Moist One Layer Chocolate Cake

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

A rich, moist one-layer chocolate cake with a deep cocoa flavor, perfect for any occasion and loved by chocolate enthusiasts seeking a simple yet indulgent dessert.

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Ingredients

  • 1 stick margarine
  • 1/2 cup oil
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 4 Tbsp cocoa
  • 2 cups self-rising flour
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk

Instructions

  1. Melt margarine, add cocoa, and stir until dissolved.
  2. Add water and bring to a boil.
  3. Remove from heat and set aside.
  4. Beat eggs until blended.
  5. Add sugar and beat well, then add flour, oil, buttermilk, and vanilla.
  6. Mix all ingredients until smooth.
  7. Pour batter into an oblong baking pan.
  8. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes.
  9. Frost the cake while hot.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the margarine with unsweetened applesauce. If you don't have buttermilk, mix regular milk with a teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes. To ensure a moist cake, avoid overmixing the batter. You can add chocolate chips for extra texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this cake warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert experience. It pairs beautifully with Hurry Up Dessert for a delightful treat. You can also dust it with powdered sugar or drizzle chocolate ganache on top for added flair. Fresh berries on the side complement the chocolate richness.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. For reheating, simply pop a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore its moisture and softness.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Moist One Layer Chocolate Cake contains roughly 816 calories, with 13g protein, 61g carbohydrates, and 43g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (78% of the Daily Value), iron (53% of the Daily Value), and potassium (38% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and calcium. It also contributes 22g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

816 kcal 41% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 12.9g 26% DV
Total Fat 42.8g 55% DV
Carbs 61.4g 22% DV
Fiber 21.9g 78% DV
Sugar 9.2g 18% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 168.3mg 7% DV
Potassium 1765.6mg 38% DV
Cholesterol 33.8mg 11% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 14.5mcg 2% DV
Vitamin C 10.9mg 12% DV
Vitamin D 0.2mcg 1% DV
Calcium 133.4mg 10% DV
Iron 9.6mg 53% DV
Diet fit High-fiber
Contains Egg 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 all-purpose flour instead of self-rising flour?

Yes, you can use all-purpose flour, but you'll need to add 1 teaspoon of baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon of salt for every cup of flour to mimic self-rising flour's properties.

How can I tell when the cake is done baking?

To check if your cake is done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is ready. Be careful not to overbake, as this can dry it out.

Can I freeze this cake?

Absolutely! To freeze, let the cake cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving.

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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