• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Cooking in my Genes

  • Home
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Gatherings
  • Free E-Cookbook
  • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
  • Shop

The Best Dark Chocolate Cake

February 7, 2023 By Jess Leave a Comment

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
the best chocolate cake
the best chocolate cake
the best chocolate cake
the best chocolate cake
the best chocolate cake
the best chocolate cake
the best chocolate cake
the best chocolate cake

If I could eat only one dessert the rest of my life it would be this one bowl dark chocolate cake!

the best chocolate cake

A one layer chocolate cake like this is made in just one bowl so it’s perfect to whip up for any occasion.

This chocolate cake is rich in flavour but not too sweet plus it’s so simple to make!

I love this dark chocolate cake anytime of year: beautiful for Valentine’s Day; divine in the Winter season or for a holiday dessert; lovely for a birthday; or, try it in the summer season topped with fresh berries.

We all need a homemade chocolate cake in our recipe repertoire and I am telling you this is the one!

the best chocolate cake

Why you’ll love this dark chocolate cake

  • Made in just one bowl, this cake comes together so easily
  • It’s delicious anytime of year!
  • No electric mixer is require.
  • It’s a moist chocolate cake that will become a household favourite!

Ingredients Needed to make this homemade chocolate cake

Dark chocolate: Use 70-75% dark chocolate for the best tasting results! (You can use a dark chocolate bar OR dark chocolate baking squares).

Sugar, eggs and vanilla extract: Balance out the dark chocolate flavour.

Butter: All cakes need butter!

Greek yogurt & avocado or canola oil: A full fat Greek yogurt helps keep this cake very moist.

Dry ingredients: All purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt.

For the frosting: Hot water, butter, cocoa powder and icing sugar make the silkiest smooth light frosting.

Most of the ingredients are basic baking or pantry items, you might just need to grab some dark chocolate to make this decadent cake.

the best chocolate cake

Step by Step Process to make this one-bowl dark chocolate cake

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350F. Butter or spray a 9-10 inch cake pan & line with parchment paper *important so cake can be removed easily*.

Step 2: In a small bowl whisk together cocoa powder, baking powder, flour & salt; set aside.

Step 3: Put butter & dark chocolate in a small pot. Heat over medium low heat, stirring until smooth.

Step 4: Transfer the melted chocolate mixture into a large mixing bowl; let cool for 5 minutes. Whisk in oil, sugar, vanilla extract & greek yogurt until combined.

Step 5: Add eggs & mix well.

Step 6: Add dry ingredients into the bowl & whisk until smooth.

Step 7: Pour it into the prepared cake pan & bake 40-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted to the center comes out clean.

Step 8: Allow the cake to cool in the pan fully before removing from the pan to a cooling rack.

Step 9: When the cake is completely cool, make the frosting and ice just the top of the cake using a swirling pattern.

the best chocolate cake

One-Bowl Dark Chocolate Cake

Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: chocolate cake
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 10 -12

A perfectly decadent, easy to make dark chocolate cake that is wonderful for any occasion. It's the best homemade chocolate cake you'll make!

Print

Ingredients

  • 125g 70-75% dark chocolate 
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup neutral oil like avocado or canola oil
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup full fat plain Greek yogurt
  • 3 tbsp cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 cup all purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp salt

For the chocolate frosting

  • 2 tbsp hot water
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 3 tbsp cocoa powder
  • 1 cup icing sugar
  • pinch salt  

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350F. Butter or spray a 9-10 inch cake pan & line with parchment paper *lining the pan is important so cake can be removed easily*.

  2. In a small bowl whisk together cocoa powder, baking powder, flour & salt; set aside.

  3. Put butter & dark chocolate in a small pot. Heat over medium low heat, stirring until smooth.

  4. Transfer the melted chocolate mixture into a large mixing bowl; let cool for 5 minutes. Whisk in oil, sugar, vanilla extract & greek yogurt until combined.

  5. Add eggs & mix well.

  6. Add dry ingredients into the bowl & whisk until smooth.

  7. Pour it into the prepared cake pan & bake 40-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted to the center comes out clean.

  8. Allow the cake to cool in the pan fully before removing from the pan to a cooling rack.

  9. When the cake is completely cool, make the frosting and ice just the top of the cake using a swirling pattern.

Recipe Notes

  • While the frosting is divine, if you want a super simple cake just skip the icing and top the cake with whipped cream and fresh berries.
  • If you want to make this cake ahead of time, once completely cooled after it bakes, wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store at room temperature. When ready, unwrap the cake, frost it and serve.
  • Once frosted, cover the cake with a 'cake keeper' or an overturned large bowl - this will help keep out dust etc. You can store this cake for 3 days at room temperature.

Expert tips for making this one layer chocolate cake recipe

  • Make sure to use 70-75% dark chocolate; it will give the best flavour for this cake!
  • The frosting for this recipe is very light and is meant to only cover the top of the cake; if you’d like more, simply double the frosting recipe.
  • While the frosting is divine, if you want a super simple cake just skip the icing and top the cake with whipped cream and fresh berries.

the best chocolate cake

FAQ

Can I make this cake ahead of time?
YES! Make it a day ahead and once completely cooled after it bakes, wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store at room temperature. When ready, unwrap the cake, frost it and serve.

How should I store this cake?
Once frosted, cover the cake with a ‘cake keeper’ or an overturned large bowl – this will help keep out dust etc. You can store this cake for 3 days at room temperature.

Can I use milk or semi-sweet chocolate in this recipe?
The recipe is created using dark chocolate so it has not been tested using another type. Some semi-sweet chocolate however can have a higher percentage, up to about 65% so it might work.

And you cannot go wrong pairing this dark chocolate cake with a glass of wine! This recipe was originally created for it’s perfect wine pairing, Hello Someday Wine Syrah.

the best chocolate cake

More delicious desserts from the blog:

The Best Fudgy Chocolate Brownie Cookies

Coconut Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Chewy Chocolate Pretzel Bars

Until the next cooking adventure,
Jess

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

Filed Under: Dessert, Recipe Tagged With: cake, chocolate cake, dessert, easy, one bowl, one layer chocolate cake

Previous Post: « Easy Cheesy Baked Pizza Dip
Next Post: 5 Minute Jalapeno Popper Dip »

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

About me

Welcome to Cooking in my Genes. I share my take on recipes I grew up with, foodie adventures & my kitchen creations. About me…

Claim Your Free E-Book Now!

Receive email updates and
my FREE e-cookbook with simple & seasonal recipes.

Let’s Connect

  • Bloglovin
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Looking for a recipe?

Recent Posts

  • Lemon Blueberry Blondies
  • Carrot Cake Oatmeal Pancakes
  • One Pot Viral French Onion Pasta

Recent Comments

  • Jess on Snickerdoodle Blondies
  • Jennifer on Snickerdoodle Blondies
  • Jess on Easy Goat Cheese Appetizer with Fig Jam & Pecans

Archives

Categories

Footer

INSTA-GRATIFICATION

It’s time to bake allll the Spring recipes like It’s time to bake allll the Spring recipes like these LEMON BLUEBERRY BLONDIES! 

These one-bowl Blondies are tender, packed with lemon flavour and fresh blueberries PLUS a white chocolate drizzle. It doesn’t get any better - here’s the recipe friends!

INGREDIENTS:
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
3/4 cup white sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
zest from 1 lemon (2 tsp lemon zest)
1 1/4 cup all purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
3/4 cup fresh blueberries
optional white chocolate drizzle: 1/2 cup white chocolate chips melted

INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Preheat oven to 350F and line an 8x8 pan with parchment paper. 
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together melted butter, white and brown sugar until combined. Add the egg and vanilla extract and mix well. Whisk in the lemon zest.
3. Using a spoon or spatula, mix flour, baking powder and salt into wet ingredients, stirring until everything comes together and no clumps of flour remain (it will be quite thick like cookie dough). Gently stir in the blueberries.
4. Transfer the batter into the prepared pan and smooth out the top so the batter reaches the edges of the pan.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely in the pan and then remove and cut into 9 or 12 squares.  Drizzle with melted white chocolate and enjoy!
•
•
•
#lemonblueberry #cookinginmygenes #thebakefeed #springbaking #blondies #blueberrydessert #blueberries #easyrecipes #onebowlbaking #bakedfromscratch #cookiebar #dessertbar #blueberrylemon #feedfeedbaking #bakingrecipes #recipereels
I love to bake on the weekend so I’m popping the I love to bake on the weekend so I’m popping these ONE BOWL CHOCOLATE CHIP OATMEAL COOKIES in the oven!

Made in just one bowl, these chewy, chocolatey cookies are made for weekend dessert or snacks. 

Recipe is on the blog friends, link is in my profile above!

https://www.cookinginmygenes.com/one-bowl-oatmeal-chocolate-chip-cookies/
•
•
•
#thebakefeed #weekendbaking #cookinginmygenes #chocolatechipcookies #onebowlbaking #bakedfromscratch #imsomartha #feedfeedbaking #cookieshomemade #oatmealcookies #cookierecipe #easycookies
This GOAT CHEESE PESTO DIP is perfect for this tim This GOAT CHEESE PESTO DIP is perfect for this time of year. Crunchy, flavourful AND easy to make. 

Here’s the recipes friends!

INGREDIENTS:
150-200g softened goat cheese (or cream cheese or even hummus!)
1/3 cup chopped cucumbers
1/3 cup chopped sundried tomatoes 
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
2-4 tbsp pesto 
Toppings: drizzle olive oil, chili flakes, fresh basil

INSTRUCTIONS:
Spread softened goat cheese on a plate. Swirl pesto into the goat cheese. Sprinkle over the cucumbers, sundried tomatoes and walnuts. Drizzle with olive oil and a pinch chili flakes. Top with fresh basil. (Other delicious add-ons could be olives, capers, balsamic glaze drizzle). 

https://www.cookinginmygenes.com/goat-cheese-pesto-appetizer/
•
•
•
#goatcheese #cookinginmygenes #easyappetizers #cheeseplate #cheeseboards #crostini #creamcheese #damnthatsdelish #recipereels #entertainingathome #cheesedip #springrecipes #appetizerideas #snackideas #veggierecipes
Save this recipe for cute MINI FRUIT HAND PIES for Save this recipe for cute MINI FRUIT HAND PIES for dessert anytime! Made with super simple ingredients, it’s a dessert you can honestly make anyyyyy time - heres the recipe friends!

INGREDIENTS:
1/2-2/3 cup pie filling of choice (I recommend cherry or blueberry!)
1 sheet frozen puff pastry *defrosted in the fridge*
egg wash (1 egg whisked with 1/2 tbsp milk)
coarse sugar for sprinkling

INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Lay out the defrosted puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface.
3. Use a circle cookie cutter to cut out 8 circles (4 tops and 4 bottoms). Brush the edges of the 4 ‘bottom’ circles with the egg wash. Spoon about 2-3 tbsp of the pie filling into the centre of the bottom circles. 
4. Place the ‘top’ circles over the pie filling and then crimp the edges of the circles to seal - it’s ok if some of the filling seeps out!
5. Slice 2 small slits in the top of each pie; brush the egg wash on each pie and then sprinkle with sugar.  Place in the fridge while you preheat the oven to 375F. 
6. Once the oven is preheated (and it’s been at least 10 minutes since the pies have been in the fridge), bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
7. Cool on the baking sheet and then enjoy!
•
•
•
#handpies #pierecipe #cookinginmygenes #yycfoodblogger #piday #pieday #thebakefeed #bakingtherapy #bakedfromscratch #springbaking #fruitpie #easyrecipes #bakingreels #recipevideo #cherrypie #damnthatsdelish #smallbatchbaking
Let’s make these EASY PEANUT BUTTER BANANA BAKED Let’s make these EASY PEANUT BUTTER BANANA BAKED OATMEAL CUPS! 

I make these every week for breakfast, snacks & to meal prep for the week - simple & delish!

INGREDIENTS NEEDED:
2 bananas
1 egg
Maple syrup
Peanut butter
Milk
Vanilla extract
Rolled oats
Cinnamon
Nutmeg
Baking powder
Chopped walnuts or shredded coconut (if desired)

Full recipe & directions can be found on the blog, linked in my profile above friends!

https://www.cookinginmygenes.com/peanut-butter-banana-baked-oatmeal-cups/
•
•
•
#oatmealrecipe #oatsforbreakfast #oatmealcups #bananamuffins #easybreakfastideas #breakfastrecipes #mealprepbreakfast #cookinginmygenes #recipevideo #quickbreakfast #oatsrecipe #yycfoodblogger #healthybreakfastideas #bakedoats #mealprepping #peanutbutterbanana
I will truly take pancakes anyyyy day of the week, I will truly take pancakes anyyyy day of the week, especially when they’re CARROT CAKE OATMEAL PANCAKES 🥞

Packed with carrots, oats and cinnamon THEN topped with a maple cream cheese, walnuts & coconut. Recipe is below friends!

INGREDIENTS:
1 cup all-purpose flour 
1/2 cup old fashioned rolled oats 
1 tsp baking powder 
1/2 tsp baking soda 
1/4 tsp salt 
2 tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp nutmeg 
1 egg 
1 cup milk 
2 tbsp melted butter 
2 tbsp maple syrup 
¾ cup grated carrots 
butter or olive oil for cooking 
For garnish: toasted coconut, chopped walnuts
Optional maple cream cheese topping: ½ cup softened cream cheese mixed with 1 tbsp maple syrup 

INSTRUCTIONS: 
1.In a medium bowl stir together the flour, oats, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg.
2.In a small bowl whisk together egg, milk, butter and maple syrup. 
3.Add the milk mixture to the flour mixture and stir until just combined. Then gently stir in carrots. Let the batter rest for 10 minutes to soften the oats.	
4.When you’re ready to start cooking, heat a large non-stick pan or griddle over medium heat. When the pan is hot, add a dollop or butter or drizzle of oil and add pancake batter 1/3 cup at a time. 
5.Cook pancakes for about 3-4 minutes or until golden brown and tiny bubbles form on the surface of the pancakes. Then flip the pancakes and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 2 minutes more. 
6.Serve pancakes with butter, maple syrup, maple cream cheese, walnuts and/or toasted coconut. 

https://www.cookinginmygenes.com/carrot-cake-oatmeal-pancakes/
•
•
•
#breakfastideas #healthybreakfast #oatmealpancakes #carrotcakerecipe #carrotcakepancakes #springrecipes #oatsforbreakfast #cookinginmygenes #yycfoodblogger #creamcheeseicing #breakfastrecipes #recipereels #pancakerecipe #brunchideas
These EASY GARLIC BREAD BITES are trending on the These EASY GARLIC BREAD BITES are trending on the blog right now for a reason - they’re simple and delicious!

Make them as a side dish for weeknight dinner or as a weekend appetizer. Or heck even just for a snack!

INGREDIENTS NEEDED
Refrigerated biscuit dough (I generally use @pillsburycanada @pillsbury )
Softened butter
Dried oregano
Garlic powder
Coarse salt
Chili flakes
Pinch ground pepper
Shredded parmesan cheese
Marinara sauce to dip in, if desired

Full recipe & directions are on the blog, linked in my bio above friends!

https://www.cookinginmygenes.com/easy-garlic-bread-bites-appetizer/
•
•
•
#garlicbreadrecipe #foodhack #cookinginmygenes #easyappetizers #appetizerideas #damnthatsdelish #garlicbreadsticks #entertainingathome #partyfoodideas #recipevideo #easysnack
SAVE this 30 MINUTE CHICKEN STIR-FRY for when you SAVE this 30 MINUTE CHICKEN STIR-FRY for when you need an easy weeknight meal!

This is one of my family’s go-to meals because it’s so simple to make AND you can easily swap veg & protein for your favourites. 

Also easy to make it a #glutenfreerecipe 

Recipe is linked in my bio above!

https://www.cookinginmygenes.com/30-minute-chicken-stir-fry-recipe/
•
•
•
#30minutemeals #weeknightdinner #stirfryveggies #chickenstirfry #easyrecipes #recipereels #cookinginmygenes #yycfoodblogger #chickenfordinner #onepanmeal #easydinnerideas #dinnerrecipes #veggierecipes
Follow on Instagram

Copyright © 2023 · CookinginmyGenes.com