Name: Busy Day Chocolate Cake
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 60 min
Ingredients: 2 cups white sugar; 2½ cups flour; 4 tablespoons cocoa powder; 1½ teaspoons baking soda; 1½ teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 eggs eggs ( room temperature); 1 cup buttermilk; 2 teaspoons vanilla; 1 cup hot coffee; 1 cup vegetable oil; ½ cup butter (softened); ½ cup cocoa powder; 3 cups powdered sugar; 2 tablespoon coffee; ½ tablespoon vanilla

A close up of food, with Cake and Chocolate

Busy day chocolate cake is an old-fashioned dessert that is incredibly moist and tender. This baked from scratch cake is topped with a rich, homemade frosting.

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Table of Contents

Ingredients
Substitutions and Additions
How to Make
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Storage FAQ
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Indulge in this classic one-bowl chocolate cake, a cherished recipe from Southern traditions that brings simplicity and rich flavors to your kitchen. Easy to make, this cake emerges moist and delectable, crowned with a lush frosting.

The secret? A dash of coffee, subtly intensifying the deep chocolate taste, creating an easy chocolate cake recipe that’s as delightful as it is straightforward.

A piece of chocolate cake on a plate, with Chocolate brownie and Fudge

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Discover the joys of the one bowl chocolate cake, a delightful treat that perfectly balances moistness and rich flavor, ideal for those bustling days. This scratch-made cake is a breeze to whip up, topped with a homemade chocolate icing that adds just the right touch of decadence. It's the perfect solution when you need something sweet without the long hours in the kitchen.

For a cake that tastes as good as it looks, this moist chocolate cake recipe delivers. With ingredients like fresh coffee incorporated into both the batter and the frosting, this cake offers a subtle depth that enhances the chocolatey goodness. Each slice is a comforting reminder of traditional baking, ready to be enjoyed in just about an hour.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice, this cake is sure to impress.

Ingredients

What you'll need to make this easy chocolate cake:

Simple Chocolate Cake Ingredients

2 cups of white sugar
2½ cups of all-purpose flour
4 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder
1½ teaspoons of baking soda
1½ teaspoons of baking powder
1 teaspoon of salt
2 eggs, room temperature
1 cup of buttermilk
2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
1 cup of hot coffee
1 cup of vegetable oil

Easy Chocolate Icing Ingredients

½ cup of butter, softened
½ cup of cocoa powder
3 cups of powdered sugar
½ tablespoon of vanilla extract
2 tablespoons of coffee

Substitutions and Additions

These easy substitutions and additions can easily be swapped out while still maintaining the deliciousness of this one bowl cake!

BUTTERMILK: Easily make your own buttermilk for this recipe by adding one tablespoon of lemon juice or distilled vinegar to every one cup of whole or 2% milk.

CHOCOLATE CHIPS: For an extra touch of indulgence, fold chocolate chips into the moist cake batter.

NUTS: If you're a fan of nuts, incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for added crunch.

COFFEE: If coffee isn’t your preference, you can substitute it with the same amount of hot water without compromising the cake’s flavor.

How to Make

Let’s dive into how to easily mix up the best one bowl chocolate cake using our concise, step-by-step guide. Just one bowl is needed to blend all the ingredients smoothly, making this process not only straightforward but also mess-free. Perfect for quick baking sessions!

How to Make One Bowl Chocolate Cake

FIRST STEP: Preheat oven to 375°F.

Grease a 9×13-inch cake pan by rubbing shortening on the pan and using cocoa powder to dust the pan instead of white flour.

Pro Tip

Coating the pan with cocoa powder instead of flour is a clever trick to enhance the chocolate flavor throughout the cake.

SECOND STEP: Using a large bowl combine the sugar, flour, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Whisk the dry ingredients together.

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THIRD STEP: Add the eggs, buttermilk, vanilla, coffee, and oil. Beat on medium speed with an electric mixer for about two minutes, the batter will be thin.

A plate of food and a cup of coffee, with Cake and Chocolate

FOURTH STEP: Pour batter evenly into the prepared pan.

FIFTH STEP: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes or until a cake tester inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.

Pro Tip

Oven temperatures can vary and might require recalibration to ensure accuracy. It's essential to monitor your cake closely as it nears the suggested baking time to achieve the best results.

SIXTH STEP: Cool ten minutes in the pan before icing.

chocolate cake in a 9x13 baking dish cooling

How to Make Chocolate Icing

FIRST STEP: In a medium saucepan on medium-low heat melt the butter. Remove from heat.

Whisk in cocoa powder. Return to stove on medium-low heat and cook until just begins to boil.

A piece of chocolate cake on a plate, with Sugar and Flour

SECOND STEP: Remove from heat. Whisk in the powdered sugar — you can sift it to remove any lumps before adding.

A piece of cake on a plate, with Chocolate cake

THIRD STEP: Add the vanilla and coffee and stir until mixed.

A chocolate cake on a plate, with Sugar and Cream

FOURTH STEP: Let the frosting cool for ten minutes to let it set up just a bit.

Pro Tip

Be cautious not to let the icing cool too much, or it may harden in the pan and become difficult to spread.

FIFTH STEP: Spread the icing over the cake.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Simplicity: This best beginner cake recipe is a breeze to prepare, offering a straightforward baking experience that minimizes cleanup. It's ideal for beginner bakers or anyone seeking a simple, quick dessert option.

Rich Chocolate Flavor: Packed with a generous amount of cocoa powder, this cake delights with its deep, rich chocolate taste, making it a dream come true for chocolate lovers everywhere.

Moist Texture: This cake features a moist, velvety crumb thanks to the inclusion of buttermilk, eggs, and vegetable oil, ensuring each bite is irresistibly satisfying.

Storage FAQ

Can I make the moist chocolate cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this cake a day ahead. Just let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it moist. Store the wrapped cake at room temperature until you're ready to serve it. Remember to add the frosting right before serving to maintain its freshness and appeal.

How long does this moist chocolate cake recipe last on the counter?
The cake can be stored in an airtight container on the counter for up to three days.

Is it possible to freeze this quick chocolate cake?
Absolutely! You can freeze the cake whole or in slices. For the best results, freeze the cake unwrapped initially. Once it's frozen and the frosting is set, wrap it in wax paper or another wrapper to prevent freezer burn.

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