Single Layer Chocolate Cake with Buttercream Frosting

Always Time to Whip up a Cake !

There’s something comforting about a simple chocolate cake baked in one pan and frosted without fuss. This single layer cake is rich, moist, and topped with smooth buttercream that’s spread on thick and easy — no decorating required. It’s the kind of dependable dessert you can make for afternoon visitors, family gatherings, or just because the kettle’s on and cake sounds like a good idea.

Yield: 12 servings

Ingredients

For the Cake

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water

For the Chocolate Buttercream Frosting

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 cup milk (plus more if needed)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Instructions

For the Cake

1. Preheat the oven:
   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking pan.

2. Mix dry ingredients:
   In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

3. Combine wet ingredients:
   In another bowl, beat the sugar, eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla until well combined.

4. Combine wet and dry mixtures:
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.

5. Add boiling water:
   Stir in the boiling water until the batter is smooth. The batter will be thin.

6. Bake:
   Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

7. Cool:
   Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.

For the Chocolate Buttercream Frosting

1. Beat butter:
   In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.

2. Add sugar and cocoa:
   Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, beating until combined.

3. Add milk and vanilla:
   Add the milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat until light and fluffy. Add more milk, one tablespoon at a time, if needed to reach desired consistency.

4. Frost the cake:
   Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Slice and serve.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories 450, Protein 4g, Carbohydrates 70g, Sugars 50g, Total Fat 20g, Saturated Fat 10g, Sodium 300mg, Fiber 3g