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One-Bowl Chocolate Cake - Easy, Moist, and Foolproof

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • All-purpose flour – The base for structure.
  • Granulated sugar – Sweetness and moisture.
  • Unsweetened cocoa powder – Natural or Dutch-process both work; choose what you have.
  • Baking soda – Helps the cake rise and stay soft.
  • Baking powder – Adds extra lift.
  • Fine salt – Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
  • Buttermilk – Keeps the crumb tender and moist. See swaps below if needed.
  • Neutral oil (like canola, vegetable, or grapeseed) – Moisture and a soft crumb.
  • Large eggs – Bind the batter and add richness.
  • Vanilla extract – Rounds out the chocolate flavor.
  • Hot coffee or hot water – Blooms the cocoa and deepens chocolate notes.
  • Optional add-ins: mini chocolate chips, espresso powder, or orange zest.

Method
 

  1. Preheat and prep. Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch pan or two 8-inch round cake pans, then line with parchment and lightly flour.
  2. Whisk the dry ingredients. In a large bowl, whisk 2 cups flour, 2 cups sugar, 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, and 1 teaspoon salt until evenly combined.
  3. Add the wet ingredients (except hot liquid). Add 1 cup buttermilk, 1/2 cup neutral oil, 2 large eggs, and 2 teaspoons vanilla. Whisk until mostly smooth; a few small lumps are fine.
  4. Finish with heat. Pour in 1 cup hot coffee (or hot water). Whisk gently until the batter is smooth and pourable. The batter will be thin—that’s good.
  5. Pour and level. Divide evenly between prepared pans or pour into the 9x13. Tap the pan once or twice to pop large air bubbles.
  6. Bake. For 9x13, bake 28–34 minutes. For two 8-inch rounds, bake 24–30 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
  7. Cool. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Cool completely before frosting.
  8. Optional frosting. Spread your favorite chocolate frosting on top, dust with powdered sugar, or serve plain with whipped cream or berries.