Simple Chocolate Cake Recipe Easy

A truly exceptional chocolate cake doesn’t need complicated steps or fancy ingredients,just the right balance of flavor, texture, and technique. This simple chocolate cake recipe is crafted for those who crave a moist, rich, and deeply satisfying dessert without unnecessary effort. As an expert chef, I’ve refined this version to ensure foolproof results every time, giving you a bakery-quality cake straight from your home kitchen.

Ingredients List

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 2 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup hot water or freshly brewed hot coffee

For the Chocolate Frosting:

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • ¼ cup cocoa powder
  • 2–3 tbsp milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

chocolate cake recipe easy
1. Prepare the Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8-inch round or square baking pan. In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.

2. Mix Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla until smooth. Add the wet mixture to the dry mixture and whisk until combined.

3. Add the Hot Liquid

Slowly pour in the hot water or coffee. The batter will become thin—this is what gives the cake its ultra-moist texture.

4. Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 28–32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

5. Prepare the Frosting

Beat the butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar and cocoa powder, mixing well. Add milk gradually until silky, then finish with vanilla.

6. Frost the Cake

Allow the cake to cool completely before spreading the frosting evenly over the top.

Cook Time

Total: 40–45 minutes
Prep: 10 minutes
Bake: 28–32 minutes

Servings

Serves 8–10

Nutritional Information (approx. per serving)

  • Calories: ~290
  • Carbohydrates: ~38g
  • Protein: ~4g
  • Fat: ~14g
  • Sugar: ~25g
  • Fiber: ~2g

Storage Instructions

Store the cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days. Refrigerate for up to 5 days for longer freshness. To freeze, wrap slices tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and reheat lightly if desired.

Suggestions

  • Add a handful of chocolate chips to the batter for a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
  • Swap whole milk for buttermilk to create an even richer crumb.
  • For a café-style variation, dust the top with cocoa powder or shaved chocolate.
  • Elevate the frosting by adding a pinch of sea salt to balance sweetness.

Seasonal Relevance

This simple chocolate cake fits beautifully into any season. Its warm, deep cocoa flavor provides comfort during colder months, while its light, moist texture makes it an excellent choice for spring and summer gatherings. A universally beloved dessert, it adapts effortlessly to any festive moment.

Conclusion

The Simple Chocolate Cake Recipe Easy proves that simplicity and excellence can go hand in hand. With a tender crumb, rich chocolate flavor, and velvety frosting, this cake stands as a testament to what thoughtful technique can achieve. Whether for celebrations or spontaneous cravings, this recipe delivers a reliable, delightful result every single time.

Simple Chocolate Cake Recipe Easy

Recipe by Soha
Servings

10

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

32

minutes
Calories

290

kcal
Total time

42

minutes

A rich, moist, and incredibly easy chocolate cake that delivers bakery-quality results with minimal steps. This recipe uses simple ingredients and a foolproof method, giving you a soft, tender crumb and deep cocoa flavor—perfect for celebrations, gatherings, or everyday indulgence.

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 cup granulated sugar

  • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

  • 1 tsp baking soda

  • 1 tsp baking powder

  • ½ tsp salt

  • 2 large eggs (room temperature)

  • 1 cup whole milk

  • ½ cup vegetable oil

  • 2 tsp vanilla extract

  • 1 cup hot water or hot coffee

  • Chocolate Frosting:

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

  • 2 cups powdered sugar

  • ¼ cup cocoa powder

  • 2–3 tbsp milk

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Directions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8-inch baking pan.
  • In a bowl, whisk flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
  • In another bowl, whisk eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla.
  • Combine wet and dry ingredients until smooth.
  • Slowly pour in hot water or coffee; mix until the batter is thin and silky.
  • Pour into the pan and bake for 28–32 minutes.
  • For frosting, beat butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar and cocoa powder.
  • Add milk gradually, then mix in vanilla until smooth.
  • Cool cake completely and spread frosting evenly.

Recipe Video

Notes

  • Replace hot water with hot coffee to enhance chocolate depth.
  • For extra richness, add ½ cup chocolate chips to the batter.
  • Cake freezes well for up to 2 months when wrapped properly.

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