Description
An incredibly simple chocolate cake made with just 5 main ingredients that comes together quickly for busy weeknights when you need something sweet.
Ingredients
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
6 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup warm water
1 tablespoon white vinegar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
⅓ cup vegetable oil
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease an 8-inch square or 9-inch round cake pan.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, and baking soda until well combined.
Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Pour in warm water, vinegar, vanilla, and oil.
Mix everything together using a spoon or spatula until the batter is smooth.
Transfer batter to prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Allow cake to cool in pan for about 10 minutes before serving warm, or cool completely for adding toppings.
Notes
The vinegar is crucial as it reacts with baking soda to help the cake rise
Warm water helps dissolve cocoa powder for better chocolate flavor
For deeper flavor, substitute warm coffee for the water
This cake is naturally vegan – no eggs, butter or milk needed
Stays moist for 3-4 days in an airtight container at room temperature
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: 5-ingredient chocolate cake recipe, easy chocolate cake, simple chocolate cake, vegan chocolate cake, quick chocolate cake, pantry chocolate cake