This One-Bowl Chocolate Cake is a rich and decadent moist chocolate cake made in just one bowl. The fudgy frosting is irresistible!
If you like one-bowl recipes, you have to try the brownies too! Another delicious cake is my One-Bowl Vanilla Cake.
Jump to:
Why You'll Love This 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!
Ingredients:
- flour - I used all-purpose flour. If you need to use gluten-free flour, choose one that allows you to substitute at a 1:1 ratio.
- sugar - I used white, granulated sugar.
- cocoa powder - Use the best you can get. This is where the chocolate flavor comes from. Dutch-processed cocoa is wonderful here.
- baking powder and baking soda - The combo of these leavening agents allows the cake to rise and cook properly.
- buttermilk - I always make my own by combining whole milk (or half and half) and vinegar (or lemon juice). No need to buy it in the store.
- egg - Binds all ingredients together.
- oil - I used vegetable oil but canola or even olive oil works here.
- hot water - This is the secret to making this cake so moist. You can use coffee as well. It will intensify the chocolate flavor.
How to make a one-bowl chocolate cake?
- Start by measuring out the flour. To do that correctly, spoon flour into a measuring cup, then level the top. Do not dunk the measuring cup into the 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 the batter is smooth, no flour lumps should be visible.
- Pour the batter into parchment paper or an aluminum foil-lined baking pan (I used an 8" square pan but a round pan will work too). Tap the pan gently against the counter to release any air bubbles, then place it 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.
Would you like to save this recipe?
We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!
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 fudgy chocolate frosting?
To make this easy chocolate frosting, all you need is a whisk and a saucepan. No mixer is 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.
Recipe FAQs:
Yes! To make chocolate cupcakes, divide the batter in the cupcake pan. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes OR until a toothpick inserted into the center of each cupcake comes out clean.
If you want to use a 13" x 9" pan, double the ingredients. The baking time should be increased to 40 to 45 minutes. But always check the cake with a toothpick to ensure it's done.
Absolutely! Coffee intensifies chocolate flavor so it's a great idea to use it in this recipe. You can use coffee you brewed or mix instant coffee with hot water.
More cake recipes:
If you like this recipe and make it, let me know in the comments below! Don't forget to rate it if you enjoyed it!
One-Bowl Chocolate Cake Recipe
Ingredients
for the cake:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- ½ cup buttermilk see note
- ½ cup hot water
for the frosting:
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 2 to 3 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Line an 8" square or round cake pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Set aside.
- Preheat oven to 350℉.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa, soda, baking powder, and salt.1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 cup granulated sugar, ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon baking powder, ¼ teaspoon salt
- Add egg, oil, and buttermilk and whisk well. Add hot water and whisk until the batter is smooth.1 large egg, ½ cup vegetable oil, ½ cup buttermilk, ½ cup hot water
- 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.5 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Add cocoa powder and whisk in. Cook for 2 minutes. Do not boil. Remove saucepan from heat.¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- Add sifted powdered sugar and whisk in. Add vanilla and milk, one tablespoon at a time. The frosting should be shiny and smooth.1 ¼ cup powdered sugar, 2 to 3 tablespoons milk, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pour over warm cake and spread with a spatula. Let cool before cutting.
Notes
- To make homemade buttermilk: whisk 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar with enough whole milk or half and half to make ½ cup of liquid.
- Sifting powdered sugar prevents clumps in the frosting.
- Please note, that the nutrition value can vary depending on what product you use. The information below is an estimate. Always use calorie counter you are familiar with.
Rebecca says
I’ve been making this recipe for more than a year and it’s a big hit with everyone who tastes it! Highly recommend
Felicia says
This cake was super yummy!! Definitely a repeat recipe
Anna says
Thank you, Felicia!
Lori says
If I double this is it enough for a 9x13 pan?
Anna says
Hi Lori! Yep, if you double the ingredients, you can use the 9"x13" pan. Increase the baking time to 45 minutes and check if the cake is done. Add more baking time as needed. I hope this helps!
Cavette says
Made this yesterday and it was absolutely delicious! I will have to try using the batter for cupcakes again they sunk in the middle but the crumb was perfect
Anna says
Thank you so much, Cavette!
Wendy says
Hi can I take the cake out of the pan, then pour the icing over the cake?
Anna says
Of course! You can place it on a cooling rack so the excess of the frosting drips off or straight on a cake stand and enjoy every bit of it. Enjoy the cake, Wendy!
Krystal says
This is one of the BEST recipes I have ever made! The tip about using coffee instead of hot water is a great one, but the recipe is still really good with the hot water. As written for the 8 inch cake, you can use 2 round 6 inch pans and get the loveliest little 2 layer cake for small celebrations or just for fun!
Julia says
Delicious and easy to make. Cake was moist and I loved the icing.
Lorraine says
I made this recipe. Awesome, moist and delicious !
Vicki W. says
This is the perfect chocolate cake. I'm not a fan of thick layers of icing on cakes, and this icing recipe is just the ticket...... very chocolatey, but makes a thinner coating on the cake that compliments it without being overwhelmingly sweet. Another big plus is that the whole thing is so easy to put together. An all around winner!
Vicki says
Can you double this recipe successfully to make a 13x9 inch cake? I'm getting ready to make it...husband said "it's awfully small"...cakes don't last long around him!
Anna says
Hi Vicki! Our readers made this recipe in 13x9 inch cake pan, baked for 42 minutes with great result! I hope this helps!
Ruth Arnett says
I love this cake and have made it a few times. I plan on taking it to an interfaith worship service. Cocoa is healthy for you. Yum!
Karen says
I love this chocolate cake! It's so fast and easy to make. My granddaughters have been requesting it for their birthdays they love it so much!
Katie says
I've made this cake probably two dozen times now. It's my go to and my husband's favorite!
Belinda Hart says
The easiest and best tasting chocolate cake ever! I just made this again and had to leave another review. This is my go to recipe for chocolate cake and I can’t see ever making a different recipe. I make my own version of chocolate buttercream for the top Love, love it!
Ally V says
AMAZING!!! For the icing I didn't have powdered sugar so I subbed for 3/4 granulated sugar with a little less than a tablespoon of cornstarch and added a little heavy cream, turned out fabulous!! So quick and easy!!!
Jola says
Very good cake. Strongly chocolate and moist