One-Bowl Chocolate Cake Recipe
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.
- Author: Lena
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
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
- 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.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to preheat while you prepare the batter.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Cool the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool slightly while you prepare the frosting.
- Make the Frosting – Melt Butter: In a saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the unsalted butter carefully, avoiding boiling.
- Add Cocoa Powder: Whisk in the unsweetened cocoa powder and cook for 2 minutes, stirring consistently to combine and release flavor.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Remove the saucepan from heat. Whisk in the sifted powdered sugar gradually to avoid lumps.
- 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.
- 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