One Bowl Chocolate Cake – Shockingly Easy, Ultra-Moist & Foolproof

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By Gianna Poulef

One Bowl Chocolate Cake

Thank you so much for being here, my friend . This One Bowl Chocolate Cake is one of those back-pocket recipes I reach for again and again—the kind you can make even when the pantry is half empty and time is not on your side. No mixer. No fancy steps. Just one bowl, a whisk, and a deeply chocolatey cake that turns out soft, moist, and absolutely irresistible every single time.

It’s the perfect recipe for novice bakers, busy parents, or anyone craving chocolate right now. I’ve made versions of this cake for last-minute guests, school bake sales, and cozy weeknights when my sweet tooth wouldn’t quit—and it never lets me down. If simple, reliable desserts are your love language, make sure to subscribe by email so you never miss a recipe.

Overview of Recipe Content

This one bowl chocolate cake is a classic, no-fail recipe made with pantry staples. Yogurt keeps it tender, cocoa powder brings rich chocolate flavor, and a touch of coffee (optional but magical!) deepens everything beautifully.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Made in one bowl (easy cleanup!)
  • No eggs required
  • Moist, soft, and deeply chocolatey
  • Perfect for beginners
  • Ready in under an hour

What It Tastes Like

Rich chocolate flavor with a tender crumb, not too sweet, not too dense—just the kind of cake you want with a cup of coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Health & Ingredient Notes

Using yogurt instead of butter keeps this cake moist without feeling heavy. There’s no butter and no eggs, making it a great option when you’re baking with limited ingredients.

Ingredients (Serves About 8–10)

This Now, Make It Later!
  • 1 cup (120 g / 4¼ oz) all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon coffee powder (optional, enhances chocolate flavor)
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup plain yogurt
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Tools You’ll Need

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Whisk or spatula
  • 8-inch round cake pan (or square pan)
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Parchment paper

Substitutions & Additions

  • Use Greek yogurt for extra richness
  • Swap sugar for coconut sugar
  • Add chocolate chips to the batter
  • Top with chocolate ganache or dust with powdered sugar
  • Make it dairy-free using plant-based yogurt

How to Make One Bowl Chocolate Cake

Step 1: Preheat & Prepare

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line or grease an 8-inch cake pan.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cocoa powder, sugar, and coffee powder (if using).

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Add yogurt, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract directly into the same bowl.

Step 4: Stir Until Smooth

Mix gently until you have a smooth, lump-free batter. Don’t overmix.

Step 5: Bake

Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool & Serve

Let cool for 10 minutes before unmolding. Slice and enjoy!

What to Serve with One Bowl Chocolate Cake

  • Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
  • Fresh berries
  • Hot coffee or espresso
  • Chocolate glaze or ganache

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Tips for Making It Perfect

  • Sift cocoa powder to avoid lumps
  • Don’t skip the yogurt—it’s key for moisture
  • Coffee won’t make it taste like coffee, promise!
  • Let cake cool before slicing
  • Store covered to keep it soft

Storage Instructions

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

General Information

One-bowl cakes became popular because they’re practical, forgiving, and accessible—perfect for everyday baking. This chocolate version is a timeless favorite across many cultures, especially when simplicity matters most.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this cake very sweet?
It’s perfectly balanced—not overly sweet.

Can I make it without coffee powder?
Yes! It’s optional, but enhances chocolate flavor.

Can I turn this into cupcakes?
Absolutely—bake 18–20 minutes.

Does it need frosting?
Not at all, but it’s lovely with ganache.

Is it eggless?
Yes, naturally egg-free!

Conclusion

This One Bowl Chocolate Cake proves that baking doesn’t have to be complicated to be delicious. Simple ingredients, minimal cleanup, and guaranteed results—this is the kind of recipe every home baker should have saved.

Interactive Elements

If you bake this cake, leave a review—it truly helps others.
Share your cake on Pinterest and tag me here:
https://www.pinterest.com/poulefrecipe/

Nutritional Information (Approximate, Per Slice)

NutrientAmount
Calories290
Fat14g
Saturated Fat2g
Carbohydrates38g
Sugar22g
Protein4g
Sodium210mg
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One Bowl Chocolate Cake – Shockingly Easy, Ultra-Moist & Foolproof


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  • Author: Gianna Poulef
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 10 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This one bowl chocolate cake is moist, rich, and incredibly easy to make. Perfect for beginner bakers and quick desserts.


Ingredients

Scale

1 cup all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon coffee powder (optional)

3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 cup granulated sugar

1 cup yogurt

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1 teaspoon vanilla extract


Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare cake pan.

2. Whisk all dry ingredients in one bowl.

3. Add yogurt, oil, and vanilla; mix until smooth.

4. Pour batter into pan.

5. Bake 30–35 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.

6. Cool before slicing.

Notes

Coffee powder enhances chocolate flavor.

Do not overmix batter.

Serve plain or frosted.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 290
  • Sugar: 24g
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
One Bowl Chocolate Cake – Shockingly Easy, Ultra-Moist & Foolproof
Gianna Poulef
CEO, Chef & Recipe Creator at BLYNO LLC | Website

I’m Gianna Poulef from Poulef Recipes. I love sharing perfected dishes from my kitchen. I’m sure they’ll earn a spot in your heart. Let’s savor this journey together!.

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