One-Bowl Chocolate Cake

We’re not afraid to say it; This one-bowl chocolate cake is the ultimate chocolate cake. All the qualities you dream of when you crave a decadent slice of chocolate cake are a part of this rich dessert.

The preparation couldn’t be more straightforward; as the name suggests, the minimal preparation for mixing this cake batter only requires one bowl. This dessert is a quick, perfect option for nearly any occasion or holiday gathering, yet it is easy enough to put together for a sweet ending to any casual dinner.

So, forget the store-bought cake mixes and reach for this recipe (and a trusty mixing bowl) to make this one-bowl chocolate cake that is just as easy as a box mix but much more delicious from scratch.

One Mixing Bowl Is Really All You Need

One of the best aspects of this chocolate cake recipe is the simplicity involved in the kitchen. Baking at home is always wonderful, but cleaning a stack of dishes is usually an unwelcome distraction. This cake batter comes together in a single mixing bowl, which cuts down on the stack of dirty dishes and simplifies the entire process.

Creating the cake batter is as simple as combining dry ingredients, adding the wet ingredients (along with a bit of hot water to get the right texture and tender rise), and mixing. You’ll be able to make the batter and have the cake layers in the oven in no time.

Ingredients for One-Bowl Chocolate Cake

The cake comprises common baking ingredients you likely already have in your pantry and refrigerator.

• all-purpose flour
• granulated sugar
• cocoa powder
• salt
• baking soda
• baking powder
• fresh eggs
• sour cream
• vegetable oil
• buttermilk
• vanilla extract
• hot water
  

One of the unique ingredients you’ll see in this recipe is the addition of espresso granules. Even if you aren’t an espresso fan, don’t skip it. Using coffee is a great way to enhance the chocolate, adding a rich, well-rounded flavor to the cake batter.

How To Make a One-Bowl Chocolate Cake 

This recipe keeps the preparation process super simple. Here's a quick guide; the full recipe is further below:

• Step 1. Combine the dry ingredients.
• Step 2. Add the wet ingredients, then mix on a medium speed for about two minutes
• Step 3. Add batter to cake pans, and bake.

There aren’t many delicious cakes that are this simple and delicious to create! Though you can certainly mix this cake batter by hand without any issues, using a hand mixer helps make the process even easier. 

Frostings For Chocolate Cake

This versatile cake works well with nearly any of your favorite icings, frostings, and buttercreams. Still, if you want to take your cake to the next level, we’ve included a fantastic whipped chocolate ganache frosting recipe that compliments this chocolate cake in all the best ways. The process is a little more involved, but you won’t regret the time used in putting it together. 

If you choose to use this whipped ganache recipe for your one-bowl chocolate cake (and we couldn’t recommend it highly enough!), the trick is to get the frosting to just the perfect consistency so it is firm enough to frost the cakes easily but not too soft that it squishes out of the sides of the cake.

This process requires an ice bath, which helps cool the icing down quickly, making it easier to work with. This may take a little time and patience, but you’ll be pleasantly surprised how wonderful it tastes.

Serve this cake at room temperature, and you’ll find with each bite that the chocolate ganache icing melts in your mouth. 

How To Serve One-Bowl Chocolate Cake

Once the cake is assembled, you can decorate it in various ways. Adding chocolate curls creates an elegant presentation, but you can keep it simple with a light dusting of powdered sugar or cocoa powder, adding fresh seasonal fruit, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

How To Store Chocolate Cake

The best way to store a chocolate cake depends highly on what type of icing you use.

If you opt for the whipped chocolate ganache in this recipe, the cake can sit at room temperature, covered, for up to five days.

If you decide to use a different icing or buttercream, be sure to check the instructions for that frosting to see if it is best to store it at room temperature or refrigerated and for how long it will remain fresh.

Can This Cake Be Frozen?

Yes, this cake freezes well. For the best results, wrap the individual cake layers and freeze them before adding any frosting. The cake layers can be frozen for up to 2 months and only need to be thawed in the fridge overnight or left on the counter at room temperature for about an hour before use. (Consider this helpful guide for additional information on freezing your cake with and without icing!)

Editorial contributions by Nik Pugmire.