Classic One Bowl Chocolate Cake Recipe
Classic One Bowl Chocolate Cake recipe is simple, quick, and delicious. All ingredients are mixed in a single bowl, minimizing cleanup. It combines flour, sugar, cocoa powder, eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla for a moist, rich cake. Perfect for any occasion, this easy to follow recipe delivers consistent, crowd pleasing results every time ideal for beginners and experienced bakers alike.
Equipment
- 8-inch or 9-inch round cake pan
- Rubber spatula
- Cooling rack
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Saucepan or microwave safe bowl (for frosting)
- Cake knife or offset spatula (for frosting application)
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
For The Chocolate Cake:
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup hot water
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
For The Chocolate Frosting:
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1¼ cups powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 to 3 tablespoons milk adjust for consistency
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your cake pan or line it with parchment paper. Combine dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
- Add in the egg, vegetable oil, buttermilk, and hot water. Mix well using a whisk or electric mixer until smooth and lump free. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 28–32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool completely on a wire rack before applying the frosting. In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
- Add the cocoa powder and mix until combined. Gradually add powdered sugar, alternating with milk, until the desired consistency is achieved. Once the cake has cooled, frost the top and sides evenly using a knife or spatula.
Notes
If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 tablespoon of vinegar with enough milk to make ½ cup. Let it sit for a few minutes before using.