Description
This small chocolate cake is a moist, rich, and easy-to-make dessert perfect for any occasion. Made with simple pantry ingredients, it yields a tender crumb and deep chocolate flavor, baked in a 6-inch round pan, ideal for serving 4 to 6 people. Great on its own, with frosting, ganache, or just a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup hot water
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 6-inch round cake pan to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined; do not overmix.
- Add Hot Water: Slowly add the hot water to the batter and mix until smooth, noting the batter will be thin.
- Pour and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25 to 28 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting or serving.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, substitute the buttermilk with plant-based milk mixed with a splash of vinegar.
- This cake pairs wonderfully with simple chocolate ganache or can be dusted with powdered sugar for a lighter finish.
- You can double the recipe to make a layered 6-inch cake.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
