Easy Chocolate Cake

Craving a rich, moist chocolate cake that’s simple enough for beginners yet impressive for any occasion? You’ve landed on the perfect recipe. This easy chocolate cake comes together in under an hour, uses pantry staples, and delivers a fluffy, decadent treat that serves 24. Whether you’re baking for a birthday or a cozy family dessert, this foolproof recipe will become your favorite. Let’s dive into the ingredients and steps, then explore tips, variations, and more to make your baking a breeze.

Easy Chocolate Cake Recipe

Before you start, gather your ingredients and preheat your oven. This simple chocolate cake recipe is designed for ease, requiring no fancy equipment. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a crowd-pleasing dessert in no time.

Ingredients (Yields 24 servings)

• 2 cups white sugar
• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup milk
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until combined.
3. Add eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Beat with a hand mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes until smooth.
4. Carefully stir in boiling water; the batter will be thin, but that’s normal. Pour evenly into the prepared pans.
5. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

This recipe is perfect for beginners, and the thin batter ensures a fluffy chocolate cake. For best results, follow safe food handling practices when working with eggs and dairy.

Why This Chocolate Cake Is So Easy

You don’t need to be a pro to nail this homemade chocolate cake. The one-bowl method cuts down on dishes, and the ingredients are likely already in your kitchen. Plus, the boiling water trick creates a tender crumb without extra effort. Unlike complex recipes, this no-fail chocolate cake skips tricky techniques like creaming butter. It’s straightforward, forgiving, and perfect for busy bakers.

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Curious why boiling water matters? It blooms the cocoa powder, intensifying the chocolate flavor. You’ll taste the difference in every bite. This recipe’s simplicity makes it ideal for kids or first-time bakers.

Ingredients Breakdown: What Makes This Cake Work

Understanding your ingredients helps you bake with confidence. Here’s a quick look at what each component does in this classic chocolate cake. Knowing their roles can also help you tweak the recipe if needed.

Cocoa powder is the star, so choose unsweetened, high-quality brands for the best taste. Eggs and milk add structure and richness, while oil ensures a soft texture. If you’re watching your diet.

Step-by-Step Baking Tips for Beginners

Baking can feel daunting, but these tips make this beginner chocolate cake a cinch. First, measure ingredients accurately using dry and liquid measuring cups. Level off flour with a knife to avoid a dense cake. If you’re new to baking, don’t rush the mixing step, two minutes ensures a smooth batter. Always check your oven temperature with a thermometer for consistent results.

Another pro tip? Don’t open the oven door too early, or your cake might sink. If your cake domes, trim the top for even layers. Parchment paper is your friend for easy pan release. As one home baker said

This recipe saved my first baking attempt, it’s so forgiving!

Keep these pointers in mind, and you’ll bake like a pro.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even simple recipes can go wrong, but you can sidestep these pitfalls. Overmixing the batter can make your cake tough, so stop once it’s smooth. Using cold eggs or milk might affect texture, so let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. If your cake sticks, ensure pans are well-greased or lined. Lastly, don’t skip the toothpick test to confirm it’s fully baked.

Curious about uneven baking? Rotate your pans halfway through if your oven has hot spots. If the batter looks too runny, trust the recipe, the boiling water is supposed to thin it out. These tweaks keep your foolproof chocolate cake on track. Save time by prepping ingredients ahead, and you’ll avoid stress.

Customizing Your Chocolate Cake

Want to switch things up? This quick chocolate cake is versatile. Add a handful of chocolate chips for extra decadence or swap vanilla extract for almond extract for a twist. For a lighter version, reduce sugar by ¼ cup or use a sugar substitute, but test for taste. You can also make cupcakes by pouring batter into liners and baking for 18-22 minutes.

Frosting options are endless. Try classic buttercream, whipped cream, or a glossy ganache. For a fun touch, sprinkle crushed nuts or sprinkles on top. If you’re feeling adventurous, layer with fruit preserves for a tangy contrast. Whatever you choose, this cake adapts to your style.

Easy Chocolate Cake

Print Recipe

This is hands down the best chocolate cake you’ll ever taste, just top it with your favorite frosting and enjoy every bite!

• Author: Claire Ellis
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 30 mins
• Total Time: 1 hr
• Yield: 1 2 layer (9-inch) cake 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

2 cups white sugar

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour

¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 ½ teaspoons baking powder

1 ½ teaspoons baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

2 large eggs

1 cup milk

½ cup vegetable oil

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 cup boiling water

Instructions

Prep: Gather all ingredients. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Add Wet Ingredients: Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes.

Add Boiling Water: Stir in the boiling water, the batter will be thin.

Bake: Pour the batter evenly into prepared pans. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool: Cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serve and Enjoy!

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 160 kcal
• Sugar: 35 g
• Sodium: 280 mg
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 26g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg

Keywords: Easy Chocolate Cake, easy recipes, chocolate cakes

Frequently Asked Questions About Easy Chocolate Cake