Costco Chocolate Cake Recipe – Homemade

For years, I’ve been on a quest to recreate the rich, decadent flavor of famous Costco Chocolate Cake Recipe. After numerous attempts and adjustments, I finally perfected a homemade version that closely matches the beloved store-bought treat.

This homemade Costco Chocolate Cake Recipe version is rich, moist, and decadently sweet, with that irresistible chocolate flavor that everyone loves.

With a few simple ingredients and a bit of patience, I was able to capture the essence of the Costco cake while adding my personal touch. The process was surprisingly easy, and the result exceeded my expectations.

In this story, I’ll take you through my journey of making the ultimate homemade chocolate cake, from mixing the ingredients to that first bite of delicious indulgence. Ready to give Costco Chocolate Cake Recipe a try?

Let’s dive in!

Why Do Costco Cakes Taste So Good?

Costco cakes are renowned for their exceptional taste, and there are a few key reasons why they stand out.

First, Costco uses high-quality ingredients, including rich cocoa, real butter, and fresh eggs, which contribute to their cakes’ moist and flavorful profile.

Their cakes are baked fresh and often have a homemade feel, thanks to carefully crafted recipes that balance sweetness with a tender crumb.

The frosting, typically made from a blend of butter and cream, is both creamy and indulgent, providing a perfect complement to the cake’s rich base.

How To Prepare Costco Chocolate Cake Recipe

Preparation Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes (including cooling time)

Calories: 320

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Serving Size: One 9-inch double-layer cake

Recommend Tools

• 9×13-inch baking pan
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula

Recipe Ingredients

For the Cake

• 1 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 and 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water

For the Frosting

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 and 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

How To Make Costco Chocolate Cake Recipe

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your 9×13-inch baking pan.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, then mix in the milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract.

4. Combine and Mix: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until well combined. Carefully stir in the boiling water until the batter is smooth.

5. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.

6. Cream the Butter: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer until creamy.

7. Add Cocoa Powder: Gradually mix in the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, blending until well combined.

8. Add Cream and Vanilla: Mix in the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.

9. Frost the Cake: Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the frosting evenly over the top and sides of the cake using a rubber spatula.

Special Note

For an extra touch, you can add chocolate shavings or sprinkles on top of the frosting. To make the cake even richer, consider incorporating a layer of chocolate ganache between the cake layers or using a flavored liqueur in the cake batter for added depth.

How Can I Decorate

Decorating a Costco chocolate cake at home is simple yet fun. Start by covering the cake with a smooth layer of chocolate frosting, ensuring it’s even and glossy.

For a professional touch, you can pipe decorative swirls or rosettes around the edges using a star-shaped piping tip.

To enhance the cake’s appearance, sprinkle a generous amount of chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips on top.

For an added burst of flavor, consider placing fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries in the center, creating a beautiful contrast with the rich chocolate.

A dusting of powdered sugar can also give it an elegant finish. The beauty of decorating this cake is that you can get creative and make it uniquely yours!

My Tips for Making

Here are my  tips for making the perfect homemade Costco chocolate cake recipe:

1. The key to a rich, deep chocolate flavor is using a premium cocoa powder. Look for one with a strong, pure chocolate taste to enhance the overall flavor.

2. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake. Gently mix the ingredients until they’re just combined to keep the cake light and fluffy.

3. Sifting the flour, cocoa powder, and baking soda together helps to avoid clumps and ensures even distribution of dry ingredients throughout the batter.

4. Make sure your eggs, butter, and milk are at room temperature before mixing. This helps the ingredients blend more evenly for a smoother batter.

5. Adding a small amount of brewed coffee or espresso to the batter enhances the chocolate flavor without making the cake taste like coffee. It deepens the richness.

6. Allow your cake to cool completely before applying frosting. Chilling the layers helps the frosting set better and prevents it from sliding off.

7. Costco’s cake is known for its thick layer of delicious frosting. Don’t be shy—use extra frosting to cover the entire cake for that signature indulgence.

Proper Storage

To properly store your homemade Costco chocolate cake recipe, keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.

If you need to store it longer, refrigerate it to extend its freshness for up to a week. Make sure to bring the Costco chocolate cake recipe to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.

If you want to store it for an extended period, you can freeze individual slices in plastic wrap or foil, then place them in a freezer bag, where it will stay fresh for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature before enjoying!

Conclusion

This homemade version of Costco chocolate cake recipe brings the same rich and moist experience right to your kitchen. With a deliciously chocolatey cake base and creamy frosting, it’s sure to be a hit at any occasion.

Recreating Costco chocolate cake recipe at home can be a truly rewarding experience. This recipe brings the same rich, moist texture and luscious chocolate flavor into your own kitchen, allowing you to enjoy the cake that has captured so many hearts.

The process is straightforward, making it accessible even for those new to baking, while the results are undeniably impressive.

A special occasion or simply indulging in a sweet treat, this homemade version of Costco chocolate cake recipe is sure to become a cherished recipe in your baking repertoire. Enjoy every decadent bite!