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–+ servings
A moist chocolate cake dusted with powdered sugar rests on a cooling rack.

Moist Chocolate Cake Recipe

A woman in a white shirt standing in front of a bunch of oranges.Emma Clarke
This decadent, rich chocolate cake is the ultimate comfort food. Whether it’s after a long day or to celebrate small victories, this cake provides that much-needed sweet indulgence.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Meal Type Desserts, Snacks
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 259 kcal
Difficulty Easy
Ingredient Cost $5
Shopping Cost$23

Equipment

  • 9-inch round cake pan (or 8-inch if you prefer a thicker cake)
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk or electric mixer
  • Spatula
  • Cooling rack

Ingredients
 
 

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ cup whole milk
  • ¼ cup vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup water boiling
  • powdered sugar Optional or chocolate frosting for topping

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven:

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.

Mix Dry Ingredients:

  • In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
    1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt

Add Wet Ingredients (Except Water):

  • Add the egg, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until smooth and well combined, about 2-3 minutes using an electric mixer or whisk.
    1 large egg, 1/2 cup whole milk, 1/4 cup vegetable oil, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Add Boiling Water:

  • Gradually stir in the boiling water. The batter will be thin, but this ensures a moist cake.
    1/2 cup water

Bake:

  • Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Cool:

  • Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Frost or Dust with Powdered Sugar:

  • Once cooled, you can either frost the cake with your favorite chocolate frosting or dust it with powdered sugar for a simpler presentation.
    powdered sugar

Serve:

  • Slice and enjoy this delicious, moist chocolate cake as a comforting dessert or treat after a long day.

Notes

This cake pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh berries for an extra indulgence.
For a more decadent version, add a layer of chocolate ganache or frosting.
Leftover cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Calories: 259kcalCarbohydrates: 43gProtein: 4gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 331mgPotassium: 138mgFiber: 3gSugar: 27gVitamin A: 60IUCalcium: 49mgIron: 2mg
Keyword Chocolate cake, Comfort Food, Easy dessert, Homemade cake, Moist chocolate cake

Ingredient Costs: Cost of Recipe by Ingredient Measurements

Shopping Costs: Cost of Recipe with Brand New Ingredient Purchases

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