I’ve always been a big fan of Studio Ghibli movies. They have this magical way of making even the simplest things feel beautiful like a simple loaf of bread, a cup of tea, or a slice of chocolate cake. I especially love how food in Ghibli films looks so comforting and real. One of my all-time favorites is Kiki’s Delivery Service. There’s something so sweet and cozy about Kiki’s little bakery and that chocolate cake that appears in the movie.

Ever since I first saw it, I knew I wanted to recreate it. So here’s my version of the Kiki’s Delivery Service Chocolate Cake, a soft, rich, homemade chocolate cake that feels like it came straight out of a Studio Ghibli kitchen. It’s simple, nostalgic, and the perfect treat for a cozy afternoon.

Why You’ll Love This Cake

• It’s rich, moist, and full of chocolate flavor.
• The frosting is simple and creamy no fancy steps.
• You don’t need special ingredients, just what you already have in your kitchen.
• It feels nostalgic and comforting, like something you’d enjoy in Kiki’s little bakery.

Recipe Details

Servings: 8
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Calories: About 340 per slice

Ingredients

For the cake:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sugar
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¾ cup milk
• ¼ cup hot water or hot coffee (for a deeper chocolate flavor)

For the frosting:

• ½ cup butter, softened
• ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk (add more if needed)
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Make Kiki’s Delivery Service Chocolate Cake

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8-inch round pan.
2. Mix the dry ingredients in a large bowl: flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Add the wet ingredients oil, eggs, vanilla, and milk then mix until smooth.
4. Pour in the hot water or coffee and stir. The batter will be slightly thin, and that’s perfect for a moist cake.
5. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely before frosting.

Make the Frosting

1. In a bowl, beat the butter until light and fluffy.
2. Add cocoa powder, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla.
3. Beat until smooth and creamy. Add a bit more milk if you want it softer.
4. Spread generously over the cooled cake.

Tips for the Perfect Ghibli-Style Cake

• Use hot coffee instead of water for a richer flavor.
• Let the cake cool fully before frosting so the buttercream doesn’t melt.
• Add a few chocolate shavings or a simple bow on top to make it look extra cute, just like in the movie.
• Enjoy it with a warm cup of tea or milk while watching Kiki’s Delivery Service. It really completes the experience.

Conclusion

Every time I bake this cake, it reminds me of the kindness and creativity that fill Studio Ghibli movies. It’s simple, made with love, and meant to be shared. If you ever need a cozy afternoon activity, this Kiki’s Delivery Chocolate Cake will make your kitchen smell like pure magic.