One Bowl Chocolate Cake Recipe

Who doesn’t love a rich and decadent chocolate cake? This one-bowl chocolate cake recipe is perfect for satisfying those chocolate cravings with minimal effort. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a sweet treat, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

Ingredients for One Bowl Chocolate Cake

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water

Steps to Make One Bowl Chocolate Cake

Mixing Dry Ingredients

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix well to ensure even distribution of ingredients.

Adding Wet Ingredients

3. Add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients.
4. Mix on medium speed until well combined. The batter will be thick at this stage.

Combining the Batter

5. Gradually add the boiling water to the batter, mixing on low speed until the batter is smooth. Be careful as the batter will become thin.

Baking the Cake

6. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Tips for Success

1. Use High-Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality cocoa powder, flour, and other ingredients for the best flavor and texture.
2. Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure all your ingredients, especially eggs and milk, are at room temperature before mixing. This helps ensure even mixing and a smoother batter.
3. Proper Mixing Technique: When mixing the batter, be sure to follow the recipe instructions carefully. Overmixing can result in a tough cake, so mix until just combined.
4. Preheat the Oven: Always preheat your oven before baking the cake to ensure even baking and proper rise.
5. Grease and Flour the Pan: To prevent the cake from sticking to the pan, grease it with butter or cooking spray and dust it with flour before adding the batter.
6. Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake to check for doneness. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the cake is ready.
7. Cooling Time: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before removing it to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps prevent the cake from breaking apart.
8. Frosting and Decoration: Once the cake is completely cool, you can frost and decorate it as desired. Make sure the cake is completely cooled before adding frosting to prevent it from melting.
9. Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to several days. Alternatively, you can refrigerate the cake to prolong its freshness.

Variations and Serving Suggestions

1. Simple Dusting: Dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar for a simple and elegant finish.
2. Whipped Cream: Serve slices of cake with a dollop of whipped cream or whipped coconut cream for a light and fluffy accompaniment.
3. Fresh Berries: Garnish each slice with fresh berries such as strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries for a pop of color and freshness.
4. Ice Cream: Serve warm slices of cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic and indulgent dessert.
5. Chocolate Ganache: Drizzle slices of cake with homemade or store-bought chocolate ganache for an extra decadent touch.
6. Caramel Sauce: Drizzle slices of cake with caramel sauce and sprinkle with sea salt for a sweet and salty contrast.
7. Nutella Spread: Spread a thin layer of Nutella or chocolate hazelnut spread on each slice for an extra dose of chocolatey goodness.
8. Coffee or Tea: Enjoy slices of cake with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea for the perfect pairing of flavors.

Health Benefits of Chocolate Cake

1. Antioxidant Properties: Chocolate contains antioxidants called flavonoids, which help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Dark chocolate, in particular, is rich in flavonoids, making it a healthier choice for chocolate cake.
2. Improved Mood: Chocolate contains compounds such as serotonin and phenylethylamine, which can help improve mood and promote feelings of happiness and well-being. Indulging in a slice of chocolate cake can provide a temporary mood boost.
3. Heart Health: Moderate consumption of dark chocolate has been associated with a reduced risk of heart disease. The flavonoids in chocolate may help improve blood flow, lower blood pressure, and reduce inflammation, which can benefit heart health.
4. Brain Function: The flavonoids and caffeine found in chocolate may help improve cognitive function and enhance memory and focus. Enjoying a slice of chocolate cake could give your brain a little boost.
5. Improved Blood Sugar Control: Some studies suggest that the flavonoids in chocolate may help improve insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism, which could potentially benefit blood sugar control. Opting for chocolate cake made with dark chocolate and less sugar may be a better choice for those watching their blood sugar levels.
6. Source of Essential Nutrients: Chocolate contains small amounts of essential nutrients such as iron, magnesium, and potassium. While chocolate cake may not be a significant source of these nutrients, it can contribute to overall nutrient intake when enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.
7. Stress Reduction: Chocolate contains compounds that may help reduce stress levels by promoting the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals. Indulging in a slice of chocolate cake can be a comforting and soothing experience, helping to alleviate stress and anxiety.

Conclusion

Indulge your sweet tooth with this easy and delicious one-bowl chocolate cake recipe. With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can enjoy a homemade chocolate cake anytime. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving a sweet treat, this recipe is sure to satisfy.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. Can I use other types of flour for this recipe? Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with cake flour or gluten-free flour blend for a different texture.
2. Can I make this cake ahead of time? Yes, you can bake the cake in advance and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
3. Can I freeze leftover cake? Absolutely! Wrap the cake slices individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
4. What can I use instead of boiling water? Hot coffee or brewed espresso can enhance the chocolate flavor of the cake without adding a coffee taste.
5. Can I make cupcakes instead of a cake? Yes, you can use this recipe to make cupcakes. Simply fill cupcake liners 2/3 full and bake for 18-20 minutes at the same temperature.