Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Quick 30-minute chocolate cake recipe with glossy chocolate glaze on cream plate, one slice cut showing moist texture, with timer visible in background

30-Minute Chocolate Cake (Quick Homemade Dessert)

  • Author: Stuffani Borjat
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 9 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

A remarkably quick chocolate cake that goes from ingredients to serving in just 30 minutes – perfect for dessert emergencies and busy weeknights.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake:

1½ cups all-purpose flour

1 cup granulated sugar

¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon white vinegar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

⅓ cup vegetable oil

1 cup cold water

For the Quick Chocolate Glaze:

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

3 tablespoons milk

1½ cups powdered sugar

½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Pinch of salt


Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease an 8-inch square baking pan or 9-inch round cake pan.

In your baking pan, combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix with a fork until well blended.

Make three indentations in the dry mixture—one large and two smaller. Pour vinegar in one small well, vanilla in the other small well, and oil in the large well.

Pour cold water over everything and mix with a fork until well blended.

Immediately place in the preheated oven and bake for 22-25 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

While cake bakes, prepare glaze. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine butter, cocoa powder, and milk. Heat until butter melts, then remove from heat.

Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt to the saucepan. Whisk until smooth.

When cake is done, remove from oven and immediately pour warm glaze over hot cake. Spread quickly as it will start setting fast.

Let stand for 5 minutes to allow glaze to set slightly, then serve warm.


Notes

Mixing directly in the baking pan saves time and dishes

Begin making the glaze about 5 minutes before the cake is done

For an even faster option, skip the glaze and simply dust with powdered sugar

For a microwave version, cook in a microwave-safe dish for 4-5 minutes

Leftovers stay moist for 3 days in an airtight container at room temperature


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 35g
  • Sodium: 210mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 53g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 12mg

Keywords: 30-minute chocolate cake recipe, quick chocolate cake, fast dessert, emergency chocolate cake, easy chocolate cake, vegan chocolate cake