If you have a craving for an irresistibly moist and rich chocolate cake but hate dealing with piles of dirty dishes afterward, then this One Bowl Chocolate Cake Recipe is about to become your new best friend. This cake manages to be deeply chocolatey and wonderfully tender, all made easily in a single bowl for minimal cleanup and maximum joy. It’s the kind of recipe that transforms any ordinary day into a celebration and fills your kitchen with the warm, comforting aroma everyone loves. Trust me, once you try this One Bowl Chocolate Cake Recipe, you’ll want to keep it in your baking rotation forever.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but crucial to create the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color in your cake. Each item plays a distinct role, from the richness of cocoa powder to the fluffiness added by baking soda and powder.
- 1 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: The cake’s sturdy backbone, providing structure and tenderness.
- 2 cups granulated sugar: Sweetness that complements the bitterness of cocoa perfectly.
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Bringing that intense chocolate flavor and deep color.
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the cake rise beautifully and stay light.
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking soda: Works with the acid in cocoa to produce a tender crumb.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
- 2 large eggs: Adds richness and helps bind the batter together.
- 1 cup whole milk: Contributes moisture and a creamy texture.
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist long after baking.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Elevates and rounds out the chocolate flavor.
- 1 cup boiling water: Intensifies the cocoa flavor while thinning the batter as needed.
How to Make One Bowl Chocolate Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Grease and flour a 9 by 13-inch baking pan to ensure your cake won’t stick and will come out perfectly shaped and easy to serve.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In your large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir these together thoroughly so every bite of your cake has a consistent, delicious flavor.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Next, add the eggs, whole milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to your dry mix. Beat everything on medium speed for about two minutes until the ingredients are well blended and the batter feels smooth and uniform.
Step 4: Incorporate Boiling Water
Carefully pour in the boiling water, stirring gently to combine. Don’t be alarmed if the batter looks thin — this is key for a moist, tender crumb and intensified chocolate taste.
Step 5: Pour Into Pan and Bake
Transfer your batter to the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, signaling your cake is perfectly done.
Step 6: Cool and Set
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before moving it to a wire rack. Cooling completely ensures optimal texture and flavor before you slice into this luscious dessert.
How to Serve One Bowl Chocolate Cake Recipe
Garnishes
While this cake is delicious all on its own, adding a dusting of powdered sugar, a dollop of whipped cream, or a handful of fresh berries can make it feel extra special. For a decadent touch, drizzle warm chocolate ganache or sprinkle chopped nuts on top.
Side Dishes
Serve slices alongside classic vanilla ice cream, or pair it with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea to complement the rich chocolate flavor perfectly. The balance between warm cake and cool, creamy sides is always a crowd-pleaser.
Creative Ways to Present
For celebrations, cut the cake into small squares and serve as a dessert buffet centerpiece. Alternatively, layer slices with frosting between to create a stunning layered cake. You can even use cookie cutters to transform slices into festive shapes for kids’ parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, wrap the cake tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay moist and delicious for up to three days, perfect for quick snacks or last-minute dessert cravings.
Freezing
You can freeze this chocolate cake if you want to keep it longer. Wrap it well in foil and then place it in a freezer-safe bag. It freezes wonderfully for up to three months and thaws easily at room temperature when you want a sweet treat.
Reheating
To warm leftovers, zap a cake slice in the microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds or pop it in a low oven wrapped in foil. Warming brings back that fresh-from-the-oven softness and intensifies the chocolate aroma.
FAQs
Can I use different types of flour in this One Bowl Chocolate Cake Recipe?
While all-purpose flour is ideal for this cake to maintain the right texture, you can experiment with whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste, but expect a denser crumb.
Is it necessary to use boiling water in the recipe?
Yes, boiling water helps to bloom the cocoa powder, boosting the chocolate flavor and creating a moist batter. Skipping this step will result in a less intense taste.
Can I substitute vegetable oil with butter?
You can replace the vegetable oil with melted butter for a richer flavor, but keep in mind that oil generally makes the cake more moist and keeps it fresh longer.
How do I make this cake gluten-free?
Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that includes xanthan gum for structure. The texture might be slightly different but still delicious.
Can I add frosting to the One Bowl Chocolate Cake Recipe?
Absolutely! This cake pairs wonderfully with classic chocolate, cream cheese, or vanilla buttercream frostings. Adding frosting turns it into an elegant centerpiece for any occasion.
Final Thoughts
Making the One Bowl Chocolate Cake Recipe is like creating a little slice of happiness that’s quick, simple, and absolutely scrumptious. Whether you’re baking for a casual family dinner or a special celebration, this cake’s moist crumb and rich chocolate flavor are sure to win hearts and satisfy sweet cravings. Give it a try soon — you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
Print
One Bowl Chocolate Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 35m
- Total Time: 0h 50m
- Yield: 12 servings (9×13 inch pan)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This One Bowl Chocolate Cake is a moist and rich chocolate cake that’s simple to prepare and perfect for any occasion. Made with common pantry ingredients, it combines cocoa powder and boiling water for a deep chocolate flavor and a tender crumb. Baked in one bowl, this cake is both delicious and easy to make, ideal for chocolate lovers of all skill levels.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, stir together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly mixed.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs, whole milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes until the batter is smooth and well combined.
- Incorporate Boiling Water: Carefully stir in the boiling water. This will thin the batter significantly but is essential for a moist texture and to enhance the chocolate flavor.
- Pour Batter into Pan: Transfer the batter into the prepared 9×13 inch pan, spreading evenly.
- Bake the Cake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean, indicating doneness.
- Cool the Cake: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, remove it from the pan and place it on a wire rack to cool completely before serving or frosting.
Notes
- Use boiling water carefully to avoid burns and ensure it is mixed thoroughly for the best texture.
- Check the cake with a toothpick towards the end of baking time to prevent overbaking.
- This cake pairs wonderfully with your favorite frosting or served plain with a dusting of powdered sugar.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend.
