Whether you’ve got unexpected company or just a craving for sweets, this simple one bowl chocolate cake can be whipped up in under thirty minutes.
You know those days when you feel like you’ve exerted just about all the brainpower you can muster? Maybe you are studying for an exam, preparing for a big presentation at work, or the kids just drove you crazy. After it’s all over you are left with the feeling that someone has just scrambled your brains with an eggbeater.
Last Friday, I wrote my first public relations plan for a client completely on my own. Later that night, I sat on the couch wishing I had stopped at the liquor store for a bottle of red wine. I decided chocolate cake was the next best thing.
The One Bowl Chocolate Cake
I love this cake because it’s simple. All of the ingredients are items I normally keep on hand in my pantry, meaning I can treat myself to chocolate cake anytime I get the craving.
This cake also requires only one minute of mixing time, so leave your mixer in the cupboard if you are feeling lazy.
Egg Free and Dairy Free
Do you or a loved one have an egg or dairy allergy? Neither of those ingredients is required for this recipe. Indulge in a perfectly fudgy cake without the worry.
Perfect for Unexpected Company
I don’t have people drop by unannounced very often. But if you are in a bind and need to throw something together quickly, here is a great solution. It’s stands on its own just fine. You can serve it alongside ice cream, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
One Bowl Chocolate Cake
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour*
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 cup cold water
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or a square 8 x 8 pan.
- In a large bowl, mix together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add oil, vinegar, vanilla, and water. Mix until ingredients are just combined.
- Pour batter in to pan.
- Bake 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.
Thank you for sharing that memory, Robin!
My mom had a recipe very similar to this except that it called for boiling water to be added last. The batter was very gooey going into the pan. The cake was fabulous.
Hi Joan,
The original recipe does not have eggs in it. I don’t have an answer for you as to why, but the cake comes together fine without them. Yes, it is very moist and the picture above is the actual cake. It does not have icing on it, although occasionally I do sprinkle some powdered sugar over it.
You really don’t taste the vinegar at all.
Interesting use of vinegar! What does it do to the taste?
I just copied the recipe on an envelope in order to go to the kitchen and make it when I noticed this cake recipe doesn’t have eggs.
Why no eggs?
Is it moist? It looks moist.
Is the photo above the cake in the recipe?
The picture looks like it has icing on it.
Does this recipe form its own icing or curst or did you put an icing on the cake?
I have developed several recipes of my own and am thinking of things to add to this recipe but need to try it like it’s written first.
I’m thinking of adding some dark chocolate, some chili powder to give it a zing. I’ll try this first and then if the texture is good I might start to play with it.
I developed a carrot cake recipe once that had eggs and buttermilk which made it moist. Oh, I forgot it has oil in it too. I’ll try to let you know how this turns out. I don’t get much time on the Internet. If you would like to see some of the recipies I’ve developed go to:
http://www.healthierchocolatechipcookies.blogspot.com
YES. I know what you mean. I feel that way just about every single day! Chocolate cake is clearly the answer. I love that it’s a “snack” cake. That’s the right idea! xo
Nothing better after a long day than chocolate cake you don’t have to share…well, maybe if you add in that red wine too.
I agree that a simple cake will always get made, the vinegar is interesting in this one, i shall try it, i am bored with my old go to cake choco recipe.. c
chocolate can cure anything and everything !
-grace