’t need any fancy techniques to get that perfect, bakery-style texture and taste!

More Tips for the Perfect Semi Sweet Chocolate Cake Recipe

Use room temperature ingredients:
For the best texture, make sure your eggs, milk, and butter are all at room temperature before you start. Cold ingredients can cause the batter to mix unevenly.

Don’t skip the boiling water:
It might seem strange to add boiling water to cake batter, but it’s the secret to making this semi sweet chocolate cake extra moist and giving it a rich, velvety crumb.

Choose quality cocoa powder:
Since chocolate is the star of this recipe, using a good-quality unsweetened cocoa powder will really make your semi sweet chocolate cake recipe stand out.

Frost generously:
One of the best parts of any chocolate cake is the frosting! Make sure to spread a thick, even layer of the semi-sweet chocolate buttercream over the entire cake for maximum flavor.

Different Ways to Enjoy This Cake

This semi sweet chocolate cake recipe is so versatile! You can enjoy it in different ways depending on the occasion:

• Birthday Cake: Add colorful sprinkles or decorations for a festive birthday dessert.
• Anniversary Treat: Top with fresh berries and a drizzle of melted chocolate for an elegant twist.
• Holiday Cake: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a cozy holiday flavor.
• Everyday Dessert: Keep it simple and classic — just a slice of moist chocolate cake and a cold glass of milk!

Why You’ll Love This Semi Sweet Chocolate Cake

This isn’t just another chocolate cake — it’s a semi sweet chocolate cake recipe that delivers rich chocolate flavor with a moist, fluffy texture every time.
It’s easy enough for beginners but delicious enough to wow a crowd.
The balance between sweet and rich makes it perfect for anyone who loves chocolate but doesn’t want a cake that’s too heavy.

Once you try this homemade chocolate cake, you’ll never want to buy one from the store again! 🎂🍫