This One Bowl Chocolate Cake is the definition of no-fuss baking. With simple pantry staples and just one mixing bowl, it delivers a rich, fluffy, and ultra-moist chocolate cake that rivals any bakery treat. The boiling water trick enhances the cocoa flavor and gives the cake an irresistible tenderness.
Ideal for birthdays, potlucks, or your next cozy evening dessert, this cake is endlessly customizable—pair it with your favorite frosting, from classic buttercream to peanut butter or cream cheese. Whether you bake it as a layer cake or cupcakes, it’s guaranteed to impress without the stress.
Full Recipe:
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2 cups white sugar
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1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
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¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
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1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
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1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
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1 teaspoon salt
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2 eggs
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1 cup milk
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½ cup vegetable oil
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2 teaspoons vanilla extract
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1 cup boiling water
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round baking pans.
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In a large bowl, stir together the sugar, flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
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Add the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla; beat on medium speed for 2 minutes.
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Stir in the boiling water (batter will be thin).
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Pour batter evenly into the prepared pans.
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Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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Cool for 10 minutes, then remove from pans to wire racks to cool completely.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes
Kcal: 250 kcal | Servings: 12 servings
A Beloved Classic: The Story Behind One Bowl Chocolate Cake III
One Bowl Chocolate Cake III isn’t just another chocolate cake recipe—it’s a legacy in the baking community, passed down and loved by countless home cooks around the world. Known for its rich, chocolatey flavor and foolproof preparation, this cake has become a go-to dessert for birthdays, family gatherings, and spontaneous weeknight cravings. It epitomizes everything we love about homemade baking: simplicity, comfort, and undeniable flavor.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its ease. As the name suggests, it requires only a single bowl to prepare—no fancy kitchen appliances or elaborate techniques required. This one-bowl approach has made it especially appealing to beginner bakers and busy families who still want to serve up something homemade and impressive. It also reduces the amount of cleanup, which is always a win in the kitchen.
Why It Works: The Science Behind the Moisture
At first glance, One Bowl Chocolate Cake III seems almost too simple to be so delicious. But there’s a secret ingredient that makes all the difference—boiling water. Adding boiling water to the batter may seem odd, especially since it thins out the mixture considerably, but this step is what makes the cake incredibly moist and tender.
Boiling water “blooms” the cocoa powder, a technique that intensifies its chocolate flavor and allows the powder to dissolve more fully. The hot liquid also helps emulsify the oil and distribute it more evenly, leading to a smoother, silkier crumb. The result is a cake that’s never dry, always rich, and perfectly balanced in texture.
The Universal Appeal of Chocolate Cake
Few desserts rival the universal popularity of chocolate cake, and this recipe proves exactly why. Chocolate is an emotion for many—a taste of nostalgia, celebration, comfort, or romance. When baked into a cake that requires minimal effort yet delivers maximum indulgence, you get a dessert that’s hard to resist.
What makes this particular chocolate cake recipe stand out is its accessibility. It doesn’t require buttermilk, sour cream, or any hard-to-find ingredients. Most of the components are pantry staples, making it an ideal last-minute dessert when time is tight but the craving is strong. The balance of sweetness and cocoa is just right—not too bitter, not too sugary—satisfying a wide range of palates.
Perfect for Any Occasion
This cake isn’t just easy to make; it’s also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re baking for a child’s birthday, a romantic dinner, a potluck, or a quiet evening at home, this recipe fits the bill. Dress it up with layers of rich ganache, keep it simple with a dusting of powdered sugar, or frost it with a classic buttercream—this cake provides a perfect canvas for your creativity.
One of the most popular ways to serve it is with creamy chocolate frosting, but it pairs equally well with peanut butter frosting, cream cheese icing, or even fruit compote. Want to take it up a notch? Try adding chocolate chips, espresso powder, or a hint of cinnamon to the batter to create a flavor profile that’s uniquely yours.
Reader Praise and Community Love
What makes this cake recipe even more special is the overwhelming love it receives from the community. Across cooking forums and recipe sites, home bakers rave about how consistent and delicious the results are. Reviewers often comment on the cake’s ideal texture—moist but not soggy, dense yet soft—and the fact that it’s nearly impossible to mess up.
Parents love it because it’s a hit with kids. College students love it because it’s cheap and foolproof. Experienced bakers love it because of its dependable results. That rare combination of universal appeal and consistent performance is what gives this cake its iconic status.
Many home bakers report making it dozens of times, tweaking it slightly to suit different tastes or occasions. Some substitute coffee or espresso for the boiling water to deepen the cocoa flavor, while others add a splash of almond extract or orange zest for a unique twist. And many say the cake tastes even better the next day, making it a great make-ahead option for events.
Tips for Customization and Presentation
The basic recipe is just the beginning. Want to turn it into cupcakes? This batter transforms beautifully into 24 moist, fluffy cupcakes with just a slight reduction in bake time. Looking to impress at a dinner party? Bake the cake in a Bundt pan and drizzle with a glossy glaze for an elegant touch.
For an extra-decadent experience, you can slice each cake layer in half horizontally and fill the layers with whipped cream, fresh berries, or flavored curds. You can also fold in chocolate chips or chopped nuts before baking, or swirl in raspberry jam for a fruity contrast.
And don’t forget presentation. Even a humble chocolate cake can look stunning with the right garnish. Try topping it with chocolate curls, a dusting of cocoa powder, or fresh mint leaves. Serve each slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a plated dessert worthy of a restaurant.
Storage and Make-Ahead Advice
One of the best things about this cake is its longevity. If frosted with a buttercream, it can sit at room temperature (covered) for up to five days, making it a great make-ahead option for parties and events. If using a cream cheese-based frosting, it’s best to refrigerate the cake to keep it fresh and safe.
You can also freeze the cake—either frosted or unfrosted. If freezing layers for later assembly, wrap each cooled layer tightly in plastic wrap followed by a layer of aluminum foil. Stored this way, the cake can last up to three months in the freezer. Thaw overnight in the fridge before bringing to room temperature to serve.
How This Recipe Compares to Box Mixes
Let’s be honest—boxed chocolate cake mixes are convenient. But once you try this homemade version, you may never reach for a box again. It’s just as easy to prepare, takes about the same amount of time, and the flavor difference is significant. While boxed mixes often rely on artificial flavors and preservatives, this recipe delivers pure, honest chocolate flavor with a tender, homemade crumb.
More importantly, making your own cake from scratch gives you full control over the ingredients. You can opt for organic sugar, unbleached flour, or cocoa powder with a higher percentage of cacao. You can adjust the sweetness, add flavors, or avoid allergens—all things that are harder to do with a boxed mix.
Conclusion: The Last Chocolate Cake Recipe You’ll Ever Need
If you’re searching for a reliable, delicious, and incredibly easy chocolate cake recipe, look no further than One Bowl Chocolate Cake III. With its rich flavor, moist texture, and effortless preparation, it’s a standout recipe that earns its place in every home baker’s rotation. It’s a dessert that brings joy to the everyday and elevates special occasions without stress.
Whether you’re baking it for the first time or the fiftieth, this cake delivers consistent results and endless customization opportunities. It’s more than a recipe—it’s a baking tradition, cherished by families and friends who know that sometimes, the simplest things are also the best.
