Description
This Easy Chocolate Cake is moist, rich, and incredibly simple to make! Made with basic pantry ingredients, this cake comes together in one bowl and is perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or anytime you need a quick chocolate fix. Pair it with your favorite frosting for the ultimate chocolate dessert!
Ingredients
For the Cake:
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 cups granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk (or buttermilk for extra moisture)
1/2 cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water (or hot coffee for deeper flavor)
For the Chocolate Frosting (Optional):
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 cup milk (adjust as needed)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Make the Cake:
Preheat & Prep:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or one 9×13-inch pan.
Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Add Wet Ingredients:
Add milk, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients.
Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes until smooth.
Add Hot Water (or Coffee):
Stir in boiling water (batter will be thin—this is normal!).
Pour evenly into prepared pans.
Bake:
Bake for 30–35 minutes (round cakes) or 35–40 minutes (9×13-inch cake), until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Frosting (Optional):
Beat butter until creamy.
Gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder, mixing well.
Add milk and vanilla extract, and beat until fluffy.
Assemble & Serve:
Frost the cake once completely cooled.
Slice and enjoy this rich, chocolatey perfection!