When you think about a decadent chocolate cake, you might picture a fancy layered masterpiece with perfect frosting. But what if I told you that you could achieve that same rich, chocolatey flavor in a simple, one-bowl chocolate snacking cake?
No need for complicated techniques, just a quick and easy dessert recipe that delivers on flavor without the fuss. It’s a dessert recipe you’ll want to keep in your back pocket for any occasion.
One-Bowl Chocolate Cake
This one-bowl chocolate snacking cake is all about convenience without sacrificing taste. It’s the kind of cake recipe you can throw together in a pinch, using basic pantry ingredients you probably already have.
The beauty of this cake is that it requires minimal cleanup—just one bowl for mixing and a few simple steps. That’s it.
But don’t let the simplicity fool you. This cake is incredibly moist, thanks to a blend of buttermilk and vegetable oil, while the addition of hot coffee enhances the cocoa’s deep, intense flavor.
It’s a dessert recipe that strikes the perfect balance between rich and fluffy, making it an instant crowd-pleaser.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Need a quick treat for a weeknight dessert? This one-bowl chocolate cake has you covered. Looking for an easy dessert recipe to impress guests? Dust it with powdered sugar, and you’ve got a stunning centerpiece.
Because it’s so straightforward, you can easily customize it. Want to make it even more indulgent? Add a chocolate ganache or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.
Prefer a nutty twist? Fold in some chopped walnuts or pecans. This dessert recipe is a blank canvas ready for your creativity.
Simple Ingredients, Amazing Results
The ingredient list for this one-bowl chocolate snacking cake is refreshingly simple. No fancy items you’ll have to hunt down.
You’re working with basic pantry staples like flour, cocoa powder, and brown sugar. But what makes this dessert recipe truly shine is the combination of buttermilk and hot coffee.
The buttermilk keeps the cake moist and tender, while the hot coffee intensifies the chocolate flavor without making the cake taste like coffee.
Even if you’re not a coffee fan, you’ll appreciate the depth it brings to this dessert recipe. It’s a clever trick that transforms an ordinary chocolate cake into something extraordinary.
Tips for the Perfect One-Bowl Chocolate Cake
- Measure Carefully: For the best texture, make sure to measure your ingredients properly, especially the flour. Too much can lead to a dense cake.
- Don’t Overmix: Once the dry ingredients are combined with the wet, mix until just smooth. Overmixing can result in a tough cake.
- Preheat the Oven: Make sure your oven is fully preheated before placing the cake inside. This ensures even baking.
- Cooling Time Matters: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps it set without falling apart.
Quick Variations to Try
This one-bowl chocolate snacking cake is versatile. Here are a few ways you can change it up without complicating things:
- Chocolate Chips: Stir in a handful of chocolate chips for extra gooey goodness.
- Nutty Crunch: Add chopped nuts like walnuts, almonds, or pecans for a crunchy contrast.
- Citrus Zest: For a refreshing twist, grate a bit of orange or lemon zest into the batter.
- Spiced Flavor: A dash of cinnamon or a pinch of cayenne pepper can give this dessert recipe a subtle, warming kick.
Serve & Store Like a Pro
Once your one-bowl chocolate snacking cake is baked and slightly cooled, you can serve it plain or with a dusting of powdered sugar for a classic look. But don’t stop there.
Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, drizzle it with caramel sauce, or spread a light layer of whipped cream on top.
If you have leftovers (which is rare), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. You can also keep it in the refrigerator for a longer shelf life. But trust us, this cake is so good that it won’t last that long.
Dessert recipes come and go, but this one-bowl chocolate snacking cake is a keeper. It’s quick, easy, and deeply satisfying—proof that great desserts don’t have to be complicated.
Weeknight Chocolate Snacking Cake Dessert Recipe
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup Dutch-processed cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- ½ cup buttermilk at room temperature
- 1 large egg at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup strongly brewed hot coffee
Topping (optional):
- Confectioners’ sugar for dusting
Instructions
Preheat and Prepare:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Line the bottom of an 8-inch round cake pan with parchment paper and lightly grease the sides with nonstick cooking spray.
Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Whisk until well blended.
Combine Wet Ingredients:
- Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients.
- Add vegetable oil, buttermilk, egg, and vanilla extract into the well.
- Starting from the center, whisk gently, gradually incorporating the dry ingredients until the batter is smooth.
- Pour in the hot coffee and continue to whisk until fully combined.
Bake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the surface.
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted comes out clean (a few crumbs are fine).
Cool and Serve:
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
- Run a butter knife around the edges, then gently flip the cake out onto a cooling rack.
- Peel off the parchment paper, flip the cake upright, and allow it to cool completely.
- If desired, dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
Notes
- For an even richer flavor, you can substitute hot coffee with hot espresso.
- This cake is perfect on its own, but you can also top it with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a more indulgent dessert.
Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.