Every chef needs a chocolate cake in their arsenal of desserts, and this one-bowl recipe is my favorite! I like to swap yogurt for the more traditional buttermilk and use hot coffee instead of water for richness and greater depth of flavor. The batter is versatile and can be used for cupcakes, cake layers, or even homestyle loaves. It’s delicious on its own, sprinkled with candied nuts or chocolate chips before baking or topped with a glaze, frosting or chocolate ganache after. It makes an easy birthday cake too!

One Bowl Chocolate Cake

Recipe details

Serves

8 to 10

Ingredients

Chocolate Cake

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1 cup hot coffee
  • ½ cup vegetable oil

Chocolate Frosting and Garnish, optional

  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • ⅔ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • Hot water
  • ¼ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • Semisweet chocolate chunks
  • Edible flowers

Method

  1. For the chocolate cake. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
  2. Butter an (8½ x 4½ x 2½-inch) standard loaf pan and then line with parchment paper for easy cake removal later.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk well to ensure any lumps in the cocoa powder are broken up. Next add the eggs, followed by the yogurt, hot coffee, and oil. Mix slowly to incorporate all of the ingredients, but do not overmix.
  4. Pour the batter into the pan. It should not come higher than three-quarters of the way up the sides. Bake until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean, 35 to 40 minutes.
  5. For the chocolate frosting and garnish, if using. In a small bowl whisk the powdered sugar and cocoa powder together to ensure there are no lumps. Whisk in enough hot water to create a thick frosting. Whisk in the vanilla.
  6. Spread the frosting on the top of the cake while it is still warm, but not hot, allowing it to run down the sides. Sprinkle with the chocolate pieces and garnish with the edible flowers.