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Ultimate One Bowl Chocolate Cake

ultimate one bowl chocolate cake - featured image

A quick and easy one-bowl chocolate cake that is moist, tender, and rich in cocoa flavor. Perfect for cozy moments and simple indulgence without the fuss.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup (65g) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 ¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar
  • ¾ cup (180ml) vegetable oil
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
  • 1 cup (240ml) hot water or brewed coffee
  • 1 teaspoon espresso powder (optional)
  • Optional: chocolate chips or chopped nuts for folding in or topping

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your cake pan and line it with parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. Add the sugar to the dry ingredients and whisk to combine.
  4. Make a well in the center and add the vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir gently until the batter starts to come together.
  5. Pour in the buttermilk and hot water or brewed coffee. Stir carefully until smooth; the batter will be thin.
  6. Add espresso powder if using and stir until incorporated.
  7. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle chocolate chips or nuts if desired.
  8. Bake for 35–40 minutes at 350°F (175°C). Check doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out with a few moist crumbs.
  9. Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. Optional: frost with your favorite icing or dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Notes

Use room temperature eggs and buttermilk for best mixing. Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake tender. Hot water or coffee enhances the chocolate flavor. Let the cake cool properly before slicing to avoid crumbling. Variations include vegan, gluten-free, peanut butter swirl, spiced chocolate, and fruit fold-ins.

Nutrition

Keywords: one bowl chocolate cake, easy chocolate cake, moist chocolate cake, quick chocolate cake, simple chocolate cake, cozy dessert