Moist & Fudgy One-Bowl Chocolate Cake Recipe
This Moist & Fudgy Chocolate Cake is a rich, one-bowl wonder that combines the deep flavor of cocoa with a tender, luscious crumb. With simple ingredients and an easy mixing method, it’s perfect for any occasion and can be frosted with decadent chocolate ganache buttercream or your favorite frosting. The addition of hot coffee intensifies the chocolate notes without any bitterness, producing an irresistibly moist cake.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 20 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup cocoa powder (Dutch processed or natural unsweetened)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup full-fat sour cream
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot coffee
Frosting
- Chocolate Ganache Buttercream Frosting (or other frosting of your choosing)
Instructions
- Make the cake batter: In a large bowl, whisk together all the dry ingredients – flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt – until well combined. To this, add the milk, vegetable oil, sour cream, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir the ingredients thoroughly until the batter is thick and smooth, similar to brownie batter texture.
- Add hot coffee: Slowly pour in the hot coffee while whisking carefully. This thins out the batter, making it pourable and ensuring the chocolate flavor is intensified and evenly distributed.
- Prepare baking pan and preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Line a 9×13 inch metal baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and set aside. For other shapes like round cake layers or cupcakes, see recipe notes.
- Pour batter into pan and bake: Transfer the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Place it in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. The cake is done when it springs back when lightly touched and a cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and frost: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before frosting. Once cool, apply your choice of chocolate ganache buttercream frosting or any other preferred frosting. Serve or store as desired.
Notes
- For round cake layers or cupcakes, reduce baking time accordingly: around 25-30 minutes for cupcakes and about 28-32 minutes for round layers.
- Using hot coffee enhances the depth of the chocolate flavor without adding bitterness.
- Ensure the cake is fully cooled before frosting to prevent melting or sliding of the frosting.
- This batter can be mixed in one bowl, minimizing cleanup and making it user-friendly.
