One Bowl Chocolate Cake

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When you’re craving chocolate, nothing hits the spot like a rich, moist, and indulgent chocolate cake. The One Bowl Chocolate Cake is your answer to that craving—easy to make, decadently chocolaty, and perfectly moist. Best of all, it requires minimal cleanup since everything comes together in a single bowl!

Whether you’re baking for a celebration or just want to satisfy a late-night sweet tooth, this recipe is foolproof and always delivers. With a soft crumb, intense chocolate flavor, and endless topping possibilities, it’s a dessert you’ll turn to again and again.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to whip up the perfect One Bowl Chocolate Cake step-by-step, get tips for achieving the ultimate texture and flavor, and explore creative variations to customize it for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love One Bowl Chocolate Cake

This cake is as simple as it is delicious. Here’s why it’s destined to become a staple in your kitchen:

Quick and easy: With minimal ingredients and just one bowl, it’s perfect for busy days.
Rich and chocolaty: The deep cocoa flavor makes it a chocolate lover’s dream.
Super moist: Oil and buttermilk ensure the cake stays soft and tender.
Versatile: Dress it up with frosting, ganache, or powdered sugar, or keep it simple.

Ingredients for One Bowl Chocolate Cake

This recipe uses pantry staples, making it a go-to dessert you can whip up anytime.

Ingredient	Quantity	Possible Substitutes
All-purpose flour	1 ¾ cups	Whole wheat flour for a denser texture
Granulated sugar	2 cups	Coconut sugar for a slightly caramelized flavor
Cocoa powder (unsweetened)	¾ cup	Dutch-process cocoa for a richer flavor
Baking powder	1 ½ tsp	Omit if using self-rising flour
Baking soda	1 ½ tsp	Adjust based on leavening preferences
Salt	1 tsp	Reduce for a less savory note
Eggs	2 large	Flax eggs for a vegan option
Whole milk	1 cup	Almond milk or oat milk for dairy-free
Vegetable oil	½ cup	Melted coconut oil or butter
Boiling water	1 cup	Coffee for enhanced chocolate flavor
Vanilla extract	2 tsp	Almond extract for a nutty undertone

Step-by-Step Guide to One Bowl Chocolate Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or two 9-inch round cake pans.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir to combine.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Add the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract to the bowl. Using a whisk or hand mixer, beat until the batter is smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Incorporate Boiling Water

Gradually stir in the boiling water (or coffee) until fully incorporated. The batter will be thin—this is what makes the cake so moist.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan(s) and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Frosting Options

This cake is delicious on its own but becomes extraordinary with the right topping. Here are a few options:

Chocolate Buttercream Frosting

Ingredient	Quantity
Unsalted butter (softened)	½ cup
Cocoa powder	⅓ cup
Powdered sugar	3 cups
Milk	3-4 tbsp
Vanilla extract	1 tsp

Beat the butter until fluffy. Gradually add the cocoa powder and powdered sugar, alternating with milk, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency. Stir in the vanilla extract and spread over the cooled cake.

Chocolate Ganache

Ingredient	Quantity
Semi-sweet chocolate (chopped)	8 oz
Heavy cream	½ cup

Heat the cream until simmering. Pour it over the chopped chocolate and let it sit for 2-3 minutes. Whisk until smooth and glossy, then pour over the cooled cake.

Pro Tips for Perfecting One Bowl Chocolate Cake

Use fresh ingredients: Ensure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh for the best rise.
Don’t overmix: Mix just until the ingredients are combined to avoid a dense cake.
Boiling water or coffee: The heat helps bloom the cocoa, intensifying the chocolate flavor.
Line the pan: Use parchment paper for easy removal and a clean presentation.

Creative Variations to Try

This recipe is incredibly versatile. Here are some ideas to make it your own:

Peanut Butter Swirl: Add dollops of peanut butter to the batter and swirl with a knife before baking.
Mint Chocolate Cake: Add 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract to the batter and top with crushed peppermint candies.
Triple Chocolate Delight: Fold in ½ cup of chocolate chips or chunks into the batter before baking.
Fruit Topping: Top the cake with fresh strawberries, raspberries, or a drizzle of raspberry sauce.

Serving Suggestions

The One Bowl Chocolate Cake is perfect for any occasion. Here’s how to serve it:

Casual Treat: Dust with powdered sugar and serve with a cup of coffee or tea.
A La Mode: Pair a warm slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic pairing.
Layered Celebration Cake: Frost with buttercream or ganache and stack the layers for a show-stopping dessert.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Refrigeration: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Freezing: Wrap the cooled cake (without frosting) tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before frosting and serving.

Conclusion: A Chocolate Lover’s Dream

The One Bowl Chocolate Cake is a dessert that checks all the boxes: it’s quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying. With its rich chocolate flavor, moist texture, and versatility, it’s perfect for every chocolate craving, from weeknight indulgences to special celebrations.

Whether you’re keeping it simple with powdered sugar or dressing it up with ganache and fresh fruit, this cake is sure to impress. Gather your ingredients, grab your mixing bowl, and treat yourself to a chocolate experience that’s as effortless as it is delicious. Happy baking! 🍫🎂✨