Ingredients
Method
Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients
- Add milk, oil, and vanilla to the dry ingredients.
- Stir in vinegar.
- Slowly add hot water or coffee, mixing until smooth and slightly runny.
Step 3: Bake
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour your cake pan or line with parchment paper.
- Pour in the batter and bake for 30–35 minutes.
- A toothpick should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool completely before frosting.
- Optional Frosting Suggestions
- Classic chocolate buttercream
- Whipped ganache
- Cream cheese frosting
- Dust with powdered sugar for a minimalist look
Notes
🥄 Variations
Dairy-Free: Use almond or oat milk Gluten-Free: Substitute with 1:1 gluten-free flour blend Double Chocolate: Add ½ cup chocolate chips to the batter Mocha Flavor: Use hot coffee instead of water and add espresso powder Mini Cakes: Divide into muffin tins or mini loaf pans (adjust bake time) 🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead
Room Temp: Store covered for up to 3 days Fridge: Lasts up to 5 days (bring to room temp before serving) Freezer: Freeze slices for up to 2 months (wrap tightly) Make Ahead: Bake cake a day before and frost fresh for best texture ❓ 10 FAQs
Can I use Dutch cocoa powder?
Yes—any unsweetened cocoa powder works! Why add vinegar?
It reacts with baking soda for a tender, fluffy texture. Can I turn this into cupcakes?
Absolutely! Bake for 18–20 minutes. What if I don’t have coffee?
Just use hot water—coffee deepens the chocolate flavor but isn’t essential. Can I double the recipe?
Yes—use two 9-inch pans or a 9×13-inch pan. Is it okay to frost warm cake?
Let it cool completely or the frosting will melt. How do I get flat cake tops?
Bake evenly and trim tops with a serrated knife if needed. What oil works best?
Neutral oils like vegetable, canola, or avocado oil are ideal. Can I skip the vinegar?
Use lemon juice or buttermilk for a similar result. What makes it moist?
The oil, hot liquid, and acidic reaction all contribute to a rich, moist texture. 🏁 Conclusion
With this Easy Chocolate Cake, you’re just one bowl and one bake away from dessert bliss. Moist, tender, and rich in flavor, it’s the perfect no-fuss option for any day that needs a chocolatey lift. 🍫💕 Whether topped with ganache, buttercream, or a dusting of sugar, it’s a cake that delivers every time.
Dairy-Free: Use almond or oat milk Gluten-Free: Substitute with 1:1 gluten-free flour blend Double Chocolate: Add ½ cup chocolate chips to the batter Mocha Flavor: Use hot coffee instead of water and add espresso powder Mini Cakes: Divide into muffin tins or mini loaf pans (adjust bake time) 🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead
Room Temp: Store covered for up to 3 days Fridge: Lasts up to 5 days (bring to room temp before serving) Freezer: Freeze slices for up to 2 months (wrap tightly) Make Ahead: Bake cake a day before and frost fresh for best texture ❓ 10 FAQs
Can I use Dutch cocoa powder?
Yes—any unsweetened cocoa powder works! Why add vinegar?
It reacts with baking soda for a tender, fluffy texture. Can I turn this into cupcakes?
Absolutely! Bake for 18–20 minutes. What if I don’t have coffee?
Just use hot water—coffee deepens the chocolate flavor but isn’t essential. Can I double the recipe?
Yes—use two 9-inch pans or a 9×13-inch pan. Is it okay to frost warm cake?
Let it cool completely or the frosting will melt. How do I get flat cake tops?
Bake evenly and trim tops with a serrated knife if needed. What oil works best?
Neutral oils like vegetable, canola, or avocado oil are ideal. Can I skip the vinegar?
Use lemon juice or buttermilk for a similar result. What makes it moist?
The oil, hot liquid, and acidic reaction all contribute to a rich, moist texture. 🏁 Conclusion
With this Easy Chocolate Cake, you’re just one bowl and one bake away from dessert bliss. Moist, tender, and rich in flavor, it’s the perfect no-fuss option for any day that needs a chocolatey lift. 🍫💕 Whether topped with ganache, buttercream, or a dusting of sugar, it’s a cake that delivers every time.