All In One Pan Chocolate Cake

Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

A rich and moist chocolate cake made easily in a single pan, perfect for a quick dessert or a casual gathering. Its deep cocoa flavor is complemented by a tender crumb, making it suitable for chocolate lovers of all ages. An effortless treat that combines simplicity with deliciousness.

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Ingredients

  • 3 cups flour
  • 2 cups white sugar
  • 6 tablespoons cocoa
  • 2 teaspoons soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup oil
  • 2 tablespoons vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla
  • 2 cups cold water

Instructions

  1. Sift all dry ingredients into an ungreased cake pan.
  2. Make three holes of graduated size in the dry mixture with a spoon.
  3. Pour the oil into the largest hole, vinegar into the medium hole, and vanilla into the smallest hole.
  4. Cover with cold water and stir well with a fork until fully combined.
  5. Ensure the mixture is well mixed.
  6. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the oil with applesauce or yogurt to add moisture without extra fat. You can also replace white sugar with brown sugar for a deeper caramel flavor. If you want to make this a gluten-free cake, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to sift the dry ingredients well to avoid lumps and ensure an even texture.

Serving Suggestions

This chocolate cake is delightful on its own but pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a fun twist, serve it with a drizzle of Ice Tea Syrup for added sweetness. Fresh berries or a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top can elevate the presentation and flavor.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap the cake in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw the cake in the refrigerator overnight and warm slices in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds before serving.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of All In One Pan Chocolate Cake contains roughly 989 calories, with 3g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 91g fat. It is a good source of iron (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 893mg per serving (39% of the Daily Value).

989 kcal 49% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 3.3g 7% DV
Total Fat 91.2g 100% DV
Carbs 32.7g 12% DV
Fiber 1.9g 7% DV
Sugar 11.8g 24% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 893.1mg 39% DV
Potassium 205.8mg 4% DV
Cholesterol 0.2mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 0.6mcg
Vitamin C 0mg
Calcium 27.2mg 2% DV
Iron 2.1mg 12% DV
Contains Wheat/Gluten

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 use a different type of flour for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or whole wheat flour. If using whole wheat, consider adding a little extra liquid as it can absorb more moisture. Make sure to check the baking time, as different flours may affect the cake's texture.

How can I make this cake more chocolatey?

To enhance the chocolate flavor, you can add chocolate chips or chunks into the batter before baking. Additionally, consider using dark cocoa powder instead of regular cocoa for a more intense chocolate taste. A chocolate ganache topping after baking can also add richness.

What can I do if the cake turns out dry?

If your cake turns out dry, it could be due to overmixing or baking too long. To remedy this, serve it with a sauce like chocolate syrup or a scoop of ice cream to add moisture. You can also try a simple syrup soak by brushing the cake with a mixture of sugar and water to help retain moisture.

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).

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