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    Home » Recipes » Cake Recipes

    Angela @ BakeItWithLove.com · Leave a Comment

    Easy Chocolate Cake

    Jump to Recipe
    Pin image with text of easy chocolate cake.

    This easy chocolate cake recipe couldn't be more simple, and it turns out moist, fluffy, and deliciously rich every time! All you have to do is combine the ingredients and bake! It will be your new go-to cake for birthday parties, celebrations, or just because!

    Best 9x13 Chocolate Cake Recipe

    Chocolate cake is a classic dessert that is loved by both kids and adults alike! It is perfect for any occasion or celebration, not just birthdays!

    This cake is extra simple to prepare and only uses one bowl to mix up your ingredients! Not to mention, it is incredibly rich and tasty! You're going to love how simple and delicious this recipe is so much that you're never going to use another chocolate cake recipe again!

    Square image of easy chocolate cake.
    This easy chocolate cake is a rich, decadent, and wonderfully moist addition to any celebration!
    Jump to:
    • Best 9x13 Chocolate Cake Recipe
    • 🥘 Easy Chocolate Cake Ingredients
    • 🔪 How To Make Easy Chocolate Cake
    • 💭 Angela's Tips & Recipe Notes
    • 🥡 Storing
    • ❓ FAQ
    • 🍰 Easy Cake Recipes
    • 📋 Recipe

    🥘 Easy Chocolate Cake Ingredients

    This list of ingredients may appear long, but it is primarily made up of common baking items! For an extra rich flavor, I really recommend including the espresso powder!

    Tall image of ingredients needed for easy chocolate cake.

    Chocolate Cake Ingredients

    • Flour - 2 cups of all-purpose flour that has been spooned and leveled (*see note).
    • Sugar - 2 cups of white granulated sugar.
    • Cocoa Powder - ¾ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder.
    • Baking Powder - 2 teaspoons of baking powder.
    • Baking Soda - 1½ teaspoons of baking soda.
    • Salt - 1 teaspoon of salt.
    • Espresso Powder (optional) - ½ tablespoon of espresso powder to really enhance the chocolate flavor.
    • Milk - 1 cup of milk that has been warmed to room temperature.
    • Butter - ½ cup of butter that has been melted and slightly cooled.
    • Eggs - 2 room-temperature large eggs that have been lightly beaten.
    • Vanilla - 3 teaspoons of vanilla extract.
    • Water - 1 cup of boiling water. My microwave takes 2-2 ½ minutes to heat 1 cup of water to boiling, or heat in a saucepan on the stove top.

    Chocolate Ganache Ingredients

    • Chocolate Chips - 9 ounces of semi-sweet chocolate chips.
    • Heavy Cream - 1 cup of heavy cream.

    *Be sure to see the free printable recipe card below for ingredients, exact amounts & instructions with tips!*

    🔪 How To Make Easy Chocolate Cake

    This recipe is so simple, you just mix your ingredients together and then pop it in the oven! All you will need is a mixing bowl, a 9x13 pan, and some measuring cups!

    This recipe will make you one 9x13 chocolate cake, which is about 20 servings.

    Mix The Cake Batter

    Process image 1 showing dry ingredients in a mixing bowl.
    Process image 2 showing combined dry ingredients in a mixing bowl.
    Process image 3 showing added egg.
    Process image 4 showing combined egg.
    Process image 5 showing adding hot water.
    1. Prepare. To begin, go ahead and lightly grease and flour a 9x13 baking pan and preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
    2. Combine dry ingredients. Into a large mixing bowl, sift in the ¾ cup of cocoa powder. Then, add in the 2 cups of flour, 2 cups of sugar, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1½ teaspoons of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of salt, and the optional ½ tablespoon of espresso powder (*see note). Use a whisk to thoroughly combine the dry ingredients.
    3. Add wet ingredients. Next, make a well in the center of your dry ingredients and add in the 2 beaten eggs, 1 cup of milk, ½ cup of melted butter, and 3 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Mix to combine.
    4. Add the water. After your batter is well-combined, mix in 1 cup of boiling water. Mix until the batter is smooth and then pour it into your prepared 9x13 pan.

    Bake The Chocolate Cake

    Process image 6 showing cake batter in a 9x13 baking dish.
    Process image 7 showing baked cake.
    1. Bake. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35-40 minutes or until an inserted toothpick, knife, or cake tester comes out clean or with a few crumbs. The cake should spring back from the touch when done, then remove it from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack (in the pan).

    Add The Chocolate Ganache Topping

    Process image 8 showing chocolate chips in bowl.
    Process image 9 showing added cream.
    Process image 10 showing chocolate ganache.
    Process image 11 showing chocolate ganache spread over cake.
    Process image 12 showing sliced chocolate cake.
    1. Heat. Place the 9 ounces of semi-sweet chocolate chips into a heat-safe bowl. Then, in a saucepan, add your 1 cup of heavy cream and heat it over medium heat.
    2. Pour. As soon as the cream begins to bubble, remove it from the heat and pour it over the chocolate chips. Allow it to set for 1-2 minutes, then use a rubber spatula to stir until smooth.
    3. Set. Set the ganache aside so that it can thicken slightly. Wait for about 20-30 minutes, then pour the chocolate ganache over the cake. Allow the ganache to set and then slice and serve.

    This cake is perfect for parties! For some ideas on decorations, check out my guide to frosting a cake! Enjoy!

    💭 Angela's Tips & Recipe Notes

    • For best results, make sure to spoon and level your flour. Instead of scooping it out with the measuring cup, fluff it up and scoop it with a spoon and then level it with the back of a knife. This prevents you from packing too much flour into the measuring cup which results in a dense cake.
    • For the best chocolate flavor, do include the optional espresso powder or switch your unsweetened cocoa powder out for Dutch process cocoa.
    • You can also frost this cake with some chocolate buttercream frosting!

    🥡 Storing

    Store your easy chocolate cake at room temperature, using a cake storage container to keep it fresh for a few days. If you like, you can store it in the fridge for up to 5 days, but it will cause the ganache to harden, so you'll need to let it come to room temperature before slicing and serving.

    Additionally, this cake freezes great! Make sure you freeze it before adding any ganache or frosting. Simply wrap it tightly and pop it into the freezer for up to 3 months.

    ❓ FAQ

    Can I Use This Recipe For Cupcakes?

    Yes, of course! This recipe will work for any size or shape cake you like! For cupcakes, simply bake them at 350°F (175°C), using a toothpick to check when they are done.

    Can You Taste The Coffee In The Cake?

    I strongly recommend using espresso powder in chocolate cake because it really intensifies the delicious chocolate flavor. You can't taste the coffee flavor at all!

    Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?

    Yes! For a gluten-free version of this simple cake, just swap out the flour for a gluten-free alternative! A great option is Bob's Red Mill gluten-free flour!

    Tall image of easy chocolate cake.

    🍰 Easy Cake Recipes

    • Red Velvet Cake - This rich and decadent red velvet cake is topped with a cream cheese frosting for a truly impressive dessert!
    • Vanilla Bean Cupcakes - These classic vanilla cupcakes are great for any occasion!
    • Rainbow Cake - This fun rainbow cake features a variety of different colored layers!
    • One Pan Rainbow Layer Cake - This rainbow cake has a colorful swirl effect since it is all baked in one pan!
    • Rainbow Lollipop Drip Cake - For an amazingly impressive cake, try out this drip cake recipe!
    • Mary Berry Chocolate Cupcakes - These rich chocolate cupcakes are fantastic for any party or get together!

    Do you love a recipe you tried? Please leave a 5-star 🌟rating in the recipe card below and/or a review in the comments section further down the page.
    Stay in touch with me through social media @ Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter! Don't forget to tag me when you try one of my recipes!

    📋 Recipe

    Close up square image of easy chocolate cake.
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    5 from 7 reviews

    Easy Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Ganache

    This easy chocolate cake recipe couldn't be more simple, and it turns out moist, fluffy, and deliciously rich every time! All you have to do is combine the ingredients and bake! It will be your new go-to cake for birthday parties, celebrations, or just because!
    Author | Angela
    Servings: 20 servings
    Calories: 192kcal
    Prep 5 minutes
    Cooking 0 minutes
    Total Time 5 minutes
    Pin Recipe Share on Facebook

    Ingredients
     

    Chocolate Cake

    • 2 cups all-purpose flour (spoon and leveled)
    • 2 cups sugar
    • ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
    • 2 teaspoon baking powder
    • 1 ½ teaspoon baking soda
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • ½ tablespoon espresso powder (optional)
    • 1 cup milk (warmed to room temperature)
    • ½ cup butter (melted and cooled slightly)
    • 2 large eggs (beaten, at room temperature)
    • 3 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 1 cup water (boiling)

    Chocolate Ganache

    • 9 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
    • 1 cup heavy cream

    Instructions

    Bake Your Easy Chocolate Cake

    • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour your 9x13 baking pan.
    • Mix all of your dry ingredients thoroughly (use a whisk to combine, or sift the cocoa powder after measuring). For the best chocolate flavor, do include the optional espresso powder or switch your unsweetened cocoa powder out for Dutch process cocoa.
      2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 cups sugar, ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 2 teaspoon baking powder, 1 ½ teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ tablespoon espresso powder
    • Make a well in the center of your dry ingredients and add the liquid ingredients, including beaten eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract, then mix to combine.
      1 cup milk, ½ cup butter, 2 large eggs, 3 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • Pour in the 1 cup of boiling water after your batter is combined. Mix until smooth and transfer to your prepared 9x13 pan.
      1 cup water
    • Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35-40 minutes or until an inserted toothpick, knife, or cake tester comes out clean or with a few crumbs. The cake should spring back from the touch when done, then remove it from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack (in the pan).

    Add the Chocolate Ganache Topping

    • Place your semi-sweet chocolate chips (or chopped baker's chocolate) into a heat-safe bowl and pour the cream into a saucepan. Heat your heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to bubble.
      9 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips, 1 cup heavy cream
    • Remove the simmering cream from the heat and pour over the chocolate chips. Allow the cream to set for 1-2 minutes, then stir with a spatula until smooth.
    • Set the ganache aside to thicken slightly. Wait about 20-30 minutes, then pour the ganache over your cake. Allow the ganache to set or slice and serve.

    Equipment You May Need

    Measuring Cups
    Mixing Bowl
    9x13 baking pan

    Notes

    • For best results, make sure to spoon and level your flour. Instead of scooping it out with the measuring cup, fluff it up and scoop it with a spoon and then level it with the back of a knife. This prevents you from packing too much flour into the measuring cup which results in a dense cake.
    • For the best chocolate flavor, do include the optional espresso powder or switch your unsweetened cocoa powder out for Dutch process cocoa.
    • You can also frost this cake with some chocolate buttercream frosting!
    • To store: At room temperature, your cake can be stored in a cake storage container for a few days. You can store it in the fridge for up to 5 days, but the ganache will harden. Simply allow it to come to room temperature before slicing.
    • To freeze: Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap (before adding ganache) and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 192kcal (10%) | Carbohydrates: 32g (11%) | Protein: 3g (6%) | Fat: 7g (11%) | Saturated Fat: 5g (31%) | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.002g | Cholesterol: 20mg (7%) | Sodium: 212mg (9%) | Potassium: 134mg (4%) | Fiber: 2g (8%) | Sugar: 21g (23%) | Vitamin A: 47IU (1%) | Calcium: 42mg (4%) | Iron: 1mg (6%)
    Did you try this recipe? Rate it below!I can’t wait to see your results! Mention @bake_it_with_love or tag #bake_it_with_love!
    9x13 cakes, 9x13 desserts, best chocolate cake recipe, chocolate cake, chocolate cake recipe, chocolate ganache, easy chocolate cake recipe
    Course Birthday Cakes, Cake Recipes
    Cuisine American
    author profile photo
    Angela @ BakeItWithLove.com

    Angela is an at home chef that developed a passion for all things cooking and baking at a young age in her Grandma's kitchen. After many years in the food service industry, she now enjoys sharing all of her family favorite recipes and creating tasty dinner and amazing dessert recipes here at Bake It With Love!

    bakeitwithlove.com/about/
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    Hi there, I'm Angela! I am an avid vintage cookbook collector, recipe creator, animal lover, and total foodie. I love sharing recipes that are new, fun, and creative as well as great classic recipes just like my Grandma used to make!

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