One-bowl chocolate cake is the ultimate beginner-friendly dessert and one of the fastest ways to satisfy a chocolate craving. Everything comes together in a single bowl, making prep quick and cleanup minimal. Just measure, whisk, and bake. The batter may look thin at first, but that’s exactly what gives this cake its incredibly moist, melt-in-your-mouth texture once baked. It’s perfect for family desserts, last-minute guests, or anytime you want a homemade chocolate cake without the fuss.
One-Bowl Chocolate Cake
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 1 cup (120 g / 4¼ oz) |
| Baking powder | 2 teaspoons |
| Coffee powder (optional) | 1 teaspoon |
| Unsweetened cocoa powder | ¾ cup |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup |
| Yoghurt | 1 cup |
| Vegetable oil | ½ cup |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Eggs (room temperature) | 3 |
Instructions
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, coffee powder, cocoa powder, and granulated sugar. Whisk everything together until well combined and free of lumps.
Step 2: Add the Wet Ingredients
Add the yoghurt, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and eggs to the bowl. Using a hand whisk, mix until the batter becomes smooth and glossy. The batter will be fairly thin, which is exactly how it should be.
Step 3: Prepare the Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 175°C. Line a baking tin with parchment paper and lightly grease it with butter or oil. This cake works well in almost any cake tin you have on hand.
Step 4: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35–40 minutes. The cake is ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Once baked, allow the cake to cool slightly. Run a spatula around the edges, then turn it out onto a plate. Serve it as-is or frost it if desired.
You can finish this cake with a simple homemade chocolate frosting using just butter, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk. No mixer is needed—just melt, whisk, and spread the frosting over the warm cake for a rich, glossy finish.
