One Bowl Chocolate Cake

We all need an easy, reliable and extremely delicious cake recipe in our repertoires for any occasion that calls for cake. This is a homemade chocolate cake that has rich flavor, moist texture and is way better than cake mixes from a box. Here's your new go-to One-Bowl Chocolate Cake recipe!

This is the best cake for whipping up quickly without a lot of time or equipment. The best thing is that it's made all in one bowl and no need for messing with muffin wrappers like in my classic chocolate cupcakes. Use this easy recipe as a one layer chocolate cake recipe for your next birthday party, special occasion or to satisfy any serious chocolate craving.

Be sure to try my Chocolate Pound Cake recipe, too!

Please note: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases made by clicking the links in my post.

Why you'll love this recipe

• moist chocolate cake recipe that's made from basic ingredients
• way better than any box cake mix, and almost as easy!
• only one bowl needed and no electric mixer required
• optional fudgy frosting recipe that's silky smooth

This recipe contains just the basics. No special ingredients that'll have you running to the store. As far as one layer chocolate cake recipes go, this is the best!

That's the point of having a back-pocket chocolate cake recipe. You can whip it up at a moment's notice with only pantry and fridge staples. 

In-laws are stopping by after dinner? No problem! Friend's birthday is today? Got a quick cake recipe for that! New neighbors just moved in across the street? This one bowl chocolate cake it perfect for all these occasions and more.

There are lots of great chocolate cake recipes out there. Hershey's Chocolate Cake is an example of one. I think you'll find, though, that this one is the best!

Ingredients & Substitutions

The secret to ultra moist chocolate cake is a few key ingredients. First is the addition of an extra egg yolk. The extra yolk provides this one bowl chocolate cake with a good amount of richness while helping the cake stay moist and maintain structure.

Next is the buttermilk. Buttermilk helps add flavor and moisture to this cake recipe without adding a lot of fat. Vegetable oil also serves the purpose of keeping this cake moist while also creating a lofty and even crumb. Check out the pics to see just how beautiful that crumb is!

Lastly, is the secret ingredient that doesn't necessarily add to the moistness of this chocolate cake, but helps boost the chocolatey flavor to the max. That secret ingredient is coffee! Now, don't be afraid of chocolate cake with coffee if you don't like the taste of coffee. You won't taste it in the baked cake. 

Coffee helps elevate the flavor of chocolate, so adding it in does just that without an overpowering flavor of coffee. Try it, I think you'll really like the results!

How to make this recipe

Let's make this delicious chocolate cake! Here's how (see the recipe card below for full recipe):

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350º F (180º C). Line an 8 x 8 inch square baking pan with parchment paper and set aside

Step 2

In a large bowl, add the dry ingredients and whisk to combine

Step 3

Add to the bowl the wet ingredients and whisk thoroughly until combined and no dry spots appear

Step 4

Add the hot coffee (or boiling water). Whisk well until evenly combined

Step 5

Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out with just a few moist crumbs stuck to it

Step 6

Allow the cake to cool on a wire rack.

Step 7 (optional)

Prepare the chocolate frosting and top the cooled cake. Decorate with sprinkles, if desired

Pro Tips

• This chocolate cake recipe uses hot coffee in the batter to bring out the chocolate flavor of the cocoa powder. I would highly recommend giving it a try, even if you don't particularly like coffee. The coffee flavor is virtually undetectable in the baked cake, but does enhance the chocolate flavor in the best way possible. If you are really opposed to adding coffee to your cake, simply substitute the coffee for hot water. The same holds true for the chocolate fudge frosting recipe I share here to complement the cake. If you would prefer to make the frosting without the coffee, simply omit it
• Like most baked good recipes, I recommend bringing your eggs to room temperature before adding them to the batter. This will help the eggs evenly incorporate into the batter creating an even crumb and texture to your finished cake
• The cake recipe I share here is made in one bowl, but I couldn't resist sharing a frosting recipe to go along with the cake! You can, of course, use any frosting your heart desires or forgo the frosting altogether. Keep in mind this frosting recipe is made using a mixer and you will need to melt the chocolate on the stove top. Melting the chocolate can be done instead in the microwave. To do so, place the chopped chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave on 50% power in 30 second increments, stirring between, until chocolate is just melted
• I shared my go-to Chocolate Fudge Buttercream Frosting recipe here for you too. It's easy, silky smooth and not as sweet as most buttercream, which I really like. Feel free to forgo frosting altogether if you so choose or switch it up for your fave frosting recipe like this Oreo frosting recipe. But caramel pairs really well with chocolate so next time give Salted Caramel frosting.

FAQs

How should I store one-bowl chocolate cake?

Store frosted cake covered in the fridge for up to 5 days.

How long does chocolate cake last in the fridge?

Chocolate cake lasts about 5 days in the fridge.

Can this cake be made in advance?

Yes! This cake may be baked up to 3 days in advance. Once completely cooled after baking, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and store at room temperature or in the fridge. Unwrap then frost and serve.

Can I use this recipe to make a layer cake?

This recipe yields a one layer chocolate. This cake is an 8x8 inch square cake. To make a layer cake, double the recipe and use two 8-inch round pans.

Can this recipe be adjusted to make a dairy free chocolate cake recipe?

I have not tried making this cake dairy free, however, use your favorite dairy-free substitute for buttermilk such as vegan buttermilk or unsweetened soy milk plus lemon juice.

FOR ALL MY FAVORITE BAKING TOOLS INCLUDING THOSE USED TO MAKE THIS RECIPE, CHECK OUT MY BAKING RESOURCES PAGE!

Like this recipe? Follow me on Pinterest for lots more recipes just like this one! And don’t forget to pin this recipe for later by clicking on one of the images below the recipe. Or, click on any of the images in this post to save to Pinterest.

Looking for more chocolate recipes? Give these a try:

For more cake recipes, check these out!

Did you enjoy a KICKASS BAKER recipe? Please share a comment and leave a 5 Star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Rating on this recipe! We appreciate you sharing your feedback!