Craving a decadent treat that’s a breeze to make? Dive into the world of one-bowl chocolate cake recipes! This delightful dessert, born from the classic Hersheys recipe, has been my passion project. With each tweak and adjustment, I’ve crafted a cake that’s a symphony of flavors and textures. The end result? A chocolate cake so divine, the crumbs tell the tale.
This one-bowl wonder isn’t just easy; it’s a showstopper. Moist, rich, and topped with luscious chocolate frosting, it’s a crowd-pleaser that will have your guests singing its praises. As the compliments pour in, I can’t help but smile knowing that this recipe, with its gluten-free, dairy-free, and egg-free options, has won hearts and taste buds alike. So, grab a slice, savor the moment, and get ready for a chocolatey journey like no other.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- 1 cup boiling water
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk (optional for adjusting frosting consistency)
Equipment Needed
For this delicious one-bowl chocolate cake recipe, you’ll need a few essential pieces of equipment to ensure smooth and efficient preparation. Here’s what you’ll need:
1. Mixing Bowl:
Prepare a large mixing bowl to combine all the dry and wet ingredients for the cake batter. Make sure it is spacious enough to accommodate all the ingredients without spillage.
2. Whisk or Electric Mixer:
To properly beat the cake batter and achieve a smooth consistency, you can use a whisk for a traditional approach or an electric mixer for a quicker and more thorough mixing process.
3. Measuring Cups and Spoons:
Accurate measurements are crucial for the success of this recipe. Have measuring cups and spoons on hand to measure out the ingredients precisely.
4. Cake Pans:
You will need two 9-inch round cake pans to bake the chocolate cake layers. Ensure they are properly greased and lined to prevent sticking.
5. Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) before starting the baking process. A properly heated oven is essential for even baking of the cake layers.
6. Cooling Rack:
After baking the cake layers, you’ll need a cooling rack to let them cool down properly. This helps maintain the texture and structure of the cakes.
Having these key pieces of equipment ready and organized before you start will streamline the baking process and ensure a successful outcome for your one-bowl chocolate cake.
Preparation
Preheating and Pan Prep
To start preparing this delightful one-bowl chocolate cake, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and ready your cake pans. Whether you’re using three 6-inch pans or two 8 or 9-inch pans, make sure to spray them with oil, add parchment rounds, lightly dust with flour, and they’ll be set for the batter.
Baking the Cake
To bake this delectable one-bowl chocolate cake, you can choose between using an oven or an air fryer. The oven typically requires a longer preheat time compared to the air fryer. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F while ensuring your air fryer is also preheated for a couple of minutes. The baking time for this cake usually ranges between 30 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a knife inserted into the cake comes out clean.
If you want to make a substitution, you can easily swap curd for Greek yogurt in this recipe. Both ingredients work well and won’t alter the taste or texture of the cake.
Once you’ve baked your cake, you can store it by refrigerating it for up to 5 to 6 days. This cake retains its freshness and moisture, making it a perfect go-to dessert for satisfying those chocolate cravings. It’s a foolproof and simple recipe that anyone can enjoy, whether it’s a quick treat or a fun baking activity with your kids.
Making the Frosting
To make the frosting for the chocolate cake, start by melting unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Once the butter has melted, add the unsweetened cocoa powder and whisk it in. Let it cook for about 2 minutes, making sure not to bring it to a boil. After that, remove the saucepan from the heat.
Next, sift in the powdered sugar gradually, whisking continuously to avoid lumps and ensure a smooth consistency. Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of milk slowly while whisking to reach the desired frosting consistency. Finally, incorporate the vanilla extract into the mixture, whisking it in until well combined.
The frosting should be rich, shiny, and spreadable. Once your chocolate cake has cooled slightly, pour the frosting over the top, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. The warmth of the cake will help the frosting spread smoothly. Allow the frosting to set before slicing and serving the deliciously moist chocolate cake with its decadent chocolate frosting.
Assembling the Cake
After preparing the moist and luscious chocolate cake and the decadent chocolate frosting, it’s time to assemble this delightful dessert to perfection. Here are the steps to follow:
- Cooling the Cake: Allow the chocolate cake to cool completely in the cake pans. This step is crucial as it ensures that the cake sets properly and is easier to handle during assembly.
- Releasing the Cake: Gently run a knife along the edges of the cake pans to release the cake. Place a wire rack on top of the cake pan, then invert the pan to release the cake onto the rack. Carefully remove the parchment paper from the bottom of the cake.
- Layering the Cake: If you baked multiple layers, start by placing one layer on a serving plate or cake stand. If you have a single layer, proceed with frosting the top of the cake directly.
- Applying the Frosting: Using a spatula, generously spread the chocolate frosting over the top of the cake layer. For multiple layers, repeat this process for each layer, ensuring an even distribution of frosting between layers.
- Stacking the Layers: If you have multiple cake layers, carefully stack them on top of each other, ensuring that the layers are aligned evenly. This step creates a beautiful stacked cake with frosting between each layer.
- Frosting the Sides: Once the layers are stacked, apply a thin layer of frosting to the sides of the cake. This crumb coat helps seal in the cake crumbs and provides a smooth surface for the final layer of frosting.
- Final Frosting: Finish by generously frosting the entire cake, covering both the top and sides with a thick layer of chocolate frosting. Use the spatula to create swirls or peaks for a decorative finish.
- Setting the Cake: Allow the assembled cake to set for a brief period to ensure that the frosting is firm and the layers have melded together seamlessly.
- Serving the Cake: Once the cake is set, slice and serve this decadent one-bowl chocolate cake to impress your guests with its rich flavors and moist texture.
By following these steps, you can assemble a stunning chocolate cake that not only tastes incredible but also looks irresistible. Enjoy the process of creating this indulgent dessert that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
Storage Tips
Storing your one-bowl chocolate cake properly ensures its freshness and deliciousness for longer. Here are some handy tips on how to store your cake based on your frosting choice:
Room Temperature Storage
If your cake is frosted with buttercream, you can keep it covered at room temperature for up to five days. However, if you’ve used cream cheese frosting, refrigerate the cake within two hours to maintain its quality and taste.
Freezing and Thawing Instructions
For long-term storage, freezing your chocolate cake is a great option. To freeze, wrap the unfrosted layers tightly in storage wrap and aluminum foil, labeled with the date. Store the double-wrapped cake layers in an airtight container and freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Conclusion
This one-bowl chocolate cake recipe inspired by Hershey’s is a true delight for any chocolate lover. With its rich flavors, moist texture, and decadent chocolate frosting, it’s a perfect treat for any occasion. The ease of preparation and the option for ingredient substitutions make this recipe versatile and accessible to all. Whether you’re baking for a special event or simply satisfying a chocolate craving, this cake is sure to impress. Remember to follow the storage tips to keep your cake fresh and delicious for days to come. Treat yourself and your loved ones to this indulgent chocolate cake, and enjoy the sweet rewards of your baking efforts.
