Moist Deluxe Dark Chocolate Cake Mix Copycat Duncan Hines
Satisfy your chocolate cravings with this Moist Deluxe Dark Chocolate Cake Mix Copycat Recipe inspired by Duncan Hines! Made with high-quality Dutch-processed cocoa for an intensely rich flavor, buttermilk for an irresistibly tender crumb, and a hint of hot brewed coffee to deepen the chocolate notes, this cake delivers bakery-quality results right at home. The simple combination of pantry staples like flour, sugar, and eggs creates a perfectly moist and fluffy texture, while the easy-to-follow instructions make it beginner-friendly yet impressive enough for special occasions. Ready in just under an hour, this decadent dark chocolate cake pairs beautifully with your favorite frosting—be it classic chocolate or velvety cream cheese. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any dessert moment, this cake is bound to be your go-to recipe for indulgence.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1.75 cups All-purpose flour
- 1.5 cups Granulated sugar
- 0.75 cups Unsweetened cocoa powder (high-quality, Dutch-processed preferred)
- 1.5 teaspoons Baking soda
- 0.75 teaspoons Baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoons Salt
- 0.5 cups Vegetable oil
- 1 cups Buttermilk (room temperature)
- 0.75 cups Boiling water or hot brewed coffee
- 2 units Large eggs
- 2 teaspoons Pure vanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two 8-inch round cake pans by greasing them and lining the bottoms with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Whisk to combine evenly.
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until well combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender and fluffy.
Slowly pour in the boiling water or hot brewed coffee, stirring gently until the batter is smooth. Note: The batter will appear thin; this is normal.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and gently tap them on the counter to release any air bubbles.
Bake in the preheated oven for 28–32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
Remove the pans from the oven and allow the cakes to cool in their pans for 10 minutes.
Carefully invert the cakes onto a wire rack and let them cool completely before frosting or serving.
Frost with your favorite chocolate or cream cheese frosting, and enjoy a slice of this moist and decadent dark chocolate cake.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
281 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 11.4 g | 15% | |
| Saturated Fat | 2.5 g | 13% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 5.6 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 32 mg | 11% | |
| Sodium | 313 mg | 14% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 44.6 g | 16% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.5 g | 12% | |
| Total Sugars | 26.2 g | ||
| Protein | 5.0 g | 10% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.4 mcg | 2% | |
| Calcium | 45 mg | 3% | |
| Iron | 1.5 mg | 8% | |
| Potassium | 178 mg | 4% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
