Print

One-Bowl Chocolate Cake Recipe

4.9 from 148 reviews

This One-Bowl Chocolate Cake is a simple, moist, and delicious treat perfect for any occasion. Requiring just one bowl for the batter and minimal fuss, it combines rich cocoa flavor with a luscious homemade chocolate frosting. Easy to prepare with common pantry ingredients, this cake offers a tender crumb and a smooth, shiny frosting that makes it a crowd-pleaser for chocolate lovers.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • ½ cup buttermilk
  • ½ cup hot water

Frosting

  • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 ¼ cup powdered sugar
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons milk
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pan: Line an 8-inch square or round cake pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil to ensure easy removal of the cake after baking. Set aside.
  2. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to preheat while you prepare the batter.
  3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
  4. Add Wet Ingredients: Add the egg, vegetable oil, and buttermilk to the dry ingredients and whisk thoroughly. Then gradually add the hot water, whisking until the batter is smooth and lump-free.
  5. Pour and Tap: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Gently tap the pan against the counter to release any trapped air bubbles, promoting an even bake.
  6. Bake the Cake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. Cool the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool slightly while you prepare the frosting.
  8. Make the Frosting – Melt Butter: In a saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the unsalted butter carefully, avoiding boiling.
  9. Add Cocoa Powder: Whisk in the unsweetened cocoa powder and cook for 2 minutes, stirring consistently to combine and release flavor.
  10. Add Powdered Sugar: Remove the saucepan from heat. Whisk in the sifted powdered sugar gradually to avoid lumps.
  11. Finish Frosting: Add vanilla extract and 2 to 3 tablespoons of milk, one tablespoon at a time, whisking until the frosting is shiny, smooth, and spreadable.
  12. Frost the Cake: Pour the warm frosting evenly over the warm cake and use a spatula to spread it smoothly. Allow the cake to cool completely before cutting and serving.

Notes

  • For the buttermilk, if you don’t have any on hand, you can make a substitute by adding ½ tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to ½ cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
  • Ensure the hot water is not boiling to prevent curdling the batter but still warm enough to help create a smooth batter.
  • Tap the pan gently to avoid air bubbles which can cause large holes in the cake texture.
  • Do not boil the frosting after adding cocoa powder; just cook gently for best flavor and consistency.
  • Allow the cake to cool before slicing to achieve clean and neat slices.

Keywords: one bowl chocolate cake, easy chocolate cake, simple chocolate cake recipe, homemade chocolate cake, chocolate frosting, quick dessert, moist chocolate cake