This chocolate cake starts with a simple one-bowl batter and turns it rich and fudgy with cocoa and melted chocolate. You mix everything in one bowl, pour it into a tin and bake, no fuss, no mixer needed.

It makes a cake that serves eight and works in a round tin or a loaf tin. A reliable, easy chocolate cake for when you want something homemade without the effort.

Why You’ll Love It

This one’s a go-to. It’s one bowl with no mixer needed, rich and fudgy with melted chocolate, you just mix, pour and bake, it serves eight, and it works in a round or loaf tin.

The Shortcut That Makes It Work

It is a one-bowl mix with no mixer. Everything goes in together and gets stirred smooth, so it is about as easy as a homemade cake gets.

Handy Tips

Make sure the melted chocolate is smooth before it goes in, for the best texture. Mix until just smooth, do not overbeat once the flour is in. Test with a skewer, it should come out clean when the cake is done. Let it cool before slicing so it holds together.

Make It Your Way

Use dark chocolate for a richer cake or milk chocolate for a sweeter one. Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yoghurt to the batter to keep it extra moist. Top with a simple chocolate icing or a dusting of icing sugar.

How to Store It

Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to a week. It also freezes well, wrapped tightly, for up to 3 months.

Don’t Forget to Share

Tried my Chocolate Cake recipe? I would love to see how you used it. Snap a pic and tag me on Instagram @steph_cooks_stuff, I love seeing your creations.

cake batter recipe
Steph de Sousa

Chocolate Cake

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A versatile basic cake recipe that transforms into a decadent chocolate cake. Easy, fudgy, and delicious — ideal for any occasion or to wow your guests.
prep time Prep Time 10 minutes
setting time Setting Time
 1 hour
total time Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Recipes
Cuisine: Australian
Calories: 492

Ingredients
 

Basic Cake Batter:
  • 2 cups flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 cup oil
To make it a fudgy chocolate cake:
  • 1/2 cup cocoa
  • 200 g  melted chocolate Dark or milk depending on what you love.

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (360°F).
  2. In a large bowl, mix all the ingredients until smooth.
  3. Pour the batter into your cake or loaf tin.
  4. Bake for 1 hour, or until a skewer comes out clean.
  5. Let it cool, then slice and enjoy your tasty creation!

Nutrition

Calories: 492kcalCarbohydrates: 51gProtein: 6gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 8gMonounsaturated Fat: 18gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 134mgPotassium: 95mgFiber: 1gSugar: 27gVitamin A: 109IUCalcium: 107mgIron: 2mg

Video

Notes

Tips:
  • For an extra flavour boost, try adding a splash of vanilla extract to the batter.
  • This recipe is super versatile – swap out the chocolate and cocoa for berries or apples for a different twist!

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!
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FAQs

Can I use a different type of chocolate?

Yes. Dark chocolate gives a richer, more intense flavour, while milk chocolate is sweeter and creamier. Make sure it is melted and smooth before it goes into the batter.

How do I keep it moist?

Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yoghurt to the batter, and take care not to overbake it.

Can I make it in a loaf tin?

Yes. It works in a round cake tin or a loaf tin. Keep an eye on the bake time, as it can vary with the tin.