Chocolate Cake Recipe with Cocoa Powder
This chocolate cake recipe with cocoa powder is a rich, moist, and reliable one-bowl dessert made with simple pantry staples. Featuring deep chocolate flavor and a soft, tender crumb, this classic cake is perfect for birthdays, gatherings, or anytime you crave an easy homemade chocolate treat.
Equipment
- 2 round cake pans (9-inch)
- large mixing bowl
- hand mixer or whisk
- measuring cups and spoons
- wire cooling rack
Ingredients
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or dust with cocoa powder.
- In a large bowl, combine sugar, flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir until evenly mixed.
- Add eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Beat for about 2 minutes until smooth and well combined.
- Slowly stir in the boiling water. The batter will be thin, which is normal and helps create a moist cake.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30–35 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then remove and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
Notes
Use room temperature eggs for smoother batter. Do not skip the boiling water — it helps bloom the cocoa and creates a moist texture. You can substitute hot coffee for the boiling water to enhance the chocolate flavor. Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze unfrosted layers for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
Calories: 235kcalCarbohydrates: 36gProtein: 3gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 220mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 2gSugar: 24gVitamin A: 80IUCalcium: 40mgIron: 1.5mg
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