One-Bowl Moist Chocolate Layer Cake

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A simple, moist chocolate cake made entirely in one bowl, perfect for layering with rich chocolate frosting. This american-inspired paleo ready in about 50 minutes layers and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, and 1/2 tsp baking powder into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 12, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 35 min Serves 12 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F and grease two 9-inch round cake pans. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 and 1/2 tsp baking powder, 1 and 1/2 tsp baking soda, 2 cups granulated sugar, and 1 tsp salt. Whisk together until evenly mixed.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 large eggs, 1 cup whole milk, 1/2 cup vegetable oil, and 2 tsp vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Using a hand mixer or whisk, beat on medium speed for 2 minutes until the batter is smooth and glossy.
  3. Step 3: Carefully pour in 1 cup boiling water, stirring slowly until fully incorporated; the batter will be thin but this ensures a moist cake. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
  4. Step 4: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely before frosting.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Bowl Moist Chocolate Layer Cake take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover One-Bowl Moist Chocolate Layer Cake?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in One-Bowl Moist Chocolate Layer Cake?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale One-Bowl Moist Chocolate Layer Cake for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 12 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 12). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with One-Bowl Moist Chocolate Layer Cake?

American paleo like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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