Easy One-Bowl Chocolate Cake: The Ultimate Moist and Simple Dessert Recipe

Ultimate One-Bowl Chocolate Cake Recipe

Looking for the perfect chocolate cake recipe that’s both simple and delicious? This one-bowl wonder delivers rich, moist layers of chocolatey goodness without the fuss of multiple dishes. Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth on a random Tuesday!

Why You’ll Love This Easy Chocolate Cake

There’s something magical about a homemade chocolate cake that store-bought versions just can’t match. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between convenience and decadence:

• One-bowl wonder – Minimal cleanup required!
• Incredibly moist texture – No dry cake crumbles here
• Rich chocolate flavor – Deep, satisfying cocoa taste in every bite
• Beginner-friendly – No special techniques required
• Customizable – Perfect foundation for your favorite frostings and toppings

Perfect Occasions for Chocolate Cake

This versatile dessert is perfect for:

• Birthday celebrations
• Holiday gatherings
• Dinner parties
• Office potlucks
• Wednesday night “just because” treats

Ingredients for the Best Chocolate Cake

• 2 cups white sugar
• 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1½ teaspoons baking powder
• 1½ teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 cup milk
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water

For the Chocolate Frosting (Optional)

• ½ cup butter, softened
• ⅔ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• ⅓ cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Make One-Bowl Chocolate Cake

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine sugar, flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix until well integrated.
3. Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes until well combined.
4. Carefully stir in boiling water. Note: The batter will be thin, but that’s exactly what creates a moist cake!
5. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then remove from pans and let cool completely on wire racks before frosting.

For the Frosting (Optional)

1. In a medium bowl, cream butter until smooth.
2. Add cocoa powder and blend well.
3. Gradually add powdered sugar, alternating with milk, beating continuously until smooth and spreadable.
4. Mix in vanilla extract.
5. Spread over cooled cake layers and sides.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Chocolate Cake

• Room temperature ingredients: Especially eggs and milk will help everything blend together smoothly.
• Don’t overmix: Once you add the flour, mix just until combined to avoid a tough cake texture.
• The boiling water trick: This unusual step is what makes the cake extra moist and enhances the chocolate flavor.
• Cooling patience: Let the cake cool completely before frosting to prevent melting and sliding.
• Checking doneness: Insert a toothpick in the center – if it comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter), your cake is perfect!

Delicious Variations to Try

Mocha Chocolate Cake

Dissolve 2 tablespoons of instant coffee in the boiling water before adding to the batter for a coffee-chocolate flavor fusion.

Triple Chocolate Indulgence

Add ½ cup chocolate chips to the batter and top the frosted cake with chocolate shavings.

Black Forest Inspired

Fill cake layers with cherry preserves and top with whipped cream and fresh cherries.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

• Room temperature: Store frosted cake in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigeration: For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week. Let come to room temperature before serving.
• Freezing: Unfrosted cake layers can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil.

Why This Chocolate Cake Recipe Works

The secret to this chocolate cake’s success lies in its simplicity. Using just one bowl not only means less cleanup but allows the ingredients to blend perfectly, creating that ideal texture. The addition of boiling water might seem unusual, but it’s the magic ingredient that activates the cocoa powder, intensifying the chocolate flavor while ensuring a super moist crumb.

Whether you’re a beginner baker or seasoned pro, this foolproof chocolate cake recipe will become your go-to for all occasions. With its perfect balance of richness and lightness, it’s guaranteed to impress family and friends every time!

Original Recipe Source