There’s something magical about a chocolate cake that requires just one bowl and delivers pure chocolate bliss in every bite. This One-Bowl Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Frosting is the perfect solution for chocolate lovers who want maximum flavor with minimum cleanup. The cake is incredibly moist, rich, and deeply chocolatey, while the smooth chocolate frosting adds the perfect finishing touch. What makes this recipe special is its simplicity – everything gets mixed in one bowl, making it perfect for beginners or anyone who wants delicious homemade cake without the fuss. This recipe serves 12 people generously and is ideal for birthdays, celebrations, or any time you need a chocolate fix.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 30-35 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (including frosting)
Serves: 12
What You’ll Need for the Cake
- 1 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup strong black coffee, cooled
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
What You’ll Need for the Chocolate Frosting
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Getting Your Kitchen Ready
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray, then lightly dust it with cocoa powder. This prevents sticking and adds extra chocolate flavor. Make sure your coffee is completely cool before using it in the batter.
Making the Chocolate Cake
In your largest mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together until they’re well mixed and there are no lumps of cocoa powder.
Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add the eggs, buttermilk, cooled coffee, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Using a wooden spoon or electric mixer on medium speed, mix everything together until the batter is smooth and well combined. The batter will be quite thin, which is exactly what you want for a moist cake.
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached. Don’t overbake, as this can make the cake dry.
Preparing the Chocolate Frosting
While the cake cools, make your frosting. In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer until it’s light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Gradually add the cocoa powder, beating until well combined.
Alternate adding the powdered sugar and milk, beginning and ending with the powdered sugar. Beat on low speed initially to prevent a sugar cloud, then increase to medium-high speed. Beat until the frosting is smooth, creamy, and spreadable. Add the vanilla extract and beat for another minute.
Assembling Your Cake
Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before frosting. This usually takes about an hour. Once cool, spread the chocolate frosting evenly over the top of the cake using an offset spatula or butter knife. Start from the center and work your way to the edges for the smoothest finish.
Serving and Storage Tips
Cut the cake into 12 equal squares for serving. This cake stays fresh covered at room temperature for up to 3 days, or you can refrigerate it for up to a week. For the best flavor and texture, let refrigerated cake come to room temperature before serving.
Why This Recipe Works
The secret to this cake’s incredible moisture is the combination of buttermilk and coffee. The coffee enhances the chocolate flavor without making the cake taste like coffee, while the buttermilk adds tenderness. Using oil instead of butter keeps the cake moist for days, and mixing everything in one bowl means the ingredients blend perfectly without overworking the batter.
This One-Bowl Chocolate Cake proves that simple can be spectacular. With rich chocolate flavor, perfect moisture, and easy cleanup, it’s destined to become your go-to chocolate cake recipe for any occasion.
