Ring-shaped Chocolate Cake

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A moist chocolate cake with a distinctive hole in the center, ideal for serving with fresh berries or ice cream. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 65 minutes layers all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, teaspoon 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 250 calories and feeds 8, 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.

★ 3.9 (14 ratings) Prep: 25 min Cook: 40 min Serves 8 American cuisine 250 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch ring mold with butter.
  2. Step 2: Whisk 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a medium bowl.
  3. Step 3: Beat 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter with 3/4 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add 2 large eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
  4. Step 4: Alternate adding the dry ingredients and 1/2 cup buttermilk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Gradually stir in 1/2 cup hot water until smooth.
  5. Step 5: Pour batter into the prepared ring mold, smoothing the top. Bake for 35-40 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes before removing and cooling completely on a wire rack.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Ring-shaped Chocolate Cake take to make?

Total time is about 65 minutes (25 min prep + 40 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 Ring-shaped Chocolate 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 Ring-shaped Chocolate 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 Ring-shaped Chocolate Cake for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). 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 Ring-shaped Chocolate Cake?

American desserts 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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