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How to make chocolate cake

By swasthi , on July 24, 2019, 130 Comments, Jump to Recipe

Learn to make the best chocolate cake at home – Did you ever dream of baking the best chocolate cake? I did and my dream came true when I tried this recipe for the first time years ago. This super delicious, moist & rich chocolate cake has never failed to amaze my family & friends.

best chocolate cake recipe

This best chocolate cake is simple & easy to follow even by a beginner. It is a one bowl cake that just needs a whisk, no mixer needed except for the frosting.

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This recipe uses 1 egg which helps the cake to rise & keep it moist. I have baked this cake in a oven. If you do not have a oven you can also bake it in a cooker or a heavy bottom pot following this post on Cooker cake recipe.

Preparation

Preheat the oven to 175 C or 350 F for at least 15 mins.

1. Grease and line 2 – 6 inch cake pans. You can also make a single layer cake in a 7 or 8 inch pan.You can also just grease and dust with some flour or cocoa.

Grease the cake pans

2. Place a sieve over a mixing bowl. Add flour.

Add flour

3. Add the rest of the dry ingredients – cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Sieve them all.

dry ingredients - cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt

4. Next add sugar.

add sugar

5. Mix everything very well until uniform. Make a well in the center.

mix
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How to make chocolate cake

6. Heat half cup water in a pot.
7. Pour milk, egg, oil and vanilla.

Pour milk, egg, oil and vanilla

8. Whisk the wet ingredients first. Then whisk together wet and dry ingredients just until combined. Do not over mix.

Whisk the wet ingredients to make chocolate cake

9. You will have a slightly thick batter at this stage.

thick batter
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10. Quickly pour the hot water to the batter. The water must be very hot.

pour the hot water

11. Immediately whisk the batter just until the water is absorbed and the batter looks uniform. Batter is very runny at this stage.

whisk the batter

12. Pour this to the pans. Tap the pan to the counter 2 to 3 times.

pour batter to pan to make chocolate cake

13. Bake for 28 to 30 mins or until the tester comes out clean. Please adjust the timing depending on the oven and pan sizes. If baking in a 7 inch pan you may need to bake upto 35 to 38 mins. Cool the pans on a wire rack for 10 mins.

Bake for 28 to 30 mins or until the tester comes out clean

14. Then invert to a cooling rack. Cool completely before frosting.

Cool completely before frosting
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Frosting chocolate cake

15. Please follow the recipe card to make the frosting. I have shared below quick tips on how to frost the cake.

make the frosting

16. Spread a tsp of frosting in the center of the cake board or cake stand. Place 4 parchment papers on all 4 sides such that they don’t touch the frosting. Place the cake on the parchment paper. The center of the cake has to be on the frosting that was spreaded. Begin to spread the frosting with a spatula. Even out for smooth surface. Place another cake and repeat the frosting. Then frost on the sides. Smoothen the sides as well with the spatula.

Spread a tsp of frosting in the center of the cake board

17. I just used some choco chips and sprinkles on top. Then remove the parchment paper gently.

choco chips
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Slice the chocolate cake.

Best chocolate cake recipe for beginners.

The following tips will help you to adapt the recipe to different pan sizes.

Tips

1. I have baked this cake in two 6 inch round pans as I do not prefer to cut my cake to layers. If you do not have 2 pans then you can bake it in a single 7 or 8 inch round pan. To make it a layered cake you will have to cut the cake to 2 layers and then frost.

2. This recipe cannot be halved but can be doubled to make a 2 or 3 layers 8 inch cake.

3. The recipe can be used to make 12 cupcakes.

4. Do adjust the baking time depending on the pan size used.

5. I have made chocolate buttercream frosting which needs a stand or hand mixer. If you do not have one, you can also beat the mixture using a whisk but it is a bit of arm work.

6. You can also make a simple chocolate ganache instead of buttercream frosting or spread some melted chocolate over the cake. This needs no mixer & you can bake the entire batter in a single pan.

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chocolate cake recipe

How to make chocolate cake

Rich, moist & delicious chocolate cake for beginners. This recipe is super simple to make and is done just in 2 steps. 
Pin Recipe Print Recipe

For best results follow the step-by-step photos above the recipe card

Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Servings6 inch cake
AuthorSwasthi

Ingredients (1 cup = 240ml )

  • ¾ cup + 2 tbsp flour (112 grams) (all-purpose flour or wheat flour)
  • ¼ cup + 2 tbsp cocoa powder (34 grams) (6 tbsps)
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¾ tsp baking powder
  • ¾ tsp baking soda
  • 1 cup sugar (organic)

Wet ingredients

  • 1 egg
  • ½ cup milk
  • ¼ cup oil (4 tbsps) (I used virgin coconut oil)
  • 1 to 2 tsp vanilla extract or powder as needed
  • ½ cup boiling hot water

For chocolate buttercream frosting (optional)

  • ½ cup butter unsalted (soft but cold)
  • 1¾ cup powdered sugar or confectioners sugar
  • 4 tbsp cocoa powder
  • 1½ tbsp milk or whipping cream
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
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Instructions

  • Grease and line 2 – 6 inch cake pans or 1 – 7 or 8 inch pan. Preheat the oven to 175 C for at least 15 mins.
  • Sieve together flour, cocoa, salt, baking powder and baking soda to a mixing bowl. 
  • Add sugar to the bowl. Give a good stir until well combined.

How to make chocolate cake

  • Make a well in the center of the bowl. Pour egg, oil, vanilla extract & milk. Whisk together all the wet ingredients. Then mix wet and dry together until just combined and no lumps appear.
  • Pour boiling hot water and whisk until all the water is absorbed by the batter. The batter is runny at this stage.
  • Pour this to the cake pans. Tap the pans gently twice to the counter. 
  • Bake at 175 C for 28 to 30 mins or until the tester inserted comes out clean. Please adjust the timing as it depends on the oven.
  • Cool the cake in the pans on a wire rack for 10 mins. Invert to a cooling rack and cool completely before frosting.

Making chocolate buttercream frosting

  • Ensure butter is soft yet cold. Beat it until light & creamy for  2 mins. Then add the rest of the ingredients except milk. Beat until smooth, light and creamy. If the frosting is too thick add milk and beat. If it becomes runny, just add more powdered sugar.
  • Refrigerate for a while and spread on the cake. For more details watch the video.
  • Refrigerate and use up the chocolate cake with in a week.
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Notes

Ensure you use good quality cocoa and a flavorless or neutral oil.
This is a old recipe I shared in 2014, I updated with video & measurements in grams.
Recipe source : Hersheys

Alternative quantities provided in the recipe card are for 1x only, original recipe.

For best results follow my detailed step-by-step photo instructions and tips above the recipe card.

Video

NUTRITION INFO (estimation only)

Nutrition Facts
How to make chocolate cake
Amount Per Serving
Calories 678 Calories from Fat 261
% Daily Value*
Fat 29g45%
Saturated Fat 12g75%
Cholesterol 70mg23%
Sodium 513mg22%
Potassium 417mg12%
Carbohydrates 106g35%
Fiber 7g29%
Sugar 69g77%
Protein 9g18%
Vitamin A 545IU11%
Calcium 92mg9%
Iron 4.3mg24%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Tried this recipe?Mention @SwasthisRecipes or tag #swasthisrecipes!

© Swasthi’s Recipes

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About swasthi

Iโ€™m Swasthi shreekanth, the recipe developer, food photographer & food writer behind Swasthis recipes. My aim is to help you cook great Indian food with my time-tested recipes. After 2 decades of experience in practical Indian cooking I started this blog to help people cook better & more often at home. Whether you are a novice or an experienced cook I am sure Swasthiโ€™s Recipes will assist you to enhance your cooking skills.
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Comments

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  2. Sreeya says

    January 4, 2021

    Hey Swathi,
    I followed all the steps in the recipe but my cake rose and kind of had a crack in the middle part. What could be the reason?

    Reply
    • swasthi says

      January 5, 2021

      Hi Sreeya
      Did you use a 7 or 8 inch pan? If there is lot of batter in the cake pan, the top will crack. Try using a slightly larger pan.

      Reply
  3. Prem says

    November 28, 2020

    Do I have use sugar powder.

    Reply
    • swasthi says

      November 28, 2020

      I use fine sugar (not powdered)

      Reply
  4. UH says

    October 22, 2020

    I was looking for a simple chocolate cake recipe that my 10 years old daughter could make by herself and I came across your page.
    This recipe is simple, easy, doesn’t require any electrical machine and has common ingredients.

    And the cake turned out to be great! Thankyou.

    Reply
    • UH says

      October 22, 2020

      5 stars
      Forgot to rate earlier

      Reply
      • swasthi says

        October 23, 2020

        You are Welcome!
        Glad to know! Thank you

        Reply
  5. Tanusree says

    September 30, 2020

    5 stars
    Hi Swasthi
    This post of mine is not related to chocolate cake but your profound knowledge of baking. I know that youโ€™re not into Bengali cooking. Still thought of asking you as youโ€™re an expert baker.
    We bengalees use a sun dried lentil dumpling (bori) in lots of or dishes. Itโ€™s made of urad daal paste and dried under sun. In Bangalore we really donโ€™t get those and need to depend on parents coming this side. With the outbreak of the pandemic that way is closed.
    Now I have tried making in microwave oven but not with that success. I have searched in google for the recipe….lot are there but sun dried variations mostly. Hence could not set the correct temperature in the oven..
    Do you have any idea how to bake those lentil dumpling in the microwave oven?
    Itโ€™s really impossible to cook without โ€˜boriโ€™

    Reply
    • swasthi says

      October 4, 2020

      Hi Tanu,
      Even we make the urad dal bori and the recipe is the same as the Bengali version. I haven’t tried it personally. Sorry dear I couldn’t help you
      ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
      • Tanusree says

        October 10, 2020

        5 stars
        No issues. You have already rendered immense help to all of us.
        Will wait for the Sun God to shine.

        Reply
  6. Marilyn D'souza says

    September 5, 2020

    5 stars
    Hello Swasthi
    Is it ok to use butter in place of coconut oil?

    Reply
    • swasthi says

      September 7, 2020

      Hi Marilyn
      Yes you can use melted butter

      Reply
  7. Arun says

    August 4, 2020

    Hi,
    Can you please let me know , if I want to bake it as a vanilla cake๐Ÿ”ตwhat should I add insted of cocoa powder,also any additional ingredient is needed for vanilla cake .

    Thank you !

    Reply
    • swasthi says

      August 6, 2020

      Hi Arun,
      This cake recipe cannot be altered. You may check this vanilla butter cake

      Reply
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  9. Reshma says

    August 4, 2020

    Hi,
    What will be the temperature and time for baking in the oven for cupcakes
    Could you please mention preheat time as well.

    Reply
    • swasthi says

      August 6, 2020

      Hi Reshma
      You can bake for 22 to 24 mins in 2.5 inch diameter cups. Fill only 2/3 rd of the cups. Hope this helps

      Reply
  10. SD says

    August 3, 2020

    Hi Swasthi, Again thanks for detailed recipe. I like detailed picture wise presentation I like to follow instead of videos. Sofar all amazing receipe. Last time I made this receipe but was bit bitter

    Do I need to reduce cocoa powder or increase sugar?

    Thanks

    Reply
    • swasthi says

      August 3, 2020

      Hi SD,
      This is a recipe from Hershey’s. I don’t suggest altering the recipe. I understand that you did not make the frosting. You can check out the frosting recipe 1 in this eggless cake recipe. Increase the sugar in the frosting if you like it sweeter.

      Reply
  11. Shilpi says

    July 17, 2020

    5 stars
    Just loved the recipe and it’s outcomeโค๏ธ

    Reply
  12. Sathya says

    July 1, 2020

    Baked a cake for the first time in my life for my 4 year old’s birthday using this recipe. I can’t believe it turned out so amazing. We have already gobbled up more than half the cake in a day, had to stop ourselves from finishing the rest! Thanks for the perfect recipe that even a novice like me could ace.

    Reply
  13. Sneha says

    June 26, 2020

    The oil measurement given says 1/4th cup oil-4 tbsp. Does it mean 4 tbsp oil + 1/4th cup?

    Reply
    • swasthi says

      June 26, 2020

      It is 1/4th cup

      Reply
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  15. Srivani says

    June 14, 2020

    5 stars
    Hi….i wanna try this…. Can I use steel utensil for making this…. Gonna try with convection oven.

    Reply
    • swasthi says

      June 16, 2020

      Hi Srivani
      Aluminum pans are used as they bake the cakes evenly. I haven’t tried in a steel one. But it should work.

      Reply
  16. Prithi says

    May 15, 2020

    Hi Swasthi..
    I do not have a parchment paper… can you tell me how to grease the pan without that?

    Reply
    • swasthi says

      May 15, 2020

      Hi Prithi,
      Add little oil and grease lightly including the sides. Add some cocoa to a strainer and sprinkle all over evenly.

      Reply
  17. Kirti says

    May 14, 2020

    Can I use butter instead of oil?

    Reply
    • swasthi says

      May 14, 2020

      Yes you can use melted butter

      Reply
    • Sue says

      July 23, 2020

      Perfect recipe for a chocolate cake. Just awesome. Baked it for my kids birthday. Baked in the convection mode of my microwave. I had to adjust the temperature to suit my oven. Thank you for sharing

      Reply
      • swasthi says

        July 24, 2020

        Welcome Sue
        Glad to know it turned out great!
        Thank you!

        Reply
  18. Twinkle says

    May 11, 2020

    Hi Swasthi,

    I do not have all purpose flour so can I use self raising flour instead of all purpose flour?
    Please let me know. Thank you!

    Reply
    • swasthi says

      May 13, 2020

      Hi Twinkle,
      I haven’t tried it anytime with self raising flour.

      Reply
  19. Ekta says

    May 9, 2020

    Hello,

    I liked this recipe. Eager to try it. Can I use a square baking pan as I donโ€™t have a round one?

    Thank you

    Reply
    • swasthi says

      May 9, 2020

      Hi Ekta
      I guess 7 inch square pan should be fine

      Reply
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  21. Rizwana says

    May 5, 2020

    Hii swasthi
    When i bake should i bake it on upper flame or lower flame or upper and lower both?

    Reply
    • swasthi says

      May 6, 2020

      Hi Rizwana,
      Are you asking about the heating elements? Both the heating elements should be turned ON. If you are asking in cooker, Please check this post – cooker cake

      Reply
  22. Sweta says

    April 28, 2020

    Made this chocolate cake twice in a day ๐Ÿ˜ it tasted amazing and yummlicious. Only problem was that base of the cake was slightly wet and not totally dry.also cake broke a bit from side. Baked in a single 7inch pan for 35 mins and 38 mins. In total an awesome recipe. Just wanted to make it perfectly. Please help if any tips.

    Reply
    • swasthi says

      April 29, 2020

      Hi Sweta
      I guess it had to bake a little longer. If the cake is too moist and wet it can break.

      Reply
  23. Surabhi says

    April 27, 2020

    5 stars
    Hi Swasthi,
    I baked the carrot cake and banana cake, they were so so good. I’ve run out of cocoa powder, can I substitute that with morde chocolate compound?
    Thanks.

    Reply
    • swasthi says

      April 27, 2020

      Hi Surabhi
      Thank you! I don’t think this recipe will work with a cocoa substitute. I haven’t tried it any time.

      Reply
      • Surabhi says

        April 30, 2020

        Hi Swasthi,
        Since I wasn’t able to source cocoa powder during lockdown and I really wanted to try this cake, I substituted cocoa with grated dark chocolate 1:1 and it turned out amazing!
        Thanks.

        Reply
        • swasthi says

          April 30, 2020

          Hi Surabhi
          Thank you so much for sharing. It helps the other readers.
          ๐Ÿ™‚

          Reply
      • Vasundhara says

        May 13, 2020

        5 stars
        Hi,
        I have tried this recipe twice in a cooker filled with salt..and got a super fluffy, tasty soft cake.
        The only problem is that when the cake rises, it rises more in the middle..looks like a hill, don’t know why? Can you help..

        Reply
        • swasthi says

          May 14, 2020

          Hi,
          Glad to know! I think the flame is a bit high. I haven’t tried this one in cooker but I know the batter is too runny. So not sure what could be the reason.

          Reply
  24. Tanusree says

    April 25, 2020

    5 stars
    Hi Swasthi,
    I have prepared this no fail cake multiple times.. everytime it turned out to be soft and moist, finger-licking as well and disappeared in no time..
    Now under this lockdown phase, I want to make a bit drier version of it, say like britania cake slices…so that it is consumed in moderation..sounds crazy right?
    I want to serve it like a hi-tea snack..
    In that case what change I should make in the quantity of ingredients?
    My plan is to make a single 8″ diameter cake.
    Stay safe.
    Thanks in advance.
    Tanusree

    Reply
    • swasthi says

      April 25, 2020

      Hello Tanu,
      Thank you! haha! I would say smart choice! I understand with the kids at home snacks finish in no time now. Reducing a bit of sugar(may be 2 to 3 tbsp) makes it slightly drier. Another way is to use ragi flour. I have tried a lot of times substituting ragi flour for all-purpose flour(1:1 substitution) and found the cake turns out drier. It will be a healthy one too. But substitute only a part of the flour. If you haven’t tried this eggless ragi chocolate cake, give it a try.
      Stay safe!

      Reply
  25. Deepthi says

    April 25, 2020

    Hi Swasthi,
    Hope you are doing good.. Can you share a recipe for homemade chocolate sometime

    Thanks,
    Best wishes
    Deepthi

    Reply
    • swasthi says

      April 25, 2020

      Hi Deepthi,
      I am doing well. Thanks for asking! Hope all is well at your end. Yes I will try to share.

      Reply
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