Craving a rich, chocolatey dessert but short on time and dishes? This One Bowl Double Chocolate Fudgy Cake is your new go-to. You’ll create an incredibly moist and decadent cake with minimal fuss, perfect for any occasion.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- All-Purpose Flour: Can substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
- Cocoa Powder: Use unsweetened natural cocoa powder for the best flavor.
- Granulated Sugar: Brown sugar can be used for a slightly deeper, more molasses-like flavor.
- Baking Soda & Baking Powder: Essential for lift. Do not substitute.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness.
- Milk: Any dairy or non-dairy milk (almond, soy, oat) works perfectly.
- Vegetable Oil: Melted coconut oil or unsalted butter can also be used.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the flavors.
- Eggs: Essential for structure and richness.
- Chocolate Chips: Use your favorite type – semi-sweet, dark, or milk chocolate.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- ¾ teaspoon baking powder
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup hot water
- 1 cup chocolate chips (plus more for topping, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Calories per serving: 380 (estimated)
- 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). Lightly grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. This prevents sticking and ensures a clean release for your one bowl cake.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Make sure there are no lumps; this is crucial for a smooth cake batter.
3. Add Wet Ingredients
Pour in the milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract into the same bowl. Whisk everything together until just combined. Don’t overmix, as this can make your cake tough.
4. Incorporate Hot Water and Chocolate Chips
Carefully stir in the hot water until the batter is smooth. This helps activate the cocoa and creates a fudgy texture for your one bowl cake. Gently fold in the chocolate chips.
5. Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan. Bake for 28-32 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs. Avoid overbaking to keep it fudgy.
6. Cool and Serve
Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing. You can then serve it warm or at room temperature. Enjoy your delicious one bowl double chocolate fudgy cake!
Variation Ideas
- Mint Chocolate: Add ½ teaspoon peppermint extract with the vanilla for a festive twist.
- Coffee Infusion: Replace hot water with hot brewed coffee to deepen the chocolate flavor.
- Nutty Crunch: Fold in ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts with the chocolate chips.
- Cream Cheese Swirl: Dollop softened cream cheese (mixed with a little sugar and vanilla) onto the batter before baking and swirl with a knife.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover one bowl double chocolate fudgy cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week. To enjoy warm, you can gently microwave individual slices for 10-15 seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this one bowl cake in advance?
Yes, you can bake this cake a day ahead and store it in an airtight container at room temperature.
What kind of cocoa powder should I use for one bowl cake recipes?
Unsweetened natural cocoa powder is recommended for the best flavor and acidity balance with the baking soda.
My cake came out dry, what went wrong?
Most likely, the cake was overbaked. Keep a close eye on it and remove it from the oven as soon as the skewer test is met.
Can I bake this in a round pan?
Yes, you can use two 8-inch round cake pans or one 9-inch round pan, but adjust baking time as needed (likely slightly less for thinner layers).
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Absolutely! The one bowl method makes this an incredibly easy and forgiving recipe for anyone new to baking.
Why is hot water used in this one bowl cake recipe?
Hot water or hot coffee helps bloom the cocoa powder, intensifying the chocolate flavor and contributing to a more tender, fudgy crumb.