Description
This easy one-bowl chocolate cake is the ultimate dessert for chocolate lovers. It’s rich, moist, and so simple to make that even beginners can whip it up in no time. With minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, this cake is perfect for birthdays, holidays, or satisfying those weeknight sweet cravings. Customize it with your favorite frosting and toppings for a treat that’s as versatile as it is delicious.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- All-purpose flour: 1½ cups (188g)
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: ¼ cup (23g)
- Sugar: 1 cup (200g)
- Baking soda: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: ¼ teaspoon
- Brewed coffee (or hot water with 1½ tsp instant coffee): 1 cup
- Neutral oil (or mild olive oil): ¼ cup + 2 tablespoons
- Vinegar: 1 tablespoon
- Vanilla extract: 2 teaspoons
For Decoration:
- Chocolate buttercream frosting: 1 recipe (store-bought or homemade)
- Maraschino cherries (optional): 8
Instructions
1. Prepare Your Baking Pans
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease two 6-inch round pans with oil or butter. Dust with flour and line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Ensure all dry ingredients are evenly combined for a lump-free batter.
3. Add the Wet Ingredients
- To the same bowl, add:
- 1 cup brewed coffee
- ¼ cup + 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Whisk gently until the batter is smooth. Avoid overmixing to maintain the cake’s tender texture.
4. Divide and Bake
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
- Smooth the tops with a spatula and bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
5. Cool the Cakes
- Let the cakes cool in their pans for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step prevents the frosting from melting.
6. Frost and Decorate
- Once completely cool, frost the cake with a generous layer of chocolate buttercream frosting.
- Stack the cakes, spreading frosting between the layers.
- For a classic touch, top with maraschino cherries.
Notes
- Use hot coffee: Enhances the chocolate flavor, but hot water works too if you’re not a coffee fan.
- Vinegar is key: It reacts with the baking soda to create a light, fluffy texture.
- Measure precisely: Baking is a science—accurate measurements are essential for success.
- Cool before frosting: Ensure the cake is completely cool to avoid a melty mess.
- High-quality cocoa: Opt for unsweetened cocoa powder of good quality for the best flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American