Got a chocolate craving? Fix it the easy way with this single-layer, super-moist chocolate cake that mixes up in one bowl in only a few minutes.—Chocolate cake without all the fuss!
One-bowlin’ it. Single layerin’ it. And chocolate cakin’ it because Monday called and requested all the easy + chocolate-y stuff.
I’m on board. You? Cool.
So at this point I can actually read your thoughts. You’re thinking wait, whaaaaat?? What on earth happened to all the other layers that come with chocolate cake? Why is there only one wimpy layer??
Multiple cake layers have no place in easy cake town, so we’re dialing it down to single today. Don’t freak out on me yet, guys—there’s definitely no shortage of chocolate. 😉
If you’ve spent even a minute on WAHO, you’d probably know that chocolate cake is pretty cliche around here. We’ve done all the layers, sheet cake-style, and bundt cake, but never just a stupid-simple mix-dump-bake-frost-and-devour kinda cake.
Let’s be honest. Those are our favorite kinds of desserts. Especially if your name is Sarah and you happen to be a totally lazy cake baker.
Guilty but totally willing to live with my shame as long as I can have this chocolate cake.
This cake is about as simple as they come, guys. Never made your own cake from scratch before? This is your recipe to start with! It’s practically guaranteed ultra-moist. The cake batter mixes up completely in bowl with completely basic pantry ingredients.
And while the cake bakes you’ll have plenty of time to whip up the chocolate fudge frosting that we conveniently have not even spoken of until this point in time.
Oh glory, I L-O-V-E this frosting so much! It’s sorta like chocolate fudge/pudding in frosting form. It’s my mom’s recipe and totally my fav.
You might eat it all from the pan and I completely understand.
You’re really really REALLY going to love this cake, friends. Make it to share or don’t share at all. Use your best chocolate cake judgement. 😀
That actually means don’t share if you want to be technical. We make smart decisions around here.
One-Bowl Single Layer Chocolate Cake
This recipe may included paid links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a commission from qualifying purchases.
Ingredients
- 1 cup coconut sugar or brown sugar
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup hot brewed coffee
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup white whole wheat flour
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- FROSTING:
- 1/2 cup coconut sugar or brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F. Line the bottom of a 9-in cake pan with a parchment paper round and lightly grease bottom and sides. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk sugar, oil, egg, milk, coffee, and vanilla until smooth. Add flour, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, and salt to liquid and gently fold until just combined (batter will be slightly thin)
- Scrape batter into prepared pan. Bake cake at 350F 28-30 minute or until cake comes out with moist crumbs sticking to it. Cool cake completely on a wire cooling rack then, invert onto a serving plate.
- Make the frosting: In a small saucepan, whisk sugar, cocoa, cornstarch, and salt with water until smooth. Bring mixture to a boil over medium heat until frosting is thickened and smooth. Remove from heat and whisk in butter and vanilla.
- Allow frosting to cool slightly, then frost over cooled cake. Slice and enjoy!
Nutrition
If you make this recipe, be sure to tag your photo #wholeandheavenlyoven on Instagram. And follow me so we can be friends! ♥
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
Mmm you had me at one bowl! I love how you cut this cake into slices…so easy to grab ‘n go! Sounds delicious, Sarah! Just what I need to cure my chocolate cravings!
Sarah says
Thanks Gayle! Perfect for whenever that chocolate craving hits right?? 🙂
Alyssa @ My Sequined Life says
I haven’t even started my day but I think I need a piece! Mondays. 🙁 Easy chocolate cake is something I shouldn’t know about, but I’m glad I do!!
Sarah says
Yes, you so need a piece! Everyone does on a Monday right? 😉 Thanks Alyssa!
Puja Darshan says
Chocolate cake…I must thank you for sharing this recipe Sarah!
My husband and my daughter are a great fan of chocolate cake , they are going to love this. 🙂
Sarah says
Thanks so much Puja! Let me know if you give this cake a try!
Kelly // The Pretty Bee: Allergy Friendly Eats says
Delicious! I love that you used coconut sugar!
Sarah says
I love coconut sugar in my chocolate cake! 🙂
Jen | Baked by an Introvert says
I absolutely love how simple this chocolate cake is! And it looks amazing!
Sarah says
Aww thanks friend!! xoxo 🙂
Rachel @the dessert chronicles says
Love how easy this looks to whip up for those sudden chocolate cravings!
Sarah says
Thanks Rachel!!
Jess @ Flying on Jess Fuel says
Easy cakes are definitely my style! And you can’t go wrong with chocolate on chocolate! This is calling my name!
Sarah says
Easy chocolate cake for the win!! Thanks Jess. 🙂
marcie says
Honestly, this is the best way to make a cake — it’s easy, it’s fuss-free, and you don’t have a ton leftover! This looks like chocolate cake perfection and I love the way you think!
Sarah says
Thanks so much Marcie!! 🙂
Jess @ Sweetest Menu says
You and I are bringing BACK the single layer chocolate cake this week Sarah! Sometimes simple is best and this cake is gorgeous! It reminds me of the chocolate cake of my childhood 🙂
Sarah says
How awesome is that?? Chocolate cake twinning!! 😀
Ashley says
One bowl cakes are the best – hands down! I just don’t have the patience these days to make anything complicated!! This looks and sounds delicious!
Sarah says
Right there with ‘ya! Easy cakes always win! 😉 Thanks girlie!
Renee @ Two in the Kitchen says
I love that this is one layer because than I can spend less time frosting it and more time eating it!! YUM!! 😉
Sarah says
Haha! I love the way you think, Renee!
Rachel @ Bakerita says
Lazy chocolate cake is the best string of words I’ve heard all day!!! I need to make this – love that it doesn’t make too much cake, which is always my (first world) problem. Love how super duper chocolatey it is!
Sarah says
Lazy chocolate cake on Mondays for the wiiiiin! Thanks Rachel!
Bethany @ Athletic Avocado says
Hello beautiful cake! Life is so much easier when you only need one bowl for a recipe!
Sarah says
Agreed!! Thanks so much Bethany!
Danielle says
Mondays always call for chocolate! This cake looks so perfect Sarah, that chocolate frosting is calling my name!
Sarah says
So true. 🙂 Thanks for the sweet words Danielle!
Liz says
Such an easy way to get our chocolate fix!
Sarah says
Right? Thanks Liz!
DaNae says
Just what I as looking for!