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.
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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.
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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.
Rita says
The Best chocolate cake recipe…. Easy to
make and very delicious…the kids love it
Do you use powdered sugar or icing sugar for the frosting…
Anna says
Thank you so much, Rita! I use powdered sugar but icing sugar will work as well.
Swathy says
This recipe is amazing. I made it with a baby in one hand - that’s how easy it was and it tasted great. I did substitute buttermilk with yogurt and the cake was so moist and delicious. The whole pan is almost done and I just wish I doubled up but maybe that’s better for my health haha.
Anna says
You are amazing, Swathy! Thank you so much for giving my recipe a try! I'm so glad you enjoyed it!
Michelle says
Loved this easy chocolate cake. I used milk and two teaspoons of vinegar since I didn’t have buttermilk. I really loved how flavorful this cake was.
Janet says
The best and easiest chocolate cake ever! So moist, so yummy. I have made it exactly as written, I have subbed espresso for the hot water, I have used 3/4 cup sugar, I have subbed munk fruit/erythritol for granulated sugar, added nuts or chocolate chips…so many options and all of them delicious. Thank you!!
Anna says
Thank you, Janet! I'm so glad you enjoyed the cake! Thank you for sharing your adjustments. I know they will be helpful to many other readers!
Rosie says
Wow this recipe is amazing & I made it GF in high altitude! Thanks for sharing it.
Anna says
That's wonderful! Thank you for sharing, Rosie!
Sandy says
Great cake. We really enjoyed this one
Lisa miron says
This is such an easy cake to prepare. The result is a delicious and moist cake. Definitely a family favorite as I make it often. Thanks for sharing!
Lisa says
This is the best chocolate cake that I've ever had. It is so good that it doesn't need frosting. It is moist and delicious. Thank you so much for the recipe.
Rick Ashenbrener says
If you like Awesome chocolate cake, this is a great recipe.
Sugi says
The best chocolate cake recipe. That is all.
Rita Wallace says
Made this awesome delicious cake many times and every time I make it my kid and her friends love it…I use icing sugar instead of powdered sugar for the frosting..
Just wanted to check if icing sugar is the same as powdered sugar
Thanks
Nina says
This chocolate cake came out SO good! I made vanilla frosting instead of chocolate and it all came out like perfection! This chocolate cake recipe will definitely be my go to! Thank you ❤️
Lynn Fisher says
3rd cake in oven in 3 weeks, that's how much I love it and I really don't eat deserts,,, however,, this cake is irresistible, decadent, moist and chocolatey. I could't have found an easier cake,,, 2 more minutes and out of oven!
devoiry sigal says
love that its such an easy recipe !!!! thanks so much
Elizabeth Schleppy says
Rea)y easy to put together! Couldn't be simpler. Got my ingredients together first and then it was smooth sailing! In the oven now...
Melissa says
OMG
I had a chocolate cake craving, but wanted something easy. I saw this, tried it, and it was over-the-top delicious.
I didn't use butter for frosting, but made a pourable glaze with half & half and chocolate chips. Poured over the cake while it was still hot.
I ate 2 pieces.