1 Bowl Chocolate Cake
A rich, moist chocolate cake made in one bowl, featuring deep cocoa flavors and tender texture, perfect for chocolate lovers and easy to prepare for any occasion.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 13 x 9 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the buttermilk, oil, and eggs to the dry ingredients and mix until well combined.
- Pour in the hot water and stir thoroughly until the batter is smooth.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using dark cocoa powder instead of regular cocoa. You can also substitute the buttermilk with a mix of milk and vinegar if you don’t have buttermilk on hand. Make sure to mix the dry ingredients thoroughly before adding wet ingredients to ensure even distribution of leavening agents. If you prefer a lighter cake, you can use half the amount of oil and replace it with unsweetened applesauce.
Serving Suggestions
This cake is delicious on its own, but you can enhance it with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of chocolate ganache. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent dessert. It also pairs beautifully with Trifle(A Big Hit At Any Party!) for a delightful dessert spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover chocolate cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, simply place a slice in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of 1 Bowl Chocolate Cake contains roughly 496 calories, with 5g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 44g fat. It is a good source of iron (13% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (12% of the Daily Value), and calcium (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 788mg per serving (34% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum for proper texture. The baking time may vary slightly, so keep an eye on the cake as it bakes.
How do I know when the cake is done?
The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If it comes out with wet batter, it needs more time. Check at the 30-minute mark and adjust baking time as needed.
Can I add other flavors or ingredients?
Absolutely! You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or even a splash of vanilla extract for extra flavor. For a fun twist, try incorporating a layer of fruit preserves or frosting between the cake layers if you decide to bake it in multiple pans.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).