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One-Bowl Chocolate Cake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 140 reviews

This One-Bowl Chocolate Cake is a rich, moist, and fluffy dessert that’s easy to prepare with minimal mess. Using a simple mix of pantry staples, the recipe combines a tender chocolate-flavored cake base with a luscious homemade cocoa frosting, all made in just one bowl and baked to perfection. Perfect for any occasion, this classic cake delivers indulgent chocolate flavor with a smooth, shiny frosting.

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 prevent sticking. Set aside for later use.
  2. Preheat the oven: Set your oven temperature to 350℉ (175℃) to ensure it’s ready for baking once the batter is prepared.
  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: To the dry mixture, add the large egg, vegetable oil, and buttermilk. Whisk these ingredients thoroughly to incorporate them evenly.
  5. Incorporate hot water: Pour in the hot water gradually and whisk until the batter becomes smooth and free of lumps, creating a thin consistency.
  6. Transfer to pan: Pour the prepared batter into the lined pan. Tap the pan gently against the counter to release any trapped air bubbles in the batter.
  7. Bake the cake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick in several spots; it should come out clean when the cake is done.
  8. Cool the cake: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan while you prepare the frosting.
  9. Melt butter for frosting: In a saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the unsalted butter gently without boiling.
  10. Add cocoa powder: Whisk in the unsweetened cocoa powder and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring continuously to blend the flavors well.
  11. Remove from heat and add sugar: Take the saucepan off the heat and slowly whisk in the sifted powdered sugar until smooth.
  12. Add vanilla and milk: Stir in the vanilla extract and milk one tablespoon at a time, adjusting to reach a shiny, smooth frosting consistency.
  13. Frost the cake: Pour the warm frosting evenly over the cooled cake and spread it with a spatula for full coverage.
  14. Set and serve: Allow the frosting to set by letting the cake cool completely before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Buttermilk can be substituted by adding 1 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 but very hot to properly activate the baking soda and dissolve cocoa powder for a moist texture.
  • The cake pan should be lined to prevent the cake from sticking and for easy removal.
  • Frosting should be applied while still warm for the best spreadability.
  • Store any leftover cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.

Keywords: chocolate cake, one-bowl cake, easy chocolate cake, homemade chocolate frosting, moist chocolate cake

Find it online: https://kitchenbyclara.com/one-bowl-chocolate-cake-recipe/