One-Bowl Chocolate Cake Recipe - Crunchy Creamy Sweet (2024)

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This One-Bowl Chocolate Cake is a rich and decadent moist chocolate cake made in just one bowl. The fudgy frosting is irresistible!

If you like one-bowl recipes, you have to try the brownies too! Another delicious cake is my One-Bowl Vanilla Cake.

One-Bowl Chocolate Cake Recipe - Crunchy Creamy Sweet (1)
Jump to:
  • Why You'll Love This Recipe
  • Ingredients:
  • How to make a one-bowl chocolate cake?
  • How to make fudgy chocolate frosting?
  • Recipe FAQs:
  • One-Bowl Chocolate Cake Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

When it comes to desserts, cakes especially, I want easy and quick. That's why I often reach for my crumb bars or cheesecake bars recipes. Easy is where it's at. This One-Bowl Chocolate Cake is just that! You need it in your go-to recipes file. It's as easy as box mix but made from scratch. The fudgy frosting made in a saucepan with just a whisk is out of this world and complements the cake perfectly. You have to try it!

This One-Bowl Chocolate Cake is perfect for a last-minute dessert or if you are craving chocolate cake and need an easy recipe. This one is a keeper!

Ingredients:

  • flour - I used all-purpose flour. If you need to use gluten-free flour, choose one that allows you to substitute at a 1:1 ratio.
  • sugar - I used white, granulated sugar.
  • cocoa powder - Use the best you can get. This is where the chocolate flavor comes from. Dutch-processed cocoa is wonderful here.
  • baking powder and baking soda - The combo of these leavening agents allows the cake to rise and cook properly.
  • buttermilk - I always make my own by combining whole milk (or half and half) and vinegar (or lemon juice). No need to buy it in the store.
  • egg - Binds all ingredients together.
  • oil - I used vegetable oil but canola or even olive oil works here.
  • hot water - This is the secret to making this cake so moist. You can use coffee as well. It will intensify the chocolate flavor.

How to make a one-bowl chocolate cake?

One-Bowl Chocolate Cake Recipe - Crunchy Creamy Sweet (2)
  • Start by measuring out the flour. To do that correctly, spoon flour into a measuring cup, then level the top. Do not dunk the measuring cup into the flourbag and scoop. You will end up with too much flour.
  • Next, measure out the remaining dry ingredients and whisk everything together.
  • Add wet ingredients and whisk until the batter is smooth, no flour lumps should be visible.
  • Pour the batter into parchment paper or an aluminum foil-lined baking pan (I used an 8" square pan but a round pan will work too). Tap the pan gently against the counter to release any air bubbles, then place it in the oven to bake for 25 to 30 minutes.
  • Check with a toothpick or a dry spaghetti noodle to make sure the cake is done. Next, prepare the frosting.

This recipe is so easy, you won't need a box cake mix anymore. Measure out the ingredients and whisk everything together in one bowl until the batter is smooth. It might seem runny and not thick but no worries, the cake will bake perfectly and every bite will be moist and melt in your mouth.

One-Bowl Chocolate Cake Recipe - Crunchy Creamy Sweet (3)

How to make fudgy chocolate frosting?

To make this easy chocolate frosting, all you need is a whisk and a saucepan. No mixer is needed! Simply melt butter and whisk it with cocoa powder. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk to make a smooth, rich, shiny frosting. Spread over still-warm cake.

One-Bowl Chocolate Cake Recipe - Crunchy Creamy Sweet (4)

Recipe FAQs:

Can I use this recipe to make cupcakes?

Yes! To make chocolate cupcakes, divide the batter in the cupcake pan. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes OR until a toothpick inserted into the center of each cupcake comes out clean.

Can I double the recipe to bake in a larger pan?

If you want to use a 13" x 9" pan, double the ingredients. The baking time should be increased to 40 to 45 minutes. But always check the cake with a toothpick to ensure it's done.

Can I use hot coffee instead of water?

Absolutely! Coffee intensifies chocolate flavor so it's a great idea to use it in this recipe. You can use coffee you brewed or mix instant coffee with hot water.

More cake recipes:

  • Eggless Chocolate Cake
  • One Bowl Vanilla Cake Recipe
  • Raspberry Cake with Sweet Cream Glaze
  • The Best Apple Crumb Cake
One-Bowl Chocolate Cake Recipe - Crunchy Creamy Sweet (9)

One-Bowl Chocolate Cake Recipe - Crunchy Creamy Sweet (10)

If you like this recipe and make it, let me know in the comments below! Don't forget to rate it if you enjoyed it!

One-Bowl Chocolate Cake Recipe - Crunchy Creamy Sweet (11)

One-Bowl Chocolate Cake Recipe

Author: Anna

This One-Bowl Chocolate Cake is a rich and decadent moist chocolate cake made in just one bowl. The fudgy frosting is irresistible!

4.88 from 292 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 9 pieces

Calories 388 kcal

Ingredients

for the 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 see note
  • ½ cup hot water

for the 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

  • Line an 8" square or round cake pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Set aside.

  • Preheat oven to 350℉.

  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa, soda, baking powder, and salt.

    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

  • Add egg, oil, and buttermilk and whisk well. Add hot water and whisk until the batter is smooth.

    1 large egg, ½ cup vegetable oil, ½ cup buttermilk, ½ cup hot water

  • Pour into prepared pan. Tap gently against the counter to release any air bubbles.

  • Bake for 25 to 30 minutes OR until the toothpick inserted in few places comes out clean.

  • Cool and make frosting in the meantime.

  • To make the frosting, melt butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat.

    5 tablespoons unsalted butter

  • Add cocoa powder and whisk in. Cook for 2 minutes. Do not boil. Remove saucepan from heat.

    ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

  • Add sifted powdered sugar and whisk in. Add vanilla and milk, one tablespoon at a time. The frosting should be shiny and smooth.

    1 ¼ cup powdered sugar, 2 to 3 tablespoons milk, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

  • Pour over warm cake and spread with a spatula. Let cool before cutting.

Notes

  • To make homemade buttermilk: whisk 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar with enough whole milk or half and half to make ½ cup of liquid.
  • Sifting powdered sugar prevents clumps in the frosting.
  • Please note, that the nutrition value can vary depending on what product you use. The information below is an estimate. Always use calorie counter you are familiar with.

Nutrition

Calories: 388kcal | Carbohydrates: 53g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Cholesterol: 36mg | Sodium: 210mg | Potassium: 134mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 39g | Vitamin A: 245IU | Calcium: 38mg | Iron: 1.4mg

Tried this recipe?Leave a comment with rating below!

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Reader Interactions

Comments

    Did you make this recipe? Let me know!

  1. Afeefa says

    One-Bowl Chocolate Cake Recipe - Crunchy Creamy Sweet (16)
    Tried this cake today, not the incongruous though. Cake was really easy and came out perfectly. I thought it was a super quick and easy recipe.
    Just made 1 alteration, I added 1 tbsp of coffee to the hot water, otherwise followed the recipe to the ‘T’.

    Reply

  2. Alana says

    One-Bowl Chocolate Cake Recipe - Crunchy Creamy Sweet (17)
    I've made this recipe many times and love it so much!

    I've tried to make it "healthier" and always screw it up- I'm going back to this one!

    I just wanted to say thank you again, and a very BIG thank you for putting in all the ingredients in the instructions too- this helps so much so I don't have to scroll up with my flour-covered fingers!

    lots of hugs and love, thank you!

    Reply

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One-Bowl Chocolate Cake Recipe - Crunchy Creamy Sweet (2024)

FAQs

What happens when you add boiling water to cake batter? ›

It can also help create a fluffier, lighter than air cake that feels so soft and delicious that when you sink your teeth into it you will want to go back for seconds. Additionally, adding hot water to a boxed cake mix will react more effectively with the baking powder in the mix, helping it to rise.

Why is my cake pudding? ›

Insufficient creaming of sugar and eggs will also make a tight texture because there isn't enough air trapped in the mix to give it a lift. Adding too much liquid will make it dense and pudding like.

How to jazz up a vanilla cake? ›

For vanilla or yellow cake mixes, try adding diced crystallized ginger, dried fruit, or fresh berries. For chocolate or vanilla cake mixes, try adding unsweetened shredded coconut, toasted chopped nuts, or chocolate chips.

Which ingredient makes cake soft and fluffy? ›

Baking powder is mixed with the flour. When water is added to this flour to make dough, baking powder undergoes a chemical reaction during which carbon dioxide gas is produced. This carbon dioxide gas gets trapped into the dough and bubbles out which causes the cake to rise making it soft and spongy.

What makes a cake moist and fluffy? ›

From ingredient swaps to unique methods, explore these ways to help make your cakes moist.
  1. USE THE CORRECT TEMPERATURE AND BAKING TIME. ...
  2. USE VEGETABLE OIL. ...
  3. USE BUTTERMILK INSTEAD OF MILK. ...
  4. ADD INSTANT PUDDING MIX. ...
  5. ADD MAYONNAISE. ...
  6. USE SIMPLE SYRUP OR GLAZE. ...
  7. USE CAKE FLOUR. ...
  8. DON'T OVERMIX.

Is milk or water better for chocolate cake? ›

Making your cakes with water instead of milk results in stronger, purer chocolate flavor.

What makes a cake more moist water or milk? ›

Liquid needs to be added in order to achieve a cake that's moist with a nice texture. Does milk make a cake moist? Milk does help to make cakes moist. It also does a number of other things in cakes such as helping to provide the proper texture and it enhances the taste.

What can I add to my cake batter to make it more moist? ›

Add Milk, Coffee, or Soda

Boxed cakes often call for water, but swapping it out for equal amounts of milk, coffee, or even soda will give you a moister, more tender, and flavorful cake.

What happens when you add pudding mix to cake mix? ›

Put some pudding in the mix: Add a small box of pudding mix in with the cake mix. (Don't make the pudding.) The mix adds additional flavor, moistness, and a denser texture.

Why is my cake crunchy? ›

Problem: The sides of my cake are crunchy or burnt.

It could be that too much fat has been used to grease the tin; the cake tin wasn't lined sufficiently; the oven was too hot; the cake was left in the oven for too long or a fat that is not suitable for baking has been used.

What happens if you add too much butter to a cake? ›

The more you add, the more moist and fluffy it gets. However, at a certain point, you might increase the amount of butter so much that the cake starts becoming dense again and begin to fall into itself—eventually getting closer to the texture of a greasy brownie instead.

What does adding mayonnaise to cake mix do? ›

All this means that adding mayonnaise to the cake batter boosts the moisture of the final product—and leaves none of its characteristic taste. Testing showed that using oil or butter instead of mayo made for a drier cake, but keeping the eggs in addition to the mayonnaise improved richness and springiness.

What happens if you don't put vanilla in a cake? ›

If you don't have any on hand, you can almost always omit the vanilla without impacting the final texture of your baked goods; although the rich flavor extract—or any form of vanilla—brings will certainly be altered. Just remember one thing: flavor comes first.

What makes cake rise and fluffy? ›

Most cakes will call for a leavening agent like baking powder or baking soda. These create the bubbles you need for the cake to rise. If the flour you use is self-raising, it already has a leavening agent in it. Make sure your butter is room temperature, and beat the butter and sugar together until properly creamed.

Which ingredients should be added to make the cake fluffy give reason? ›

  • The most important ingredient that must be added while making a cake is baking soda. It helps to make the cake fluffy by producing carbon dioxide in the cake when it is heated and leaves small holes (bubbles) in it. ...
  • Hence, the ingredient that she has forgotten to add that makes the cake fluffy is Baking soda.
Jul 3, 2022

What made the cake soft and spongy? ›

Carbon dioxide is released when baking soda is added to cake and this makes the cake to rise making them soft and spongy.

How to make cake mix more fluffy? ›

Add More Eggs

To get an extra rich and moist cake, stir in two extra egg yolks along with the eggs the recipe calls for (save the egg whites to make these delicious meringues). For a lighter and more airy cake, use only egg whites (and save the egg yolks for crème brûlée).

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