This Simple and Delicious One-Bowl Chocolate Cake is perfect for anyone seeking a quick and easy yet delectable dessert. This cake boasts a moist, rich chocolate base, made using straightforward ingredients and a hassle-free method. It’s paired with a homemade cocoa frosting that’s smooth and shiny, adding an extra layer of chocolatey indulgence. This cake is an ideal choice for those last-minute dessert needs or when you crave something sweet and satisfying without too much fuss.
Why You’ll Love This
The beauty of this cake lies in its simplicity and the rich, deep chocolate flavor it delivers. The one-bowl method ensures minimal cleanup, making this a go-to recipe for busy days. The inclusion of both hot water and buttermilk in the batter creates a light, tender crumb that stays moist for days, ensuring that each bite is as good as the last. The homemade frosting, creamy and rich, perfectly complements the less sweet base, striking a delightful balance.
Perfect Occasion
This chocolate cake is versatile enough to serve as a comforting treat on a casual night at home or as a delightful dessert at gatherings and celebrations. It’s also fantastic for birthdays, picnics, or any potluck event, ensuring you’ll be the star of the show without spending all day in the kitchen. Additionally, it makes an excellent surprise for a friend or family member in need of a little chocolate therapy.
Decoration Tips
To enhance the cake’s appearance, consider adding a sprinkle of chocolate shavings or cocoa nibs on top of the frosting for a bit of crunch and visual appeal. For a festive touch, edible glitter or colorful sprinkles can make this cake fit for any celebration. If you’re feeling creative, a drizzle of caramel or a dusting of powdered sugar could add a nice contrast to the rich chocolate frosting.
Ingredients:
- 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 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 2 to 3 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Prepare and Preheat:
- Line an 8-inch square or round cake pan with parchment paper. Set aside.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Add Wet Ingredients:
- Add the egg, vegetable oil, and buttermilk to the dry ingredients. Whisk well until combined.
- Gradually add the hot water, continuing to whisk until the batter is smooth.
- Bake the Cake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan, tapping gently against the counter to release any air bubbles.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Make the Frosting:
- While the cake cools, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat.
- Add cocoa powder and whisk for about 2 minutes. Be careful not to let it boil.
- Remove from heat, add the powdered sugar gradually, then the vanilla and milk one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting is shiny and smooth.
- Frost and Serve:
- Pour the frosting over the warm cake and spread evenly with a spatula.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before cutting into squares and serving.
Enjoy this Simple and Delicious One-Bowl Chocolate Cake, a straightforward recipe that delivers maximum flavor and comfort with minimal effort, perfect for any occasion that calls for a sweet, chocolatey treat.
