Irresistibly Moist Chocolate Snack Cake with a Crackled Surface (8 Easy Slices)

Thank you for being here—truly This Moist Chocolate Snack Cake with a Crackled Surface is one of those humble, everyday cakes that quietly steals your heart. No layers, no frosting drama, just a tender chocolate crumb and that beautiful crackled top that forms naturally as it bakes.

This is the cake you make on a Wednesday afternoon when the house feels a little too quiet, or when you want just enough chocolate without turning it into a big production. And if cozy, reliable recipes like this are your thing, make sure you subscribe by email—I’ve got plenty more coming straight from my kitchen.

Overview of the Recipe Content

This chocolate snack cake is simple, unfussy, and deeply satisfying.

What This Recipe Is

A one-bowl chocolate snack cake made with cocoa powder and warm milk, baked into a soft, moist cake with a naturally crackled surface.

Why You’ll Love It

• Moist and tender every time
• No frosting required
• Made with pantry staples
• Perfect for snacking, lunchboxes, or dessert
• Bakes up with that irresistible crackly top

What It Tastes Like

Lightly sweet, deeply chocolatey, and soft with just enough richness to feel indulgent without being heavy.

Seasonal & Everyday Appeal

This is an all-year cake—perfect with hot coffee in winter or a cold glass of milk in summer.

Ingredients (Full & Complete)

PIN IT

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• Pinch of salt
• 1 cup warm milk
• ¼ cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Add-Ins

• ½ cup chocolate chips
• Powdered sugar for dusting
• A handful of chopped walnuts

Tools Needed

• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• 8×8-inch baking pan
• Parchment paper or greasing spray
• Cooling rack

How to Make Moist Chocolate Snack Cake

PIN IT

This is a true one-bowl wonder—simple, forgiving, and cozy.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and prepare
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan.
2. Mix dry ingredients
   In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
3. Add wet ingredients
   Pour in the warm milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and lump-free.
4. Pour and smooth
   Transfer batter to the prepared pan and smooth the top.
5. Bake
   Bake for 30–35 minutes, until the top is crackled and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Cool and slice
   Let cool in the pan for 15 minutes before slicing.

That crackled top? That’s the magic.

What to Serve with Chocolate Snack Cake

• A cold glass of milk
• Hot coffee or espresso
• Lightly dusted with powdered sugar
• A spoonful of whipped cream
• Fresh berries on the side

Tips for Making It Perfect

• Use warm milk to help activate the baking soda
• Don’t overbake—check at 30 minutes
• Let cool slightly before cutting for clean slices
• This cake tastes even better the next day

Storage Instructions

• Room temperature: Up to 3 days, covered
• Refrigerator: Up to 5 days
• Freezer: Wrap slices and freeze up to 2 months

General Information

Snack cakes like this became popular because they were economical, easy, and dependable. No frosting meant less sugar, less work, and more focus on the cake itself—which is exactly why they’re still beloved today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes—use almond or oat milk.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. Bake in a 9×13 pan and increase bake time slightly.

Why did my cake crack?

That crackled surface is a good thing! It comes from moisture evaporating as the cake sets.

Can I add frosting?

You can, but honestly—it doesn’t need it.

Conclusion

This Moist Chocolate Snack Cake with Crackled Surface is proof that simple recipes often become the most loved. Easy, tender, and deeply comforting, it’s the kind of cake you’ll make again and again.

If you enjoyed this recipe, you’ll also love:

• https://poulef.com/vanilla-oat-comfort-tray-bake/
• https://poulef.com/banana-vanilla-breakfast-snack-bars/
• https://poulef.com/no-bake-peanut-butter-bars/
• https://poulef.com/healthy-peanut-butter-greek-yogurt-cookies/
• https://poulef.com/keto-pecan-lace-cookies/

Interactive Elements

Did you bake it?
Leave a comment, rate the recipe, and share your cake on Pinterest:
https://www.pinterest.com/poulefrecipe/

Nutritional Information (Per Slice – 8 Slices)

Calories	Carbs	Protein	Fat	Sugar
210 kcal	32g	4g	8g	14g

Print