Irresistible Easy Chocolate Cake Recipe

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Enjoy the ultimate chocolate dessert with this Irresistible Easy Chocolate Cake recipe that's sure to become a family favorite. This moist and decadent cake is made with simple ingredients and is incredibly quick to whip up, making it the perfect treat for any occasion. Pair it with your favorite frosting or serve it plain for an easy delight that satisfies all chocolate cravings.

Sabrina Holt

Created by

Sabrina Holt

Last updated on 2025-12-02T11:29:43.291Z

This cake has been a treasured recipe in our family for years. Its simplicity and rich flavor make it a go-to for celebrations and casual get-togethers alike.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to make
  • Moist and flavorful
  • Perfect for any occasion
  • Can be customized with your favorite frosting

The Allure of Chocolate

Chocolate has an incredible ability to evoke happiness and comfort. This easy chocolate cake capitalizes on that magic, providing an indulgent experience with every bite. Whether it’s for a birthday, an anniversary, or simply to satisfy a sweet tooth, chocolate cake remains a timeless favorite. The rich cocoa flavor balanced with the moist texture is what sets this cake apart and guarantees it will be welcomed at any gathering.

Using high-quality cocoa powder elevates this cake even further, enhancing the chocolatey depth and richness. It's this aspect of the cake that makes it not just a dessert, but an event. The moment guests take their first bite, they’re guaranteed to be hooked, eager for more. Pairing this cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream can turn a simple treat into an extraordinary dessert experience.

Customizing Your Cake

One of the best things about this easy chocolate cake recipe is its versatility. You can customize the flavor profile by injecting various ingredients. For a minty twist, adding a teaspoon of peppermint extract can create a refreshing flavor that works beautifully with chocolate. Similarly, incorporating chocolate chips can elevate the texture and chocolate experience in every slice.

If you’re looking for a fruity touch, consider layering fresh berries between the cake layers or on top with a light dusting of powdered sugar. This not only adds a pop of color but also enriches the overall taste by balancing the sweetness with a hint of tartness. Do not hesitate to experiment with different frostings as well, such as cream cheese, buttercream, or even a simple ganache.

Storing and Serving Suggestions

This chocolate cake stays moist and delicious for several days when stored properly, making it an excellent option for meal prep or advanced baking. Simply wrap the cooled cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week. Alternatively, you can freeze the cake for longer storage; wrap it in aluminum foil or freezer-safe bags to maintain its freshness.

When it’s time to serve, let the cake sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes after removing from the fridge to restore its delicate texture. This easy chocolate cake is perfect for gatherings, allowing you to serve it as is or adorned with decadent frosting and garnishes. No matter how you serve it, your guests will adore this chocolatey delight.

Ingredients

Cake Ingredients

  • 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ¾ cups sugar
  • ¾ cup cocoa powder
  • 1 ½ tsp baking powder
  • 1 ½ tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup milk
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup boiling water

Mix all ingredients well and enjoy your cake!

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.

Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix well.

Add the Wet Ingredients

Add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients and beat on medium speed for 2 minutes. Stir in the boiling water last.

Bake the Cake

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Allow the cake to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove from pans and cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.

Enjoy your delicious homemade chocolate cake!

Why This Recipe Works

Simple and easy to follow, this recipe uses common pantry staples that most home bakers already have on hand. This accessibility makes it an ideal cake to whip up on a whim, whether for last-minute gatherings or simply to treat yourself. The use of hot water in the batter may seem unusual, but it ensures that the cocoa blooms beautifully, resulting in an incredibly moist cake.

Moreover, the balance of ingredients allows for a rich flavor without being overly sweet. This composition strikes a perfect ratio that makes every slice satisfying. With just the right combination of fluffiness and density, it’s no surprise this chocolate cake has captured the hearts of many.

Serving Occasions

This easy chocolate cake is perfect for a variety of occasions. Birthdays are a classic for chocolate cake, but consider serving it for holidays, family gatherings, or even casual get-togethers with friends. Its versatility allows it to fit in seamlessly, whether as a centerpiece dessert or a sweet sideline to afternoon tea.

You can also dress it up for special occasions by creating layers with creamy fillings or showcasing it with beautiful garnishes. Smoked sea salt, fresh fruit, or even a drizzle of caramel can add an elegant touch, transforming this simple dessert into a sophisticated cake worthy of any celebration.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake a day in advance and store it in an airtight container.

→ What frosting goes well with this cake?

Chocolate ganache, cream cheese frosting, or vanilla buttercream are all great options.

Irresistible Easy Chocolate Cake Recipe

Enjoy the ultimate chocolate dessert with this Irresistible Easy Chocolate Cake recipe that's sure to become a family favorite. This moist and decadent cake is made with simple ingredients and is incredibly quick to whip up, making it the perfect treat for any occasion. Pair it with your favorite frosting or serve it plain for an easy delight that satisfies all chocolate cravings.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration30 minutes
Overall Time45 minutes

Created by: Sabrina Holt

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: Beginner

Final Quantity: 8 servings

What You'll Need

Cake Ingredients

  1. 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  2. 1 ¾ cups sugar
  3. ¾ cup cocoa powder
  4. 1 ½ tsp baking powder
  5. 1 ½ tsp baking soda
  6. 1 tsp salt
  7. 2 large eggs
  8. 1 cup milk
  9. ½ cup vegetable oil
  10. 2 tsp vanilla extract
  11. 1 cup boiling water

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.

Step 02

In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix well.

Step 03

Add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients and beat on medium speed for 2 minutes. Stir in the boiling water last.

Step 04

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 05

Allow the cake to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove from pans and cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 350
  • Fat: 15g
  • Carbohydrates: 52g
  • Protein: 5g