Soft, rich, and irresistibly chocolatey — a cake everyone will love!
Few things compare to the joy of baking a chocolate cake that is moist, fluffy, and melts in your mouth. This recipe takes simple ingredients — eggs, sugar, butter, milk, flour — and turns them into a decadent treat suitable for birthdays, celebrations, or just a weekend indulgence. Even beginner bakers can master this cake with a few simple tips.
Ingredients
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4 large eggs – for structure and richness
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1 cup granulated sugar – for sweetness and moisture retention
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½ cup melted butter – adds richness and tenderness
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1 cup milk – for a soft, moist crumb
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2 cups wheat flour – forms the cake base
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½ cup cocoa powder – for that deep chocolate flavor
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1 tablespoon baking powder – leavening agent for rise
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract – optional, enhances flavor
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Pinch of salt – optional, balances sweetness
Tip: Sifting the flour and cocoa powder together helps prevent lumps and ensures even mixing.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Prepare
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Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
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Grease and flour a 9×9-inch or 8-inch round baking pan.
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For extra non-stick assurance, line the pan with parchment paper.
2. Whip the Eggs and Sugar
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In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar together until pale and frothy.
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This incorporates air for a lighter texture.
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Whisk for about 3–5 minutes with a hand or electric mixer.
3. Add Wet Ingredients
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Stir in the melted butter and milk slowly.
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Mix gently until fully combined.
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Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
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4. Combine Dry Ingredients
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Sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and optional salt.
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Gently fold into the wet ingredients until smooth and uniform.
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Batter should be thick but pourable.
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Tip: If you like a richer, fudgier cake, add 2–3 tablespoons hot water or coffee to enhance moisture and chocolate flavor.
5. Bake the Cake
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Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
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Smooth the top with a spatula.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 35–45 minutes.
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Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center — it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
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Cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
6. Serve and Enjoy
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Serve plain for a soft, chocolatey delight.
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Dust with powdered sugar for elegance.
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Top with whipped cream, chocolate ganache, or fresh berries for a dessert worthy of a café.
Tips for Maximum Moistness
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Don’t overmix the batter; this develops gluten, which can make the cake dense.
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Melted butter, rather than cold or solid butter, ensures a soft crumb.
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Brushing the baked cake with warm milk or simple syrup adds extra moisture.
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Adding a tablespoon of coffee enhances chocolate depth without tasting “coffee-like.”
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Cake too dense | Beat eggs and sugar longer, or ensure baking powder is fresh. |
| Cake sinks in the middle | Avoid opening the oven early; check oven temperature. |
| Cake too dry | Reduce baking time slightly or brush with milk syrup. |
Variations
1. Fudgy Chocolate Cake
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Add ¼ cup cocoa powder and ¼ cup chocolate chips to the batter.
2. Chocolate Berry Cake
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Fold ½ cup fresh or frozen raspberries into the batter.
3. Chocolate Coffee Cake
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Replace half of the milk with strong brewed coffee for a mocha flavor.
4. Frosting Ideas
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Classic chocolate ganache
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Cream cheese frosting
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Whipped chocolate mousse
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Peanut butter chocolate frosting
Storage
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Room Temperature: 2–3 days in an airtight container
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Refrigerator: 5–7 days
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Freezer: Slice, wrap individually, freeze up to 2 months


