Ultimate Moist Chocolate Cake – Rich, Fudgy, and Easy to Make!
Looking for the perfect chocolate cake that’s rich, moist, and melts in your mouth with every bite? You’ve found it! This homemade moist chocolate cake is the ultimate treat—fluffy, soft, and deeply chocolatey. Whether you’re baking for a birthday, celebration, or just because you’re craving something sweet, this recipe delivers every time. No fancy mixers needed. Just a few simple ingredients and a whole lot of deliciousness!
Ingredients (for one 8-inch round cake)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (sifted for best results)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup white granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1/4 cup softened butter or margarine
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg (room temperature)
- A pinch of salt
Instructions – Step-by-Step
Step 1: Make Buttermilk
In a small bowl or cup, mix the milk and vinegar together. Let it sit for 5 minutes to curdle—this makes a quick homemade buttermilk, which helps the cake stay moist and fluffy.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk everything together until well combined.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
To the dry mixture, add the egg, softened butter, vanilla extract, homemade buttermilk, and warm water. Use a spatula or hand whisk to gently fold everything together until the batter is smooth and lump-free. Do not overmix—just combine until no dry streaks remain.
Step 4: Prepare the Pan
Grease an 8-inch round baking pan with butter or oil. Line the bottom with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Pour in the batter and gently smooth the top.
Step 5: Bake
Preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F). Bake the cake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Avoid opening the oven in the first 30 minutes to prevent the cake from sinking.
Pro Tips for the Best Chocolate Cake:
- Use high-quality cocoa powder for deeper flavor—Dutch-processed is a great choice.
- Don’t skip the vinegar—it activates the baking soda and creates a lighter texture.
- Want it extra moist? Substitute the butter with vegetable oil for even more softness.
- Add a tablespoon of strong brewed coffee for a richer chocolate taste (don’t worry—it won’t taste like coffee).
- To make it egg-free, substitute the egg with 1/4 cup of plain yogurt or unsweetened applesauce.
Serving Suggestions
Once baked, let the cake cool completely on a wire rack. You can enjoy it as is, or elevate it with:
- A thick chocolate ganache or glaze
- Whipped cream and fresh berries
- Chocolate buttercream or cream cheese frosting
- A dusting of powdered sugar and cocoa for a rustic lookAmish Peanut Butter Cream Pie