Homemade Walmart Chocolate Cake Recipe

If you’ve ever tasted Walmart chocolate cake, you already know that it hits the sweet spot with its perfectly balanced flavor and soft texture.

How to make Walmart Chocolate Cake

Walmart Chocolate Cake is basically the ready-to-eat chocolate cake products sold by Walmart (often under their in-store bakery brand like The Bakery at Walmart or Freshness Guaranteed).

Ingredients

Cake Batter:

2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour – For the base texture.
¾ cup (75g) unsweetened cocoa powder – Choose high-quality cocoa for a rich flavor.
1½ tsp baking powder: Helps the cake rise perfectly.
1 tsp baking soda – Balances acidity for even leavening.
½ tsp salt – Enhances the chocolate flavor.
2 cups (400g) white granulated sugar – For sweetness and structure.
2 extra-large eggs – Room temperature is best for smooth mixing.
1 cup (240ml) whole milk: Makes the cake moist and soft.
1 cup (240ml) hot water or brewed coffee – Coffee intensifies the chocolate flavor.
½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil: Keeps the cake tender.
2 tsp vanilla extract – Adds depth to the overall flavor.

Chocolate Frosting:

¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened – Creamy and essential for frosting.
1½ cups (180g) powdered sugar – Sweet but not overwhelming.
⅔ cup (65g) unsweetened cocoa powder – Deepens the chocolate flavor.
½ cup (120ml) heavy cream – Creates a silky texture for spreading.
1 tsp vanilla extract – Complements the chocolate flavor beautifully.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans. Dust them lightly with cocoa powder instead of flour for extra chocolate flavor.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.
In another bowl, beat the sugar, eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing slowly.
Finally, pour in the hot water or brewed coffee while whisking. The batter will thin out, but don’t worry – this makes the cake incredibly moist.

Step 2: Bake the Cakes

Divide the batter evenly into the prepared pans.
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

Step 3: Make the Chocolate Frosting

In a large bowl, beat the butter until creamy and smooth.
Sift and add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, mixing slowly at first to avoid messes.
Pour in the heavy cream and vanilla extract, then whip until the frosting reaches a fluffy, spreadable consistency.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

Place the first cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand.
Spread a generous layer of frosting over the top using an offset spatula.
Stack the second cake layer on top and coat the entire cake with frosting.
Smooth the sides and top for a clean finish, or use decorative swirls for a fun, textured look.

Tips for the Perfect Walmart Chocolate Cake

Use coffee in the batter: If you don’t like coffee, don’t worry—the flavor won’t be detectable. It simply enhances the richness of the chocolate.
Sift dry ingredients: This prevents lumps and ensures an even texture.
Do not overmix: Overmixing can lead to a dense cake. Mix just until combined.
Room temperature ingredients: Eggs and milk should be at room temperature to better blend into the batter.
Cool completely: Frosting a warm cake will cause it to melt and slide off. Be patient and let the cake cool fully before moving on.
Decorate creatively: Walmart-style cakes often include sprinkles, chocolate shavings, or piped frosting decorations. Add your personal touch!

What to serve with

A decadent chocolate cake, like the Walmart-style chocolate cake, deserves equally delicious pairings to make your dessert experience unforgettable.

Classic Vanilla Ice Cream: Its creamy and mild flavor complements the deep and bold taste of chocolate cake.
Chocolate Fudge Ice Cream: Double the chocolate for true chocoholics!
Mint Chocolate Chip: The fresh, cooling mint balances out the richness of the chocolate.
Salted Caramel Ice Cream: The sweet and salty combination adds a contrast to the cake.
Peanut Butter Ice Cream: Chocolate and peanut butter make an unbeatable duo.

Ingredients Substitutes

When baking, ingredients can make or break the recipe. But let’s be real—sometimes we don’t have every item on hand or need to adjust for dietary preferences, allergies, or personal taste.

1. Flour Substitutes

When you run out of all-purpose flour or need a gluten-free option, here are some alternatives:

Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour: Use a gluten-free blend as a 1:1 replacement. Look for options with xanthan gum or guar gum, which help with binding.
Whole Wheat Flour: For a healthier option, substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. However, using only whole wheat flour might make the cake denser.
Almond Flour (Gluten-Free): Almond flour can be substituted for half the flour, but it’s recommended to pair it with another gluten-free flour to ensure structure.
Oat Flour: Substitute up to 25% of the all-purpose flour with oat flour for a slightly nutty flavor.

2. Cocoa Powder Substitutes

Cocoa powder gives the cake its rich, chocolatey taste, but if you don’t have any:

Unsweetened Baking Chocolate: Use 1 ounce of unsweetened baking chocolate for every 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder. Melt and mix it into the wet ingredients before combining with the dry ingredients.
Carob Powder: If you want a caffeine-free, slightly sweeter substitute, replace cocoa powder with carob powder in the same quantity.
Dutch-Processed Cocoa: If your recipe calls for natural cocoa powder, you can use Dutch-processed cocoa, though the flavor might be deeper and less acidic.

3. Sugar Substitutes

Granulated sugar is essential for sweetness, texture, and moisture balance, but there are alternatives:

Brown Sugar: Swap white sugar with light or dark brown sugar (1:1 ratio) for a slightly richer flavor and added moisture.
Coconut Sugar: Use as a 1:1 replacement for a more natural, caramel-like sweetness.
Honey or Maple Syrup: Substitute sugar with liquid sweeteners at a ratio of ¾ cup of honey or maple syrup for every 1 cup of sugar. You’ll need to reduce another liquid in the recipe by ¼ cup to balance the batter.
Stevia or Other Sweeteners (Low-Calorie Options): Just 1 teaspoon of stevia powder can replace 1 cup of sugar, but check your specific sweetener’s conversion chart.

4. Milk Substitutes

Milk adds moisture and richness to the cake, but you can easily swap it out based on dietary needs:

Plant-Based Milk: Almond milk, soy milk, oat milk, or coconut milk are excellent dairy-free options. Make sure to use the unsweetened version to maintain the intended sweetness.
Buttermilk Substitute: If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5 minutes, and it’s ready to use!
Yogurt or Sour Cream: Replace equal parts of milk with plain yogurt or sour cream for an even creamier, denser texture.
Water: If nothing else is available, you can use water, but the cake may be slightly less rich.

5. Oil Substitutes

Vegetable oil keeps the cake moist, but there are plenty of alternatives:

Butter: Melt and use the same amount of unsalted butter as a substitute. It adds a slightly richer flavor, but the cake might not be as moist.
Coconut Oil: For a healthier fat source, substitute vegetable oil with melted coconut oil at a 1:1 ratio. Make sure it’s in liquid form when mixing.
Applesauce: Replace all or half of the oil with applesauce in equal measure for a lower-fat option. This works wonderfully for a healthier cake.
Greek Yogurt: Use plain Greek yogurt (equal measurement) for added moisture and a slight tang.

Final Thoughts

When serving Walmart chocolate cake, presentation is key. Serve each slice with a garnish, such as a dusting of powdered sugar, a few fresh berries on the side, or a drizzle of syrup around the plate.

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