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Easiest Chocolate Cake

A simple yet impressive chocolate cake with a moist crumb, topped with glossy chocolate ganache, perfect for weeknight baking.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 16 pieces
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Dry Ingredients
  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder Use a high-quality cocoa for best flavor
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil Keeps the cake moist
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract Adjust for a stronger vanilla flavor
For the Cake
  • 1 cup boiling water This helps bloom the cocoa
  • Chocolate ganache for topping See notes for variations on ganache

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch cake pan.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until combined.
  3. Add the eggs, whole milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry mixture, and mix just until smooth.
  4. Slowly stir in the boiling water until the batter is thin and glossy.
Baking
  1. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30–35 minutes.
  2. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooling and Finishing
  1. Cool the cake in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
  2. Once cooled, top the cake with chocolate ganache and spread it evenly to the edges.

Notes

For clean slices, allow ganache to set slightly before cutting. Store covered at room temperature for a couple of days.