Last Updated on November 26, 2023
Costco Chocolate Cake is a classic dessert that many people enjoy. The recipe is simple and easy to make, but the flavor and texture are outstanding.
The combination of chocolate and butter make this cake irresistibly delicious. Whether you’re hosting a party or just want a little something to satisfy your sweet tooth, this Costco Chocolate Cake recipe is sure to please.
What is a Costco Chocolate Cake?
Costco, have a large selection of grocery & household products. Costco Chocolate Cake is one of their popular item. It is a classic dessert that many people enjoy.
This cake is simple and easy to make, but the flavor and texture are outstanding. The combination of chocolate and butter make this cake irresistibly delicious. Whether you’re hosting a party or just want a little something to satisfy your sweet tooth, this Costco Chocolate Cake recipe is sure to please.
What does it taste like?
Costco Chocolate Cake has a rich, chocolate flavor that is both sweet and indulgent. The cake is moist and fluffy, with a light, airy texture. The chocolate buttercream frosting adds a creamy sweetness that complements the chocolate cake perfectly.
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Ingredients
To prepare the Costco Chocolate Cake, you’ll need these following ingredients.
- Cooking Spray & Parchment Paper: is used to prevent the muffins from sticking to the pan.
- Vegetable Oil (1 cup): oil adds moisture and helps to keep the cake from becoming too dry.
- Cocoa Powder (1 ½ cups): cocoa powder provides the rich, chocolate flavor that is the signature of this recipe.
- Baking Powder (2 tsp): baking powder helps the cake to rise and ensures that it is light and fluffy.
- Baking Soda (4 tsp): baking soda contributes to the leavening process, promoting a light and fluffy texture by aiding the rise of the cake.
- Buttermilk (2 cups): buttermilk adds moisture and helps to keep the cake from becoming too dry.
- Granulated Sugar (4 cups): granulated sugar adds sweetness and helps to make the cake more flavorful.
- All-Purpose Flour (4 cups): the all-purpose flour gives the cake its structure, ensuring that it holds together and does not become too dense.
- Sea Salt (2 tsp): salt helps to balance out the sweetness of the cake.
- Eggs (6 medium to large): eggs help to bind the ingredients together, giving the cake structure and texture.
- Vanilla Extract (4 tsp): the vanilla extract adds flavor and depth to the cake.
- Sour Cream (1 cup): sour cream helps the cake to have a smooth texture and keep it soft.
- Brewed Coffee (2 cup): brewed coffee enhances the flavor of chocolate and helps the whole cake batter to combine well.
- Dark Chocolate (8 oz): dark chocolate gives the cake a rich and strong flavor.
- Chocolate Buttercream: the chocolate buttercream frosting enhances the whole cake’s beauty and taste, which ends up being a game changer.
The Effects of Ingredients in this Recipe
The ingredients in Costco Chocolate Cake are simple and easy to find. You will need all-purpose flour, buttermilk, baking powder, baking soda, sea salt, greek yogurt, eggs, vegetable oil, and other ingredients that are easy to find. The ingredients combine to create a sweet and savory flavor that is sure to please any palate.
The all-purpose flour is the base of the cake and provides structure. The baking powder and baking soda help the cake to rise and create a light and fluffy texture. The dark chocolate gives the cake its strong and aromatic flavor. The eggs, butter and buttermilk provide moisture to the muffin.
Directions
Step 1: Prepare Ingredients
Gather all the ingredients to ensure a tidy and smooth cooking process.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Use cooking spray and flour on three 8-inch round cake pans.
Step 3: Melt the Chocolates
To melt the rich dark chocolate, start by using a heatproof bowl. Place the bowl in the microwave and heat the chocolate for 20-30 seconds, ensuring careful monitoring to prevent overheating. Alternatively, employ the double boiler method by situating the bowl over a pot of gently simmering water. Once melted, stir the chocolate until it achieves a smooth consistency, and then set it aside to cool slightly before incorporating it into your recipe.
Step 4: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a generously sized mixing bowl, sift together the dry components – the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and a pinch of sea salt. This meticulous step ensures an even distribution of leavening agents, guaranteeing a uniform rise.
Step 5: Prepare the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl combine – granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and vegetable oil. Mix these ingredients until it becomes well combined. Gradually add melted chocolate into this mixture, stir until a silky smoothness appears.
Step 6: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, along with buttermilk. Start and end with dry ingredients, mixing each addition just until combined. Then add brewed coffee to the batter, mixing until smooth to enhance the chocolate flavor.
Step 7: Fill the Cake Pans
Divide the batter evenly among the 3 greased cake pans (8 inch). Pour the batter into each pan about 3/4 full so the cake won’t rise too much; and you don’t have to worry about them overflowing.
Step 8: Bake the Cakes
Bake the cakes for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 9: Cool, Decorate and Enjoy
Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 10: Frost the Cakes
In a separate bowl beat the butter and cream cheese for about 2 minutes. Then slowly add the sifted powdered sugar and cocoa powder intermittently with the heavy whipping cream. Add the vanilla, salt and other ingredients.
Add more cream as needed to get a soft consistency. Beat the frosting for about 2 to 3 minutes until it becomes smooth and thick. Then transfer them into a piping bag, and decorate the cake as your choice.
Tips
– Make sure to use room temperature ingredients for best results.
– If the cakes are domed on top, use a serrated knife to level them before frosting.
– To prevent the cakes from sticking to the pans, make sure to grease and flour them before pouring in the batter.
– To make sure the cakes are cooked through, insert a toothpick into the center of each cake. If it comes out clean, the cakes are done.
– For a more intense chocolate flavor, add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the buttercream frosting.
– For a light and airy texture, make sure to beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Nutrition Information
- Serving size: 1 slice (1/12 of the cake)
- Calories: 268 kcal
- Fat: 10 g
- Carbohydrates: 39 g
- Protein: 4 g
What to serve with Costco Chocolate Cake?
- Ice cream
- Fresh fruit, such as strawberries or raspberries
- Whipped cream
- Chocolate sauce
- Toasted nuts, such as almonds or walnuts
- Caramel sauce
- Chocolate shavings
How to store leftover Costco Chocolate Cake?
Leftover Costco Chocolate Cake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The cake can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
What other substitute can I use in Costco Chocolate Cake?
- All-purpose flour: You can substitute whole wheat flour, cake flour, or almond flour for the all-purpose flour.
- Cocoa powder: You can substitute carob powder or Dutch-processed cocoa powder for the cocoa powder.
- Butter: You can substitute coconut oil or vegetable oil for the butter.
- Buttermilk: You can substitute plain yogurt or sour cream for the buttermilk.
- Vanilla extract: You can substitute almond extract or peppermint extract for the vanilla extract.
Equipment
- Microwave Oven
- Measuring cups
- spoons
- Mixing Bowls
Ingredients
- cooking spray and parchment paper
- 1 cup of smooth sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 4 teaspoons of fragrant vanilla extract
- 4 teaspoons baking soda sifted
- 2 teaspoons baking powder sifted
- 2 cups of brewed coffee for an enhanced flavor
- 4 cups of refined granulated sugar
- 8 ounces of rich dark chocolate
- 4 cups of precisely measured all-purpose flour spooned and leveled
- 2 teaspoons of fresh sea salt
- 6 eggs medium to large
- 1 ½ cups of processed cocoa sifted
- 2 cups of fresh buttermilk
- 1 cup of vegetable oil
- 12 ounces of sifted powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon of fresh sea salt
- 3 cups of processed cocoa sifted
- 2 tablespoons of fragrant vanilla extract
- 3 cups of fresh unsalted butter
- 16 ounces of cream cheese softened to room temperature
- ½ cup of rich and velvety heavy whipping cream
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Gather all ingredients for a tidy and smooth cooking process.
- Prepare the Oven & Cake Pans: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees (F) and prepare the cake pans with cooking spray and line up parchment papers.
- Melt the Chocolate: In a heatproof bowl, melt the rich dark chocolate for 20 – 30 seconds. Or, you can do this by placing the bowl over a pot of simmering water (double boiler). Stir until smooth and set aside to cool slightly.
- Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and sea salt. Set aside.
- Combine the Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, combine the granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and vegetable oil. Mix until well combined. Add the melted chocolate to the wet ingredients and mix until smooth.
- Mixing: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing each addition until just combined. Then add the brewed coffee to the batter and mix until smooth. The coffee enhances the chocolate flavor.
- Placing the Mixture: Place the mixture into three 8-inch greased cake pans about 3/4 full, so the cake doesn’t rise too much or overflow.
- Baking: Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 20-25 minutes.
- Check with Toothpick: Use a toothpick to check if the cake is finely baked. Cake is done when a toothpick comes out clean.
- Frosting: Beat the butter and cream cheese for about 2 minutes. Slowly add the sifted powdered sugar and cocoa powder intermittently with the heavy whipping cream. Add the vanilla, salt, more cream and other ingredients; then beat for 2 to 3 minutes.
Notes
- Make sure to use room temperature ingredients for best results.
- If the cakes are domed on top, use a serrated knife to level them before frosting.
- To prevent the cakes from sticking to the pans, make sure to grease and flour them before pouring in the batter.
- To make sure the cakes are cooked through, insert a toothpick into the center of each cake. If it comes out clean, the cakes are done.
- For a more intense chocolate flavor, add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the buttercream frosting.
- For a light and airy texture, make sure to beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I use instead of butter in this recipe?
You can substitute coconut oil or vegetable oil for the butter in this recipe.
Can I make this cake in a different pan size?
Yes, you can make this cake in an 8-inch or 9-inch round cake pan, a 9×13-inch pan, or a bundt pan.
How can I make this cake gluten-free?
You can make this cake gluten-free by substituting a gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour.
Can I use a different type of frosting for this cake?
Yes, you can use any type of frosting that you like, such as vanilla buttercream, cream cheese frosting, or chocolate ganache.
What can I use instead of eggs in this recipe?
You can substitute a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water) for each egg in this recipe.
How can I make this cake dairy-free?
You can make this cake dairy-free by substituting coconut milk for the buttermilk and coconut oil for the butter.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the cake up to 2 days ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can also freeze the cake for up to 3 months.
Conclusion
Costco Chocolate Cake is a classic dessert that is sure to please. The recipe is easy to make and produces a moist and fluffy cake with a rich, chocolate flavor. The combination of cocoa powder and butter creates a cake that is both sweet and indulgent.
Whether you’re serving it to a crowd or just enjoying it with your family, this Costco Chocolate Cake will be a hit.
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Rebecca Novak is a trained chef with over 10 years of experience in the food industry. She has worked in both fine dining and casual Hungarian restaurants and specializes in creating dishes using fresh, seasonal ingredients. She also loves exploring different cuisines worldwide, which allows her to bring unique flavors and ideas to the recipes she creates for Hungarianchef.com. Read more
