If you’re looking for an easy dessert that satisfies major chocolate cravings, this One Bowl Chocolate Cake is perfection. No fancy equipment, no complicated steps—just rich, fluffy, chocolaty goodness made with only one mixing bowl! Whether it’s for a birthday, a potluck, or just because, this cake is perfect for any occasion. It’s moist, decadent, and comes together in no time. Who says baking has to be hard? Let’s get baking!
Table of content
- About The Recipe
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Key Ingredients and Substitutions
- How to Make the Recipe(Step-by-Step)
- Expert Tips for Success
- Variations and Customizations
- Nutritional Information
- Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Recipe Card
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Comments & Reviews
- Social Sharing Options
About The One Bowl Chocolate Cake Recipe
Do you ever find yourself staring at a pile of dirty dishes after baking and wondering if making that cake was worth it? With this One Bowl Chocolate Cake, you’ll never have to feel that again! This recipe is your ticket to chocolate heaven with minimal mess. Perfect for birthdays, family get-togethers, or even your Netflix-binge snack, this cake is a go-to for so many reasons. The best part? Everything gets mixed into just one bowl—yes, even the wet and dry ingredients—so you won’t need to spend half your day cleaning up. This cake checks all the boxes: moist (yes, the word no one loves to say, but everyone loves in cakes), rich, and easy. Seriously, it’s so easy that even your kid could help you whip it up. That rich chocolate vibe is perfect for any chocolate lovers out there—think of it as an upgraded, homemade version of your childhood box cake mix, except better in every way.Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Made with just one mixing bowl for easy cleanup
- Rich and fluffy chocolate flavor perfect for any occasion
- Uses simple ingredients you likely already have at home
- Comes together in less than an hour, start to finish
- Easily customizable with frosting, toppings, or mix-ins
- Perfect for beginners and pro bakers alike
- No special equipment needed
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
- All-Purpose Flour – Gives the cake its structure. Gluten-free flour works great as a substitute for dietary needs.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder – The star ingredient! Use Dutch-processed cocoa for a richer flavor if desired.
- Sugar – Sweetens the cake. You can try coconut sugar or other granulated substitutes for a different flavor profile.
- Eggs – Provide structure and moisture. Use unsweetened applesauce or flax eggs for a vegan twist.
- Milk – Any milk works here, from dairy to almond, oat, or soy options.
- Vegetable Oil – Keeps the cake ultra-moist. Substitute with melted coconut oil or melted butter if needed.
- Baking Powder and Baking Soda – Ensure the cake rises perfectly.
- Vanilla Extract – Adds a warm, delicious flavor. Swap with almond extract for a different taste.
- Boiling Water – Helps blend the cocoa and gives the cake its soft, fluffy texture.
How to Make the Recipe (Step-by-Step)
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish for an easy release later.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine your dry ingredients: flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda, and baking powder. Stir everything together until evenly mixed.
- Add in the wet ingredients—eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Stir or whisk until the batter is smooth and lump-free.
- Slowly pour in boiling water while stirring. The batter will be thin, but don’t worry; this is what makes the cake so soft and moist.
- Pour the batter into your prepared dish and smooth out the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center.
- Let the cake cool in the dish for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Frost it once fully cooled, or enjoy as-is!
Expert Tips for Success
Use room temperature ingredients for even mixing
Don’t overmix; stir just until ingredients are combined
Adding boiling water might feel weird, but it’s crucial—don’t skip it
If you’re using non-dairy milk, opt for unsweetened versions to retain the cake’s flavor
Use a toothpick or knife to check if your cake is done baking
Variations and Customizations
If you want to change things up, this cake can handle it! Add chocolate chips, crushed nuts, or a swirl of peanut butter before baking. You can also experiment with frostings—whether it’s classic chocolate buttercream, cream cheese frosting, or even a simple dusting of powdered sugar, this cake is a blank canvas for all your dessert dreams. For a healthier version, swap half the sugar with applesauce, or use whole wheat flour for added fiber. Want to make it extra indulgent? Serve each slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Nutritional Information
Each slice of this One Bowl Chocolate Cake (based on 12 servings) provides around 250–300 calories. It has roughly 35 grams of carbohydrates, 10 grams of fat, and 3–5 grams of protein per serving, depending on the ingredients you use. If you opt for substitutions (like non-dairy milk or vegan eggs), the numbers might vary. This dessert is a treat, so serve yourself up a slice (or two!) guilt-free.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
To store, cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or foil, or store in an airtight container. It will stay fresh on the counter for 2–3 days or in the fridge for up to a week. To reheat, pop an individual slice in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds to regain that fresh-out-of-the-oven warmth. If you want to freeze it, wrap each slice in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag—they’ll last up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight or reheat straight from frozen.
Recipe Card of One Bowl Chocolate Cake
Ingredients list
- 2 cups white sugar
- 1.75 cups all-purpose flour
- 0.75 cups unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1.5 teaspoons baking powder
- 1.5 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 0.5 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Gather all your ingredients and get ready to bake the best chocolate cake of your life!
- Fire up your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C). Time to grease and sprinkle some flour into two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large mixing bowl, mix together the sugar, flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Make sure everything is mixed thoroughly!
- Incorporate the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla into the mix. Use an electric mixer on medium speed for a smooth blend, about 2 minutes.
- Gently stir in boiling water. The batter will be rather thin, but don't worry, it's just the way it's supposed to be.
- Pour the delightful batter equally into your prepped cake pans.
- Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted at the center springs out clean, about 30-35 minutes. Let it rest in the pans for 10 minutes, then move to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Now, slice up your delicious creation and dig in!
Recipe Video
Notes
Nutrition
All Your Questions About This Recipe
Can I make this cake vegan?
Yes! Replace the eggs with unsweetened applesauce or flax eggs, and use non-dairy milk to make this recipe vegan-friendly.
What type of cocoa powder should I use?
Regular unsweetened cocoa powder works great, but if you want a richer taste, go for Dutch-processed cocoa powder.
Why does the recipe call for boiling water?
Boiling water helps deepen the chocolate flavor and makes the cake extra moist. Don’t skip this step!
What size pan do I need?
This recipe works best in a 9×13-inch pan, but you can also use two 9-inch round pans for a layer cake.
How can I tell if my cake is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, it’s ready!
Can I use gluten-free flour?
Absolutely. Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix for a gluten-free cake.