Ever dreamt of making the perfect chocolate cake without trashing your entire kitchen in the process? If so, One Bowl Chocolate Cake is your new best friend. No mountain of dishes. No complicated steps. Just one bowl, one whisk, and one seriously rich, fudgy cake.
This isn’t just another dessert recipe—it’s a baking breakthrough. A recent survey shows that over half of home bakers list cleanup as their biggest deterrent to baking. That’s where this recipe changes the game. With only one bowl and a handful of pantry staples, you’ll have a moist, delicious chocolate cake ready in under an hour.
And the best part? It doesn’t skimp on flavor. Despite its simplicity, this cake delivers the deep cocoa richness, tender crumb, and melt-in-your-mouth texture you’d expect from a bakery-level dessert. Whether you’re baking for a celebration, a cozy night in, or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, this cake has you covered.
Let’s dive into the secrets that make One Bowl Chocolate Cake a modern baking essential.
Ingredients List
You won’t need anything fancy—just a handful of pantry staples that transform into chocolate heaven.
Basic Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups (180g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (45g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- ¾ cup (180ml) buttermilk (or milk + 1 tsp vinegar)
- ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- ¾ cup (180ml) hot coffee or boiling water
Optional Add-ins & Substitutions:
- For richness: Swap vegetable oil for melted coconut oil or butter
- For a mocha twist: Use espresso instead of coffee
- No eggs? Use ½ cup applesauce or mashed banana
- Gluten-free? Substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend
Tip: Cocoa powder loves heat. Using hot coffee not only deepens the chocolate flavor—it also helps bloom the cocoa.
Timing
One of the major perks of this recipe is just how fast it comes together.
| Task | Time Estimate |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Baking Time | 30–35 minutes |
| Cooling Time | 15 minutes |
| Total Time | ~50 minutes |
That’s 20–30% faster than most traditional chocolate cakes, which average around 70 minutes total!
Step-by-Step: How to Make One Bowl Chocolate Cake
How to Make a One Bowl Chocolate Cake
Follow these foolproof steps to whip up the easiest and most delicious One Bowl Chocolate Cake—no mixer, no fuss, and no mountain of dishes required.
Looking for a creative variation? Learn how to turn brownie mix into cake with minimal effort.
Step 1: Preheat & Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×9 inch square pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
- Flour
- Sugar
- Cocoa powder
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
Why one bowl? This cake skips the creaming stage—just dump, whisk, and go.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Add in:
- Eggs
- Buttermilk
- Oil
- Vanilla extract
Whisk until just combined. No need to overmix—lumps are okay!
Step 4: Pour in Hot Coffee
Carefully pour the hot coffee into the batter. Whisk until smooth. The batter will be thin—don’t worry, that’s what makes it so moist.
Step 5: Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center.
Step 6: Cool & Frost (Optional)
Cool the cake in the pan for 15 minutes. Frost with your favorite chocolate buttercream, ganache, or enjoy plain with a dusting of powdered sugar.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – based on 12 servings)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~270 kcal |
| Total Fat | 12g |
| Saturated Fat | 2g |
| Carbohydrates | 38g |
| Sugar | 22g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Fiber | 2g |
Data based on standard ingredients and without frosting. Values may vary slightly depending on ingredient brands or substitutions.
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
Looking to lighten it up without sacrificing flavor?
Try these healthy tweaks:
- Cut sugar by 25%: Still sweet, but less intense
- Use Greek yogurt in place of buttermilk for added protein
- Whole wheat flour instead of white flour (use 50/50 for best results)
- Coconut sugar or maple syrup as natural sweetener options
- Unsweetened applesauce in place of oil for a fat-reduced version
Vegan version? Use flax eggs, non-dairy milk + vinegar, and coconut oil.
Serving Suggestions
One Bowl Chocolate Cake is endlessly adaptable. Here’s how to dress it up or down:
Berry Bliss:
Top with fresh raspberries and a drizzle of dark chocolate.
Classic Combo:
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.
Cupcake Swap:
Make cupcake-style desserts like these banana muffins
Ganache Galore:
Whisk ½ cup warm cream with ¾ cup chocolate chips for a glossy topping.
Hosting a party? Cut the cake into cubes and serve with toothpicks & fruit as chocolate dessert bites!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake 1: Overmixing the batter
Solution: Stir just until combined. Overmixing can make the cake dense.
Mistake 2: Skipping the coffee
Solution: Even if you’re not a coffee drinker, the flavor boosts chocolate without adding coffee taste.
Mistake 3: Using cold ingredients
Solution: Room temp eggs and buttermilk mix more evenly, helping the cake rise better.
Mistake 4: Taking it out too early
Solution: Always do the toothpick test—look for moist crumbs, not raw batter.
Mistake 5: Frosting a hot cake
Solution: Let it cool completely, or the frosting will melt and slide off.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
Counter:
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Fridge:
Wrap tightly and store for up to 7 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.
Freezer:
Slice and freeze individually for up to 3 months. Wrap in plastic + foil or use freezer bags.
Pro tip: Freeze unfrosted and add frosting fresh for best texture.
FAQs
Can I use water instead of coffee?
Yes, but you’ll miss out on the flavor depth that coffee adds to chocolate.
What size pan works best?
A 9×9 inch square pan is ideal, but you can also use a round 9-inch or divide between two 8-inch pans for layers.
Is this cake sweet enough without frosting?
Absolutely! It’s rich and chocolatey on its own, though frosting adds a luxe finish.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, double all ingredients and bake in a 9×13 inch pan. Adjust baking time to 40–45 minutes.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, simply use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour. Results are nearly identical!
Conclusion
This One Bowl Chocolate Cake is more than just a recipe—it’s your shortcut to chocolate bliss. Minimal effort, maximum flavor, and fewer dishes to wash.
No need to overcomplicate baking—just try this foolproof one bowl chocolate cake and taste the difference.
Now it’s your turn—whip it up, taste the magic, and let us know in the comments how it turned out. Don’t forget to subscribe for more no-fuss, flavor-packed recipes sent straight to your inbox.