Best One Bowl Chocolate Cake

 Indulge in this easy, rich, and moist one-bowl chocolate cake, perfect for any occasion. Made with simple ingredients like cocoa powder, buttermilk, and hot coffee, this chocolate cake is incredibly flavorful and easy to prepare. Topped with a smooth, creamy homemade chocolate frosting, this cake is a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or any chocolate lover. With just one bowl for the cake batter and easy-to-follow instructions, this recipe saves time without sacrificing taste. Discover the best chocolate cake recipe for a rich, decadent dessert that’s guaranteed to impress!

Ingredients

For the cake:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• ¾ cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup hot coffee
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the chocolate frosting:

• 340g (1 ½ cups) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 100g (about 3.5 oz) semisweet chocolate, melted and cooled

Instructions

For the cake:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and baking soda until fully combined.
3. Add the eggs, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and buttermilk. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and combined.
4. Gradually add the kosher salt and hot coffee to the batter, mixing until the batter is smooth and well combined.
5. Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. (For even baking, you can use cake strips or weigh the batter to ensure equal portions.)
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool completely in the pans before removing them.

For the frosting:

1. In a large bowl, beat the room temperature butter with a hand mixer or stand mixer until light and fluffy.
2. Gradually add half of the powdered sugar and cocoa powder. Mix until smooth.
3. Add the remaining powdered sugar and beat until fully combined and smooth.
4. Stir in the cooled melted semisweet chocolate, mixing until the frosting is creamy and well combined.

For assembly:

1. Pipe a small amount of frosting onto the surface where you’ll place the first cake layer to help it stick.
2. Place the first cake layer on top of the frosting.
3. Pipe about a third of the frosting onto the cake and spread it evenly.
4. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining frosting.
5. For a rustic look, smooth the sides of the cake and create wave motions on the top of the cake with a spatula.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This one-bowl chocolate cake is the ultimate indulgence for chocolate lovers. Its rich, moist texture paired with creamy chocolate frosting makes it a show-stopping dessert that’s easy to make. The addition of hot coffee in the cake batter enhances the chocolate flavor without making it taste like coffee, giving you a decadent, rich taste with every bite. It’s simple, quick, and perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a birthday, celebration, or just a chocolate craving!

Tips

• Ensure the butter is at room temperature for smooth and fluffy frosting.
• Sift the dry ingredients to ensure there are no lumps in the batter, especially with cocoa powder.
• If you want an even, level cake, consider using cake strips around your pans to prevent doming during baking.
• Make sure to cool the cakes completely before frosting, or the frosting will melt and slide off.

Variations and Substitutions

• For a dairy-free version, substitute the buttermilk with almond milk or any plant-based milk, and use a dairy-free butter alternative for the frosting.
• If you want to add a bit of texture, mix in chocolate chips to the cake batter before baking.
• Flour options: You can swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend if you’re looking for a gluten-free version.
• Frosting flavor: Experiment with different types of chocolate for your frosting, like milk chocolate or dark chocolate for a richer flavor.

FAQs

Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cakes a day or two in advance. Store them wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature until ready to frost.

Can I freeze the cake?
Absolutely! Once the cake has cooled, wrap the layers tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Allow it to thaw completely before frosting.

What can I use if I don’t have buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to a cup of milk and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this decadent chocolate cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or drizzle with a little extra melted chocolate for an even more indulgent treat. Pair it with a hot cup of coffee or tea to enhance the rich chocolate flavor. You can also decorate the top with chocolate shavings, sprinkles, or fresh berries for an extra touch of elegance. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or simply as a special dessert after dinner!