I think this is the world’s easiest chocolate cake. Today is the lucky day for this Easy Chocolate Cake! Look no further for a one pan cake that is prepared in no time and all, so moist and utterly delicious. Take a look and see what I mean!
Originally published September 2017.
Everyone needs an easy go to dessert. Well, that’s probably just me, but it’s a good idea to have a no fail delicious cake recipe on hand for emergencies. By emergencies, I mean when you just need your chocolate fix! That has a tendency to happen often.
Ingredients To Make The Easy Chocolate Cake
You’ll see everything here that you’ll need to make the cake and the ganache. If you don’t already, ALWAYS set out all your baking ingredients before you start!
REMEMBER, full recipe with measurements and ingredients list will always be found at the end of the post in the recipe card.
Making The Cake
Yes, you see right, we’re not even using a bowl! This cake is so easy, you can make it directly in the pan you’re going to bake it in. And no mixer required!
I’m using an 8 x 8 inch deep sided baking pan. I’ve greased it and lined it with parchment paper. I like to line with parchment paper to be able to lift the cake out in the end.
First thing we do is add all the dry ingredients to our baking dish and whisk them together like you see below. Easy!
Mix it all up with a whisk
Add the wet ingredients and whisk gently to combine. I say gently so you don’t spill it out of the pan!
Yes, you can make this in a mixing bowl if you think it will get too messy for you…haha
Bake the cake in a preheated 350 degree F/180 degree C oven for about 25 – 30 minutes.
To check for cake doneness you can do two things.
- Insert a toothpick into the center and it should come out clean.
- Or, alternatively, lightly press the cake and it should gently spring back. Remove from oven and place on a wire rack to cool
Make The Chocolate Ganache
I’m using dark semi sweet baking chocolate for my chocolate ganache. You can use different chocolate if you prefer.
- Chop the chocolate and set aside.
- In a small saucepan set over medium heat, add the cream and butter. Stir gently until it comes to a simmer in the pan. This will take 2 – 3 minutes. It will instantly start to rise up in the pan. Remove it from the heat.
- After you have removed the cream from the heat, add the chocolate and stir. It will come together quite quickly and make a smooth and thick ganache like you see below.
It’s important NOT to add the chocolate when the cream is still on the the heat. If you do so, you risk it splitting and you will have small lumps in the ganache and it won’t be smooth or glossy.
- When the cake has cooled, pour over the ganache. It will cover the entire top of the cake like you see here.
- I know you’ll want to eat it now, but we need to let it set and harden before we cut into it. Cover and refrigerate for about an hour.
- Remove from fridge and bring to room temperature before cutting.
It’s easy to make and absolutely delish!
Cut The Cake Into Squares
Once the ganache has set, gently lift it out of the cake tin. See, this is why the parchment paper is important. Then cut into 16 equal squares. Ready to enjoy.
This cake can easily be fancied up for a pretty dessert in a hurry. Add a few berries on the side, a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of powdered sugar. All of sudden it went all up market and fancy. There are endless ways of turning something so basic into a dinner party worthy dessert.
I once made this cake and layered the squares on top of each other. Sandwiched in the middle was fresh whipped cream and thinly sliced strawberries. Not only did it taste fantastic, it looked beautiful.
As for this cake itself, it is deliciously moist with a buttery chocolaty flavour you just can’t argue with. And if you happen to be looking for a fancier cake, check out my Triple Layer Chocolate Ganache Cake.
Happy Baking and enjoy the cake!
Like what you see today? Don’t forget you can follow on Facebook for daily inspiration or over on Instagram where I sometimes do daily cooking videos for fun! I’m also on Pinterest which is a great place that you can save and share your favourite recipes. As well, if you haven’t yet, Subscribe to the newsletter. You’ll be notified whenever there’s a new recipe! You can do that at the top of the page.
Easy Chocolate Cake
Ingredients
For the cake:
- 1 1/2 Cups flour
- 3/4 Cup sugar
- 1/4 Cup cocoa powder
- 1 Teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 Teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch salt
- 1/3 Cup butter melted
- 1 Cup warm water
- 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 Teaspoon vanilla
For the frosting:
- 6 ounces semi sweet chocolate chopped
- 3/4 Cup whipping cream
- 1 Tablespoon butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and line with parchment paper an 8 x 8 inch baking dish.
- Sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda and salt directly in the pan. Sift until combined.
- Add the water, butter, lemon juice and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
- Bake for about 25 – 30 minutes or when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Place the cake on a wire rack to cool completely in it's pan.
- Add the cream and butter to a small saucepan set over medium heat. Bring to a gentle simmer, this will take 2 – 3 minutes. Immediately remove from heat. Add the chocoalte and stir until you have a smooth glossy texture, this will take less than a minutes. Set aside.
- When the cake has cooled completely, pour over ganache and smooth until even. Leave to set completely. Cut into desired squares.
- Will keep in the fridge in an airtight container up to four days.
*A note on times provided: appliances vary, any prep and/or cook times provided are estimates only.
Notes
- It’s important to line your baking dish. When the cake is set and ready, we want to remove it from the tin on the parchment paper.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before pouring over the ganache. Otherwise, it will melt and run off the sides.
- Cake is best served at room temperature.
Thanks for Stopping by and Hope to see you soon!
It looks amazing. Thank you for sharing this recipe.
Thank you!!! It’s a great easy recipe😍