Costco Chocolate Cake Recipe

If you’re a fan of Costco’s famous chocolate cake, you’re in for a treat! The cake is rich, moist, and decadently chocolatey, often topped with a smooth chocolate frosting. Here’s a homemade version of Costco-style Chocolate Cake that you can make at home!

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (preferably Dutch-process)
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup hot water (or hot coffee for a deeper flavor)

For the Chocolate Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 5-6 cups powdered sugar (to taste)
• 1/2 cup whole milk (or heavy cream for a richer frosting)
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Cake

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Add the oil, buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients, and mix until smooth.
4. Gradually add the hot water (or hot coffee), mixing until the batter is well combined. The batter will be thin, but that’s okay!
5. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Chocolate Frosting

1. In a large bowl, beat the butter with the cocoa powder until smooth and well combined.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, alternating with the milk and mixing until smooth and fluffy.
3. Add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to balance out the sweetness, and beat until the frosting is light and creamy.

Step 3: Assemble the Cake

1. Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving platter or cake stand.
2. Spread a generous layer of frosting over the first cake layer.
3. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining frosting.
4. For a Costco-style presentation, smooth the frosting around the edges and top. You can also use a spatula to create a simple “swirl” pattern on the top of the cake.

Step 4: Serve

• Chill the cake for about 30 minutes if you want the frosting to set more firmly, but it’s also delicious served immediately.
• Slice, serve, and enjoy your homemade Costco-style Chocolate Cake!

This cake is rich and moist, just like the one from Costco, with a decadent chocolate flavor and a creamy frosting. It’s perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or any chocolate lover’s dream dessert!