Galentine's Chocolate Chip Cake

Name: Galentine's Chocolate Chip Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup buttermilk; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 2 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 cup chocolate chips; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1/4 cup cocoa powder; 2 tablespoons milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Sweet Baking Recipes

When I first decided to create the Galentine's Chocolate Chip Cake, I wanted something that embodied the spirit of friendship and celebration. With its rich chocolate flavor and gooey chocolate chips, each slice is like a hug for your taste buds. This cake is perfect for sharing with friends during a Galentine's gathering or any special occasion. Spongy, moist, and layered with love, I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a part of your celebrations!

Created by

Anna

Last updated on 2026-01-05T23:29:27.548Z

Creating this Galentine's Chocolate Chip Cake was a delightful journey for me, as I aimed to blend classic flavors in a fun way. I experimented with different ratios of sugar and flour, which resulted in a perfectly moist cake that isn’t overly sweet. Adding a hint of vanilla and using high-quality chocolate chips truly elevated the cake, giving it a rich depth that you and your friends will love.

During my trials, I also discovered that letting the cake cool completely before frosting really makes a difference in texture. This cake can be topped with a simple buttercream or even enjoyed plain. Whatever you choose, the key is to savor each slice with your favorite friends!

        Why You Will Love This Cake
        Rich chocolate flavor with melting chocolate chips
Perfectly moist texture that delights with each bite
Ideal for celebrating friendship and special moments

      

Understanding Ingredients

Each ingredient in the Galentine's Chocolate Chip Cake plays a pivotal role in achieving its rich flavor and delightful texture. The cocoa powder not only imparts a deep chocolate taste but also contributes to the moisture level, enhancing the overall taste profile. When combined with the buttermilk, it reacts with the baking soda, giving the cake a light and fluffy texture. If you're out of buttermilk, you can easily make a substitute by mixing one cup of milk with one tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice, allowing it to sit for a few minutes before using.

The chocolate chips are a crucial element for that enticing melty goodness in every bite. Using a mix of semi-sweet and dark chocolate chips can create a more complex flavor profile, appealing to different chocolate lovers. Keep in mind that the size of the chocolate chips matters, too—mini chips will distribute more evenly throughout the batter, while larger chips provide delightful pockets of melted chocolate.

Baking and Frosting Tips

When baking the cake layers, keep a watchful eye on them during the last few minutes. Ovens can vary, so checking for doneness with a toothpick inserted into the center is key. You want it to come out clean with a couple of moist crumbs, as overbaking can lead to a dry cake. If you notice the cake starting to dome, you can gently press it down with a clean kitchen towel right as it comes out of the oven to get that flat top, perfect for frosting.

For frosting, ensuring that the butter is properly softened is vital. You want it to be just soft enough to hold its shape while being easily spreadable. I recommend taking it out of the fridge about 30–60 minutes before you start making your frosting. If your frosting turns out too thick, adding an extra tablespoon of milk gradually can help achieve that smooth, creamy texture. Conversely, if it becomes too thin, an additional 1/4 cup of powdered sugar will help thicken it up without losing the chocolatey flavor.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients before you begin:

Cake Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup chocolate chips

Frosting Ingredients

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup cocoa powder
2 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Make sure to measure all ingredients accurately for the best results.

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your delicious Galentine's Chocolate Chip Cake:

Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

Mix dry ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.

Combine wet ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Combine all ingredients

Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Fold in the chocolate chips.

Bake the cake

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and frost

Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely before frosting.

Prepare the frosting

In a bowl, beat together the softened butter, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, milk, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.

Frost the cake

Once cooled, frost the top of one layer, place the second layer on top, and frost the top and sides of the cake.

Enjoy your cake with friends, and don't forget to share the joy!

Pro Tips

For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the frosting.

Serving and Storage

This Galentine's Chocolate Chip Cake is delightful served slightly warm, making the chocolate chips wonderfully gooey. If you're preparing for a gathering, consider slicing the cake and serving it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat. The combination of temperature and texture will elevate the experience!

For storage, make sure to keep any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you’d like to store it longer, wrapping individual slices in plastic wrap and placing them in the freezer can keep the cake fresh for up to three months. Just be sure to thaw it in the fridge overnight before indulging again.

Variations and Customizations

Feel free to customize your Galentine's Chocolate Chip Cake with different flavor infusions. Adding a teaspoon of espresso powder to the dry ingredients can intensify the chocolate flavor without making it taste like coffee. Additionally, swapping some flour for ground almonds can provide a nutty flavor and a slightly denser texture. This creates an especially rich cake that’s perfect for chocolate lovers seeking something unique.

If you’re looking to make the cake a bit healthier, you can substitute half of the granulated sugar with mashed bananas or unsweetened applesauce. This not only reduces the sugar content but also contributes to the moisture, resulting in a delectable cake with a subtle fruit flavor and fewer calories. Remember to adjust the baking time slightly, as cakes with fruit can take a bit longer to bake through.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use different types of chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Feel free to use dark, milk, or even white chocolate chips for varied flavors.

→ How should I store the cake?

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

→ Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake layers ahead, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and freeze for up to a month.

→ Is it necessary to use buttermilk?

Using buttermilk adds moisture and tenderness, but you can substitute it with regular milk mixed with a bit of vinegar or lemon juice.