Easy Chocolate Party Cake

This simple dump cake is a snap to make, and is perfect for any occasion — or no occasion at all!

By Cynthia NicholsonPublished: Jul 13, 2012

bhofack2//Getty Images

Yields:

16 serving(s)

Total Time:

1 hr

Cal/Serv:

503

Some people call this a "dump" cake — all the ingredients are dumped into one bowl, mixed into a smooth batter, and baked into moist, fudgy layers.

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Ingredients

3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature, plus more for pans
2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled, plus more for pans
1 1/2 cups whole milk
2/3 cup granulated sugar
2/3 cup packed dark brown sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
3 large eggs
2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
Fudgy Cream-Cheese Frosting

1. Step 1Make the batter: Preheat oven to 350° F. Using a pastry brush, lightly coat 2 (8-inch) round cake pans with butter. Dust with flour and tap out excess. Beat butter, flour, milk, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cocoa powder, eggs, vanilla, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together with an electric mixer on low speed until moistened. Increase mixer speed to medium and continue to beat for 3 minutes.
2. Step 2Bake the cake: Divide the batter equally between the pans and spread evenly. Bake until the tops spring back when lightly touched, 25 to 30 minutes. Cool in pans on a wire rack, 10 minutes. Using a butter knife, loosen the cake layers from the pan sides. Invert cake layers onto wire rack; cool completely.
3. Step 3Frost the cake: Use a serrated knife to level the tops of the cake layers, if necessary. Place a cake layer, trimmed side down, on a cake stand. Place 1/2 cup of our Fudgy Cream-Cheese Frosting on top of the layer and spread evenly. Place the second layer on the first and cover the top and sides with the remaining icing. Serve immediately or store, refrigerated, for up to 4 days.