This easy chocolate cake recipe is a great choice if you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging your sweet tooth. And the best part is, it doesn’t have to be difficult to make!
In fact, this easy chocolate cake can be whipped up in no time, for a moist and decadent baked treat.
This chocolate cake recipe is made with flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, eggs, milk, and vegetable oil, to create a moist and fluffy chocolate cake base.
Some variations may include additional ingredients such as sour cream, buttermilk, or chocolate chips to enhance the flavor and texture of the cake.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for easy chocolate cake
- All-purpose flour
- Sugar
- Cocoa powder
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Eggs
- Milk
- Vegetable oil
- Vanilla extract
- Hot water (or coffee)
- Chocolate chips (optional)
How to make easy chocolate cake
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare your baking pans. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or one 9×13-inch rectangular cake pan. This will help prevent the cake from sticking to the pan and make it easier to remove.
In a mixing bowl, sift together the dry ingredients including flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This will ensure that the dry ingredients are well combined and free of lumps. Set aside.
In a separate mixing bowl, beat the eggs until they are light and fluffy. Then add in the milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix the wet ingredients until they are well combined.
Next, slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients while mixing at a low speed. Mix until the ingredients are well combined and there are no lumps in the batter.
Once the batter is ready, add hot water (or coffee) to the mixture. This may seem like an odd addition, but it actually helps to activate the cocoa powder and bring out its rich chocolate flavor. Mix until the batter is smooth and free of lumps.
If you want to add chocolate chips to your cake, fold them into the batter at this point. This will give your cake a little extra burst of chocolatey goodness.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pans, making sure to distribute it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes. Then, carefully remove the cake from the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
To frost the cake, spread a layer of frosting on the top of one cake layer and place the other layer on top. Then, spread a thin coating of frosting over the entire cake to create a crumb coat. This will help the final layer of frosting adhere better.
Finally, add a thick layer of frosting to the cake and use a spatula to smooth it out evenly. You can decorate the cake with additional chocolate chips, nuts, sprinkles, or whichever toppings you (or your kids) want.
What to serve with easy chocolate cake
There are many great options for what to serve with an easy chocolate cake! Here are a few ideas:
Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream is a classic pairing with chocolate cake. The creamy texture and cool temperature of the ice cream complement the richness of the cake.
Whipped Cream: Another simple and delicious option is to serve the cake with a dollop of whipped cream on top. This adds a light and airy element to the dessert that pairs well with the dense chocolate cake.
Berries: Fresh berries such as strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries make a great accompaniment to chocolate cake. They add a pop of color and sweetness that balances out the richness of the cake.
Coffee: A hot cup of coffee is a perfect beverage to enjoy with chocolate cake. The bitterness of the coffee helps to balance out the sweetness of the cake and enhance the chocolate flavor.
Milk: For a classic childhood combination, serve the chocolate cake with a glass of cold milk. The milk helps to cut through the richness of the cake and create a gratifying nostalgic dessert experience.
Occasions to serve easy chocolate cake
Easy chocolate cake is the most classic of desserts, making it a suitable treat to serve on many different occasions. Here are a few suggestions where an easy chocolate cake would be a perfect addition to the menu:
Birthdays: A chocolate cake is a classic choice for a birthday celebration. It’s a favorite among both kids and adults and can be easily customized with different frostings or decorations.
Holidays: Chocolate cake is a great dessert option for many holidays, including Christmas, Valentine’s Day, and Easter. The rich and indulgent flavor of chocolate is perfect for special occasions.
Potlucks: If you’re bringing a dessert to a potluck or party, an easy chocolate cake is a great choice. It’s simple to make and transport and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Office Parties: Chocolate cake is a great dessert option for office parties or meetings. It’s a universally loved dessert that almost everyone enjoys.
Just Because: Finally, you don’t need a special occasion to enjoy a delicious chocolate cake! It’s the perfect dessert for a cozy night in, a family gathering, or any other time when you want to indulge in something sweet and comforting.
How to store easy chocolate cake
Storing your chocolate cake properly will help ensure that it stays fresh and delicious for as long as possible. Here are some tips on how to store chocolate cake:
Room Temperature: If you plan on consuming the cake within 1-2 days, you can simply store it at room temperature in an airtight container or covered with plastic wrap. Keep it away from direct sunlight or heat sources, which can cause the frosting to melt.
Refrigerator: If you need to store the cake for longer than a day or two, you can refrigerate it. First, cover the cake with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. This will help prevent the cake from drying out. Before serving, let the cake come to room temperature for 30 minutes to an hour to soften the texture.
Freezer: If you want to store the cake for even longer, you can freeze it. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, or store it in an airtight container. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months.
To thaw the cake, remove it from the freezer and let it come to room temperature for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
Slices: If you have leftover slices of cake, wrap them individually in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container. They will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 1 month.
Remember that the longer you store the cake, the more the texture and flavor may be affected. To maintain the best quality, consume the cake within a few days of baking it.
Easy chocolate cake FAQs
Can I use a different type of flour, like whole wheat flour, instead of all-purpose flour?
Can I use a different type of oil, like coconut oil, instead of vegetable oil?
Can I use a different type of sweetener, like honey or maple syrup, instead of granulated sugar?
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to the cake batter?
How do I prevent my cake from sticking to the pan?
Go ahead and try out this recipe, and indulge in a slice of deliciousness, and let me know what you think!
Easy Chocolate Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- Add the milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed with an electric mixer until everything is well combined.
- Increase the mixer speed to medium and beat for 2 minutes. The batter will become smooth and creamy.
- Stir in the boiling water until the batter is smooth. The batter will be thin, but that’s okay.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes.
- Remove the cakes from the pans and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once the cakes have cooled, you can frost them with your favorite frosting, or serve them as is.
