Easy chocolate craving cake

Looking for a quick fix to satisfy your chocolate craving? Check out this easy chocolate craving cake recipe. It’s simple, delicious, and perfect for those moments when you need a sweet treat ASAP.

This cake recipe uses basic ingredients you likely have in your kitchen. Just mix flour, sugar, cocoa powder, and a few other items. Then, bake it in the oven. It's quick and doesn’t need any fancy equipment. The result? A moist and chocolaty cake that'll impress without the hassle.

For other easy cake recipes try my 3-Ingredients sponge cake(VIDEO), coconut cake without flour, sugar, oil or butter(video) and No Bake Eclairs Cake.

Ingredients

All-Purpose Flour: It forms the base of the cake, providing structure and texture.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Adds the rich chocolate flavor without additional sweetness. Unsweetened cocoa powder allows you to control the sugar content in the cake.
Baking Powder and Baking Soda: These leavening agents help the cake rise by creating air bubbles in the batter.
Salt: Enhances the chocolate flavor and balances the sweetness while also strengthening the cake's structure.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake while also contributing to its texture and moisture.
Egg: Acts as a binding agent, helping to hold the cake together while also providing moisture and richness.
Vegetable Oil: Used instead of butter for a few reasons - it keeps the cake moist, extends its shelf life, and often results in a more tender crumb due to the presence of liquid fat at room temperature.
Whole Milk: Adds moisture and richness to the cake batter, enhancing its texture and flavor.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the chocolate flavor and adds a pleasant aroma to the cake.
Warm Water: Using warm water helps with the baking process.

For frosting

Milk chocolate chips: milk chocolate chips bring a creamy, sweet flavor that complements the richness of the cake.
Sour cream: sour cream adds a subtle tanginess and a smooth, creamy texture to the frosting, balancing the sweetness of the chocolate and creating a decadent topping that perfectly complements the moist chocolate cake.

How to make easy chocolate craving cake

Preparation:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line an 8x8 pan with parchment paper.

2. Combine Dry Ingredients:

In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and granulated sugar. Mix well until combined.

3. Add wet ingredients:

Add egg, vanilla, oil and milk and warm water. Stir gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender texture.

4. Bake:

Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.

5. Cooling:

Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
Transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

Frosting Instructions:

Melt Chocolate Chips:

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the milk chocolate chips in short bursts, stirring frequently until smooth. Allow it to cool slightly.

Mix with Sour Cream:

Add sour cream and vanilla extract. Stir until well combined and smooth.
Spread the frosting over cooled cake.

Helpful tips

Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs and milk are at room temperature. This promotes better mixing and a smoother batter consistency, resulting in a more even cake texture.
Sifting Dry Ingredients: Sifting the dry ingredients together aerates the mixture, ensuring even distribution of leavening agents and preventing lumps in the batter.
Avoid Overmixing: Overmixing can lead to a tough cake. Once the wet and dry ingredients are combined, gently mix until just incorporated to maintain the cake's tenderness.
Check for Doneness: Use the toothpick test. Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake—if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs (not wet batter), the cake is ready.
Cooling Properly: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Cooling it completely before frosting prevents the frosting from melting and running off.
Frosting Consistency: Adjust the frosting consistency by adding more sour cream for a creamier texture or more melted chocolate for a thicker, richer frosting.

Faqs

1. Can I use a different type of flour, like whole wheat flour or almond flour?

You can experiment with different flours, but it may alter the texture and taste of the cake. Whole wheat flour may result in a denser cake, while almond flour might make it more moist and nuttier. Adjustments to other ingredients may be necessary.

2. Can I use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate for the frosting?

Absolutely! Dark chocolate will bring a richer, slightly less sweet flavor to the frosting. Adjust the sweetness by adding more sugar or a sweetener of your choice if needed.

3. Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, this cake can be made in advance. Bake the cake, cool it completely, and store it unfrosted in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or in the refrigerator for up to three days. Frost it when ready to serve.

4. How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover frosted cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should keep well for 3-4 days. Bring it to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.

5. Can I freeze this cake?

Yes, both the unfrosted cake and frosting can be frozen separately. Wrap the unfrosted cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then store it in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before frosting and serving.

6. Can I use butter instead of oil in the cake?

You can substitute melted butter for oil, but keep in mind that butter might result in a slightly different texture and flavor. Oil tends to keep cakes more moist compared to butter.

7. How can I prevent my cake from sticking to the pan?

Using parchment paper to line the pan is an excellent way to prevent sticking. Additionally, ensure the pan is properly greased or sprayed with a non-stick baking spray.