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Ultra Moist, One-Bowl Chocolate Cake

Close-up of a rich, dark slice of ultra moist chocolate cake resting on a white plate.

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This recipe yields a deeply moist chocolate cake with a rich cocoa flavor, prepared easily in a single bowl.

Ingredients

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  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup hot water or hot brewed coffee

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Add the buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for two minutes.
  4. Carefully stir in the hot water or coffee until the batter is smooth. The batter will be thin.
  5. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans.
  6. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

Notes

  • Using hot coffee instead of hot water deepens the chocolate flavor without making the cake taste like coffee.
  • Do not overmix the batter once the wet ingredients are added; mix just until combined.
  • Buttermilk helps create a tender crumb; if you do not have buttermilk, mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes.

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