One-Bowl Chocolate Cake Recipe – rich and decadent moist chocolate cake made in just one bowl. The fudgy frosting is irresistible!
When it comes to desserts, cakes especially, I want easy and quick. That’s why I often reach for my crumb bars or cheesecake bars recipes. Easy is where it’s at. This One-Bowl Chocolate Cake is just that! You need it in your go-to recipes file. It’s as easy as box mix but made from scratch. The fudgy frosting made in a saucepan with just a whisk is out of this world and complements the cake perfectly. You have to try it!
This One-Bowl Chocolate Cake is perfect for a last minute dessert or if you are craving chocolate cake and need an easy recipe. This one is a keeper!
HOW TO MAKE ONE BOWL CHOCOLATE CAKE?
Start by measuring out the flour. To do that correctly, spoon flour into measuring cup, then level the top. Do not dunk the measuring cup into flour bag and scoop. You will end up with too much flour. Next, measure out the remaining dry ingredients and whisk everything together. Add wet ingredients and whisk until batter is smooth, no flour lumps should be visible. Pour the batter into parchment paper or aluminum foil lined baking pan (I used 8″ square pan but round will work too). Tap the pan gently against the counter to release any air bubbles, then place in the oven to bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Check with a toothpick or a dry spaghetti noodle to make sure the cake is done. Next, prepare the frosting.
This recipe is so easy, you won’t need a box cake mix anymore. Measure out the ingredients and whisk everything together in one bowl until the batter is smooth. It might seem runny and not thick but no worries, the cake will bake perfectly and every bite will be moist and melt in your mouth.
HOW TO MAKE EASY FUDGY CHOCOLATE FROSTING?
To make this easy chocolate frosting, all you need is a whisk and a saucepan. No mixer needed! Simply melt butter and whisk it with cocoa powder. Add powdered sugar, vanilla and milk to make a smooth, rich, shiny frosting. Spread over still warm cake.
MORE EASY CHOCOLATE CAKES:
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ONE BOWL CHOCOLATE CAKE RECIPE
A rich and decadent moist chocolate cake made in just one bowl. The fudgy frosting is irresistible!
More easy dessert recipes: www.crunchycreamysweet.com
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup buttermilk see note
- 1/2 cup hot water
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1.25 cup powdered sugar
- 2 to 3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Line an 8" square or round cake pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Set aside.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa, soda, baking powder, and salt. Add egg, oil, and buttermilk and whisk well. Add hot water and whisk until the batter is smooth. Pour into prepared pan. Tap gently against the counter to release any air bubbles.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes OR until the toothpick inserted in few places comes out clean.
- Cool and make frosting in the meantime.
- To make the frosting, melt butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add cocoa powder and whisk in. Cook for 2 minutes. Do not boil. Remove saucepan from heat. Add sifted powdered sugar and whisk in. Add vanilla and milk, one tablespoon at a time. The frosting should be shiny and smooth. Pour over warm cake and spread with a spatula. Let cool before cutting.
To make homemade buttermilk: whisk 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar with enough whole milk or half and half to make 1/2 cup of liquid.
Sifting powdered sugar prevents clumps in the frosting.
Maria says
September 14, 2019 at 1:18 pmIt’s the first time I’m on this page, as I’m a beginner my all previous cakes turned into mess, but this ONE turned into something awesome and delicious, i followed the recipe closely except i used simple vinegar instead of apple cidar vinegar for making buttermilk & added a bit of instant coffee in boiling water, to be honest for the very first time my tooth pick came out clear lol & the shape of cake wasn’t distorted at all.
I served it to my family, everyone just loved it, as a beginner this recipe was super easy to follow, thanks Anna, keep uploading more & more recipes.
Anna says
September 14, 2019 at 11:23 pmHi Maria! That is wonderful! I am so glad that you love the cake! Thank you for trying my recipe. Have a beautiful day!
Nina says
September 5, 2019 at 9:29 pmThis cake was the best chocolate cake I’ve ever made!! I used gluten free flour and often that will give the cake a dryer consistency, I’ve tried so many different recipes, this one was easy and the cake was so moist and delicious! Must be the buttermilk, magical ingredient! Thank you!
Anna says
September 8, 2019 at 8:45 pmHi Nina! That is awesome! I am so glad the cake was a hit! Thank you for trying the recipe.
Sharon says
August 19, 2019 at 10:09 amHi Anna,
I made this cake and it was a hit! Delicious and easy to make. The kids loved it. Do you think you could keep the same recipe and take out the cocoa powder to make a vanilla cake or would I have add other ingredients?
Anna says
August 19, 2019 at 11:21 amHi Sharon! I am so glad the cake was a hit! Thank you so much for trying my recipe. I actually have a One-Bowl Vanilla Cake recipe. Here is the link: https://www.crunchycreamysweet.com/one-bowl-vanilla-cake/ I hope you love it!
Angela M says
August 18, 2019 at 8:28 pmCake was awesome. And fast to make, cook etc. Have you put buttermilk in frosting ? I did not try it but thought about it. Thanks for recipe! Yum.
Amanda says
July 28, 2019 at 7:11 pmCan this cake be stored on the counter or does it need refrigeration?
Anna says
August 6, 2019 at 2:03 pmHi Amanada! It disappears quick here so I just keep it on the counter. You can store it in the fridge and let it come to room temperature before serving.
Arlene says
July 24, 2019 at 7:13 pmThe first time I made this was for my husband and I. He said it was the best chocolate cake he’s ever had. So I made it for my friends celebrating our 60th birthday, and it was a hit! So easy to make and I love that it’s made in an 8×8 pan! Perfect for 2 (with leftovers) up to 9. It’s so good, I’m making it again tonight for the grandkids coming tomorrow! Thank you for this fabulous recipe!
Anna says
July 24, 2019 at 11:33 pmHi Arlene! YAY! That is fantastic! I am so happy to know you love the cake and made it so many times. I hope your grandkids enjoy it too! Have a beautiful rest of the week!
Millie says
July 13, 2019 at 12:29 amHi this recipe looks amazing…. do you think it will hold up for a layer cake contest. I don’t think my chocolate cake recipe is unique enough
Anna says
August 6, 2019 at 2:02 pmHi Millie! I think it should be just fine for a layer cake. You will have to double the recipe and bake in two pans.
Jenny Richert says
July 4, 2019 at 11:51 pmThis was awesome! Used sour cream in place of the buttermilk and added a teaspoon of espresso powder. Yummmmm!
Anna says
August 6, 2019 at 2:01 pmThat’s awesome! Thank you, Jenny!
Annie says
June 24, 2019 at 6:17 pmWhat would you recommend for baking this as a bundt? A doubled recipe or do you think a single would be enough?
Anna says
June 27, 2019 at 12:34 pmHi Annie! I did not test this recipe in a bundt pan so I can’t guarantee the result.
elodie says
June 19, 2019 at 6:11 pmHi! How do I double this recipe?
Georgetta says
June 13, 2019 at 11:22 amThis cake is excellent! I was worried about how thin the batter is but once it is baked you can’t ask for a more moist chocolate cake. Perfect little cake for a small birthday party!
Anna says
June 13, 2019 at 9:02 pmHi Georgetta! I am so happy to know you love the cake! Yay! Thank you so much for trying my recipe.
Lori says
June 6, 2019 at 6:50 pmI can’t tell you how many times I’ve made this. I’ve made a single and double recipe and it always goes very fast! I have noticed that my glaze is crinkling. I’ve tried pouring glaze as instructed allowing to cool while making the glaze, I’ve made the glaze before and let the cake fully cool, I’ve tried everything and am out of options of what I’m doing wrong. It’s not the recipe, because I know I’ve made it several times and the glaze was shiny and smooth. Does anyone have an idea of how to prevent the appearance of the best chocolate cake I’ve ever had! Thank you for sharing this recipe with us. It’s always my go to and never fails!
Pamela says
July 10, 2019 at 9:57 amDid you take it out of the pan before it was totally cool? I did once and the movement caused my frosting to crinkle.
Alicia says
May 28, 2019 at 4:22 amI made this in a cake pan where the side of the pan can be removed leaving just the cake on the base
Can I remove it after it has cooled?
Regards,
Alicia
Anna says
August 6, 2019 at 2:04 pmHi Alicia! If you want to remove it from the bottom part, I suggest using parchment paper next time. It will make it much easier.
Sandra says
May 19, 2019 at 5:50 amCupcakes? Anyone used this recipe for cupcakes?
Autumn says
May 29, 2019 at 11:44 pmHi! I made this recipe just rn as cupcakes and doubled the recipe, I’m not sure if I doubled the recipe right, just did twice as much, 2 c flour instead of 1, 2 eggs not 1 etc, and it was awful. Probably bc I doubled wrong so I made it as a cake according to directions and it’s looking much better. (I’ve made it 6 times the past month since I found it so I know how it should look to me and taste) I feel the cake bakes more evenly as a cake compared to muffins. Hopefully someone has a better experience who can better help!
Lori says
May 4, 2019 at 9:02 amThis is the BEST chocolate cake, ever! Many people say it reminds them of the Texas sheet cake, which I’ve not had or made. Your recipe is quick and easy, light and fluffy but yet filling. The glaze is the best component that brings the richness and flavor of the cake. I don’t line my pans, I let the glaze glide to each side as a bonus! Thank you for sharing this delicious recipe. I can’t count how many times I’ve made this cake, it’s often requested and have passed on your recipe! To you readers, if you haven’t made this cake, your missing out on a very, very good thing. Note: I double the recipe and make it in a 9×13 as well as an 18” pan.
Lydia says
May 26, 2019 at 6:38 pmI was just going to ask if I double it can I bake in a 9 x 13 pan.. thank you for your comment!! Making it today!
Anna says
May 26, 2019 at 9:41 pmAwesome! I hope you love it, Lydia!
Autumn says
May 29, 2019 at 11:45 pmHow do you double the recipe?
Thanks 🙂
Shani says
May 1, 2019 at 6:34 pmI got lowfat cultured buttermilk . Is that ok?
Thank you so much!
Anna says
May 3, 2019 at 12:15 pmThat should work!
Shani says
April 29, 2019 at 5:48 pmHi! Can I use heavy cream instead buttermilk??
Thank you so much!
Anna says
April 29, 2019 at 10:08 pmHi Shani! Buttermilk is a must for this recipe. Hope this helps!
Shani says
May 1, 2019 at 12:27 amThank ms! I got lowfat cultured buttermilk . Is that ok?
Lori says
May 4, 2019 at 9:05 amI say if your going to make cake, why cut back on the main component that compliments the cake? Go for it, you won’t be sorry.
fifi says
July 5, 2019 at 7:08 ambuttermilk activates the baking soda. Don’t change to cream.
Yana Arnold says
April 28, 2019 at 7:55 pmDefinitely the best chocolate cake recipe I have tried yet. Really simple to make. I even made the frosting which I usually cheat on. It was worth it. All my friends love it as well. I give this ten stars. Now I am going to check out your other recipes.
Anna says
April 29, 2019 at 10:16 pmHi Yana! That is wonderful! I am so glad it was such a hit! I hope you will find more recipes to enjoy. Thank you!
Jeni says
April 8, 2019 at 11:12 amThis cake and frosting were easy to make and delicious! It was the perfect size. I did the “make your own” buttermilk and it turned out great.
Anna says
April 8, 2019 at 10:19 pmHi Jeni! I am so glad it was a hit! Thank you so much for trying my recipe!
Sandy says
April 7, 2019 at 9:19 pmMade this for the second time tonight. Best chocolate cake ever!!! Thanks for this amazing recipe!
Anna says
April 8, 2019 at 10:20 pmWoohoo! That’s fantastic, Sandy! Thank you so much!
Cindy says
March 22, 2019 at 12:35 pmMade this The other day and in 24 hours it was gone absolutely delicious very easy wonderful frosting I was wondering do you have also a vanilla cake recipe just like this one? Thank you so much this is an amazing cake!
Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says
March 28, 2019 at 5:19 pmHi Cindy! Yay! That’s awesome! I am so glad the cake was a hit. I am working on the vanilla version. Thank you for the sweet comment and for trying my recipe!
Markét says
March 19, 2019 at 12:55 pmI baked this amazing cake today and it turned into a great delight. I made my own frosting of 2 ingredients: chocolate and a sour cream. The batter texture is moist and fluffy. Thanks for this recipe, I will do it again and again.
Alex says
March 19, 2019 at 8:48 amIs this the same recipe as your busy day chocolate cake?
Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says
March 19, 2019 at 10:35 amHi Alex! It is not. My Busy Day Chocolate cake has no eggs and buttermilk. Hope this helps!
Cheryle says
March 6, 2019 at 9:35 pmI have never lined a cake pan with aluminum foil. Why is it done & can i grease & flour the pan instead
P.R. Banks says
February 21, 2019 at 3:26 pmI made this today for a friend’s Birthday cake. I was a bit skeptical at first because the batter was so thin, but it turned out AMAZING!!! The size was just right for her little family and she was delighted! Thanks!!!
Msb says
February 11, 2019 at 7:04 pmI make this for my grandsons. I put a tsp of vanilla in the cake batter. We are in a motorhome with a combo microwave oven and can only bake in 8×8 pans. This works perfect.
Sharon says
January 16, 2019 at 7:25 amThis was delicious! I used dark cocoa powder & brewed coffee instead of water. Very rich chocolate flavor!
Ann says
January 5, 2019 at 11:22 amAwesome!! Made it for new years eve, it was so good I’m making it again. I used a 9 inch round pan, it turned out perfect
Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says
January 8, 2019 at 12:56 amYAY! That’s fantastic! Thank you so much, Ann!
Crafty Cooking By Anna says
December 19, 2018 at 1:15 amHi Anna! We have the same namesake. So Funny! I was just looking for a good recipe for a chocolate cake and found your blog. This cake looks so good and I love the ingredients! I’m always looking for a low flour, low sugar, easy recipes. Yours fits the bill! I just added it to my list. When I make it, I will tag you if you don’t mind? Thank you for sharing!
BTW, I follow you on Pinterest as well. I would love to be added to your food group boards. Thanks!
Giselle says
December 6, 2018 at 3:10 pmI made this cake and got rave reviews from children and adults alike. So easy to make as well. Thanks for sharing!
Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says
December 7, 2018 at 1:38 pmThank you, Giselle!
RUBA HADDAD says
November 27, 2018 at 9:25 amI made this for thanksgiving and It was delicious! It was very moist. I have to say I was doubting myself if I made a mistake counting because when I poured it in the baking tray it was very liquidly but it turned out to be really moist and delicious. FYI I doubled it.
Jacque Hastert says
September 4, 2018 at 3:41 pmNothing beats a dessert that is made with minimal cleanup! This will satisfy my family’s love for chocolate.
Chrissie Baker says
September 4, 2018 at 11:26 amYum Yum Yum! Looks so vibrant and lovely! I can’t WAIT to try this! Thank you for this great recipe!
Katerina @ diethood .com says
September 4, 2018 at 6:26 amOh my, this looks absolutely amaaazing!! Aaaand its all done in one bowl…I LOVE it!!
Amy says
September 3, 2018 at 9:09 pmOne bowl! I love that! Easy cleanup but most importantly so delicious!
Lori says
June 6, 2019 at 6:54 pmIt’s done within 45 minutes from beginning to end. It is amazing!
Jamielyn says
September 3, 2018 at 7:35 pmSo easy and looks AMAZING!
Demeter says
September 3, 2018 at 2:07 pmWhat a great go-to recipe! Who doesn’t love chocolate cake?! It looks amazing!