Description
This easy chocolate cake recipe is pure chocolate bliss in one bowl. Rich, moist, and made with simple pantry staples, it’s the perfect go-to for birthdays, casual cravings, or “I need cake right now” moments. No mixer, no fuss just heavenly chocolate flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon espresso powder (optional)
- Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup milk (or buttermilk, almond, oat, or coconut milk)
- ½ cup vegetable oil (can also use canola or melted coconut oil)
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
Instructions
Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line with parchment paper.Mix dry ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and espresso powder until fully combined.Add wet ingredients
Add the milk, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and no lumps remain.Add boiling water
Slowly pour in the boiling water while whisking. The batter will be thin—this is what makes the cake extra moist.Bake
Divide the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.Cool completely
Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
Notes
- Espresso powder enhances the chocolate flavor but is optional—instant coffee granules also work in a pinch.
For cupcakes, reduce baking time to 18–20 minutes.
Wrap unfrosted cake layers tightly and refrigerate for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Vegan-friendly swaps: Use plant-based milk, coconut oil, and flax eggs to make this recipe dairy-free and egg-free.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 340mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: easy chocolate cake recipe, chocolate cake recipe, one bowl chocolate cake, homemade chocolate cake, moist chocolate cake, quick cake recipe