One-Step Chocolate Cake

Prep: 10 min Cook: 30 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

A rich, moist chocolate cake with deep cocoa flavor, perfect for any occasion. Its simple one-step mix makes it quick to prepare and delightfully indulgent.

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Ingredients

  • 2 cups sugar
  • 2 cups flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 3/4 cup cocoa
  • 1/2 cup salad oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup coffee
  • 1 cup milk

Instructions

  1. Mix all ingredients at once in a large bowl.
  2. Pour the batter into a greased and floured 9 x 13-inch pan.
  3. Bake at 325° to 350°F for 25 to 30 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  4. Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy this very moist chocolate cake!

Tips & Substitutions

For a fluffier cake, sift the dry ingredients before mixing. You can substitute the coffee with hot water or milk if desired; the coffee enhances the chocolate flavor but isn't mandatory. For a richer taste, consider adding a pinch of salt or using buttermilk instead of regular milk. If you're short on eggs, unsweetened applesauce works as a great alternative in this recipe.

Serving Suggestions

This chocolate cake is delicious on its own, but you can enhance it with a dusting of powdered sugar, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of chocolate ganache. Pair it with a cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk for a delightful treat. It also complements desserts like Alaska Wild Berry Cobbler for a varied dessert spread.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover chocolate cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, place a slice in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or warm it in an oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes. This will help retain its moist texture.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of One-Step Chocolate Cake contains roughly 283 calories, with 7g protein, 42g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (32% of the Daily Value), iron (27% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 656mg per serving (29% of the Daily Value).

283 kcal 14% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 6.8g 14% DV
Total Fat 10.3g 13% DV
Carbs 41.6g 15% DV
Fiber 8.9g 32% DV
Sugar 10.2g 20% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 655.8mg 29% DV
Potassium 684.6mg 15% DV
Cholesterol 11.1mg 4% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 55.9mcg 6% DV
Vitamin C 17.7mg 20% DV
Vitamin D 0.5mcg 3% DV
Calcium 220.1mg 17% DV
Iron 4.9mg 27% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Under 400 cal
Contains Milk 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 make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this cake a day in advance. Just make sure to store it properly in an airtight container to keep it moist. If you're serving it the next day, let it come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Whole wheat flour can be used, but it may result in a denser cake. If you want a lighter texture, consider using half all-purpose flour and half whole wheat. This combination will give you a healthier option without sacrificing too much of the cake's fluffiness.

What can I add to make this cake more decadent?

To make this cake even more indulgent, you can fold in chocolate chips or nuts like walnuts or pecans into the batter before baking. Adding a frosting such as cream cheese or buttercream will elevate the cake further, creating a richer dessert experience.

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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