This One-Bowl Chocolate Fudge Cake is a simple cake recipe that delivers rich, moist chocolate goodness with minimal effort. You can whip up this decadent dessert quickly, making it perfect for any occasion.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- All-Purpose Flour: You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a gluten-free option.
- Granulated Sugar: Brown sugar can add a deeper, caramel note.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Dutch-processed cocoa powder will give a darker color and milder chocolate flavor.
- Baking Soda & Baking Powder: Essential for a fluffy texture.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness.
- Eggs: Large eggs work best; you can use flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg) as a vegan substitute.
- Milk: Any dairy or non-dairy milk (almond, soy, oat) works well.
- Vegetable Oil: Canola oil or melted coconut oil are good alternatives.
- Vanilla Extract: Essential for flavor depth.
- Boiling Water: This “activates” the cocoa for intense chocolate flavor and moistness.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
- Optional: Chocolate ganache or buttercream frosting for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 12
- Calories per serving: Approximately 350 (without frosting)
- Tools Needed: 9×13 inch baking pan, large mixing bowl, whisk, spatula.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan thoroughly. This prevents the cake from sticking.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Make sure there are no lumps in the dry mixture.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients
Add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat with a whisk or electric mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes until just combined. Do not overmix.
4. Incorporate Boiling Water
Carefully pour the boiling water into the batter. Mix until the batter is smooth and a little thin. This step is crucial for the cake’s moist texture and rich chocolate flavor.
5. Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Avoid opening the oven door too early.
6. Cool and Frost
Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting. This prevents your frosting from melting. Once cool, you can apply your favorite chocolate frosting or ganache.
Variation Ideas
- Coffee Infusion: Add 1-2 teaspoons of instant espresso powder to the dry ingredients for a mocha flavor.
- Mint Chocolate: Stir in ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract with the vanilla for a festive twist.
- Nutty Crunch: Fold in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans before baking.
- Sheet Cake: This recipe works perfectly as a delicious sheet cake, ideal for gatherings.
Storage Instructions
Store your One-Bowl Chocolate Fudge Cake at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If frosted with a dairy-based frosting, refrigerate it for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze individual slices, wrapped tightly, for up to 2 months.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Why is my cake dry? You might have overbaked it. Make sure to remove it from the oven as soon as a skewer comes out clean.
- Can I make this in a different pan size? Yes, you can use two 8-inch round pans, but adjust baking time. Start checking for doneness around 25 minutes.
- Do I need boiling water? Yes, boiling water helps dissolve the cocoa, intensifying the chocolate flavor and creating a moist crumb.
- Can I use self-rising flour? No, this recipe uses specific leavening agents (baking soda and baking powder) that are not present in the same ratios in self-rising flour.
- Is this recipe good for beginners? Absolutely! It’s a simple cake recipe designed for ease and minimal cleanup, perfect for those new to baking.
- Can I add chocolate chips? Yes, you can fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips with the dry ingredients for an extra chocolatey treat.