Craving something sweet but don't want to spend hours in the kitchen? This chocolate snack cake recipe is your answer! It's incredibly easy, requires minimal ingredients, and delivers maximum chocolatey goodness. Perfect for a quick dessert, afternoon treat, or even a simple birthday celebration, this recipe is a winner for both beginner bakers and seasoned pros. Get ready to enjoy a moist, fudgy cake that's sure to become a family favorite. This easy recipe is also a great example of healthy cooking, using simple, wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¾ teaspoon baking soda
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup buttermilk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
- Chocolate frosting (recipe below or your favorite store-bought)
Instructions:
Getting Started: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan. This simple prep step ensures your cake bakes evenly and prevents sticking.
Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This helps distribute the leavening agents evenly for a light and fluffy cake.
Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the sugar, buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined. Don't overmix; a few lumps are okay.
Combining: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake, so be gentle!
Adding the Boiling Water: Carefully pour in the boiling water and mix until the batter is smooth. The batter will be thin; this is normal.
Baking: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cooling and Frosting: Let the cake cool completely in the pan before frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting and creating a messy cake.
Chocolate Frosting:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions: Beat the butter until light and fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, alternating with the milk, until smooth and creamy. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Tips for the Best Chocolate Snack Cake:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature eggs and butter helps create a smoother batter and ensures even baking.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, leading to a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
- Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick to check for doneness. If it comes out with moist crumbs, bake for a few more minutes.
- Cooling Completely: Allowing the cake to cool completely before frosting is essential to prevent melting.
Variations:
- Add-ins: Feel free to add chocolate chips, nuts, or even fresh berries to the batter for extra flavor and texture.
- Different Frosting: Experiment with different frostings, like cream cheese frosting or a simple glaze.
- Cake Size: This recipe can easily be halved or doubled to accommodate different pan sizes.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Around 300-350
- Fat: 15-20g
- Saturated Fat: 5-8g
- Sugar: 30-40g
This delicious chocolate snack cake recipe is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth quickly and easily. It's a fantastic option for quick dinner ideas, adding a delightful dessert to any meal. It’s also a perfect homemade cooking project, ideal for those seeking simple yet delicious dishes. Enjoy!