Easy Chocolate Cake From Scratch (Under 1 Hour!)
This Easy Chocolate Cake is a rich, moist treat made from pantry staples, perfect for any occasion and can be whipped up in under 1 hour.
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8–10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
1 cup all-purpose flour (130g)
¾ cup granulated sugar (165g)
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 egg
⅓ cup vegetable oil (65g)
½ cup buttermilk (120g) – or substitute with ½ cup milk + ½ tablespoon vinegar
1 tsp instant coffee (optional)
¼ cup boiling water (60g)
¼ cup cocoa powder (25g)
¼ cup cream (60g)
75g chocolate of choice (milk or dark)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.
- Make a well in the center and add the egg, vegetable oil, and buttermilk. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
- In a separate bowl, mix the boiling water with the instant coffee (if using) and pour over the cocoa powder. Stir until smooth.
- Fold the cocoa mixture into the batter until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Heat the cream in a small saucepan until it simmers. Pour over the chopped chocolate and let it sit for 5 minutes. Stir until smooth and glossy.
- Once the cake has cooled, pour the ganache over the top, letting it drip down the sides. Allow it to set before slicing.
Notes
- For a vegan version, replace the egg with a flaxseed egg and use plant-based milk and oil.
- If gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
- For extra flavor, add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit to the batter.
- The cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
- For a thicker ganache, reduce the cream or add more chocolate.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
