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One-Bowl Chocolate Cake Recipe

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One-Bowl Chocolate Cake Recipe – rich and decadent moist chocolate cake made in just one bowl. The fudgy frosting is irresistible!

one bowl chocolate cake 3 One Bowl Chocolate Cake Recipe

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.

one bowl chocolate cake 8 One Bowl Chocolate Cake Recipe

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.

one bowl chocolate cake 6 One Bowl Chocolate Cake Recipe

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.

one bowl chocolate cake frosting One Bowl Chocolate Cake Recipe

MORE EASY CHOCOLATE CAKES:

Busy Day Chocolate Cake

The Best Chocolate Bundt Cake

Eggless Chocolate Cupcakes

one bowl chocolate cake 7 One Bowl Chocolate Cake Recipe

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ONE BOWL CHOCOLATE CAKE RECIPE

4.94 from 15 votes
one bowl chocolate cake 6 150x150 One Bowl Chocolate Cake Recipe
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One-Bowl Chocolate Cake Recipe
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
25 mins
Total Time
35 mins
 

A rich and decadent moist chocolate cake made in just one bowl. The fudgy frosting is irresistible!

More easy dessert recipes: www.crunchycreamysweet.com

Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: chocolate cake
Servings: 9 pieces
Calories: 388 kcal
Author: Anna
Ingredients
for the cake:
  • 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
for the frosting:
  • 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
US Customary - Metric
Instructions
  1. Line an 8" square or round cake pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Set aside.
  2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  3. 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.
  4. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes OR until the toothpick inserted in few places comes out clean.
  5. Cool and make frosting in the meantime.
  6. 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.
Recipe Notes

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.

Nutrition Facts
One-Bowl Chocolate Cake Recipe
Amount Per Serving
Calories 388 Calories from Fat 180
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 20g 31%
Saturated Fat 14g 70%
Cholesterol 36mg 12%
Sodium 210mg 9%
Potassium 134mg 4%
Total Carbohydrates 53g 18%
Dietary Fiber 1g 4%
Sugars 39g
Protein 3g 6%
Vitamin A 4.9%
Calcium 3.8%
Iron 7.7%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  2. Lori says

    May 4, 2019 at 9:02 am

    This 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.

    Reply

  5. Yana Arnold says

    April 28, 2019 at 7:55 pm

    Definitely 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.

    Reply

  6. Jeni says

    April 8, 2019 at 11:12 am

    This 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.

    Reply

  8. Cindy says

    March 22, 2019 at 12:35 pm

    Made 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!

    Reply

  9. Markét says

    March 19, 2019 at 12:55 pm

    I 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.

    Reply

  11. Cheryle says

    March 6, 2019 at 9:35 pm

    I have never lined a cake pan with aluminum foil. Why is it done & can i grease & flour the pan instead

    Reply

  12. P.R. Banks says

    February 21, 2019 at 3:26 pm

    I 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!!!

    Reply

  13. Msb says

    February 11, 2019 at 7:04 pm

    I 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.

    Reply

  15. Ann says

    January 5, 2019 at 11:22 am

    Awesome!! 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

    Reply

  16. Crafty Cooking By Anna says

    December 19, 2018 at 1:15 am

    Hi 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!

    Reply

  17. Giselle says

    December 6, 2018 at 3:10 pm

    I made this cake and got rave reviews from children and adults alike. So easy to make as well. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply

  18. RUBA HADDAD says

    November 27, 2018 at 9:25 am

    I 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.

    Reply

  19. Jacque Hastert says

    September 4, 2018 at 3:41 pm

    Nothing beats a dessert that is made with minimal cleanup! This will satisfy my family’s love for chocolate.

    Reply

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