If you’re craving something decadent but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, this quick & tasty chocolate cake recipe is the perfect solution. It uses simple ingredients, comes together in minutes, and delivers a soft, moist, irresistible chocolate flavor every time. Whether you’re baking for a birthday, a potluck, or a late-night treat, this recipe never fails!
🍰 Ingredients
For the Cake:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 large egg
½ cup milk
¼ cup vegetable oil
½ cup hot water or hot coffee (makes it richer!)
1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Quick Chocolate Frosting:
3 tbsp butter
2 tbsp milk
1 tbsp cocoa powder
1 cup powdered sugar
½ tsp vanilla extract
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together:
Flour
Sugar
Cocoa powder
Baking powder
Baking soda
Salt
This ensures the cake stays light and lump-free.
2. Add Wet Ingredients
Add the egg, milk, oil, and vanilla. Mix until smooth — don’t overmix.
3. Add Hot Water
Slowly pour in the hot water or hot coffee.
Your batter will look thin — this is what makes the cake super moist!
4. Bake
Pour batter into a greased 9-inch round or square cake pan.
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool completely before frosting.
🍫 Quick Chocolate Frosting
1. Melt & Mix
In a small saucepan, melt butter with milk and cocoa powder.
2. Add Sugar
Remove from heat, whisk in powdered sugar and vanilla.
3. Spread
Pour warm frosting over the cooled cake. It sets beautifully!
⭐ Tips for the Best Chocolate Cake
Use hot coffee instead of water for deeper flavor.
Add a handful of chocolate chips to the batter for extra richness.
For a vegan version, swap milk for almond milk and the egg for 1 tbsp vinegar + 1 tbsp oil.
Make it a layer cake by doubling the recipe.
🍽️ Serve & Enjoy!
This quick & tasty chocolate cake recipe is perfect warm, chilled, or topped with whipped cream or berries. Moist, fluffy, chocolaty…it’s everything a cake should be!