Hershey’s Perfect One Bowl Chocolate Cake

This easy and versatile chocolate cake is made in just one bowl, creating a moist, rich cake that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s quick to prepare and can be made gluten-free as well!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Hershey’s Perfect One Bowl Chocolate Cake is a simple yet delicious dessert that combines convenience with incredible flavor. The cake is rich, moist, and chocolatey, with a soft texture that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re baking for a birthday, a special celebration, or just a sweet treat, this cake is perfect for all occasions. It’s also incredibly easy to make, requiring just one bowl, and you can make it gluten-free without sacrificing any of the flavor. The addition of a rich chocolate frosting makes this cake even more indulgent and irresistible!

Ingredients

Cake Ingredients:

• 2 cups sugar

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  Gluten-Free Alternative: 1¼ cups brown rice flour, ½ cup potato starch, ¼ cup tapioca starch

• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

• ½ teaspoon baking powder

• 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

• 2 eggs

• 1 cup milk

• ½ cup light-flavored olive oil or canola oil

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 1 cup boiling water

Frosting Ingredients:

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1 cup semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips (6 ounces)

• ½ cup powdered sugar

• ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the cake:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a bundt pan and lightly dust with cocoa powder (or grease two 9″ round pans or line 24 cupcake cups with liners).

2. In a mixing bowl, stir together sugar, flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Beat with a mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes.

3. Slowly add boiling water and stir to combine. The batter will be thin and watery. Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan or evenly divide it between the round pans or cupcake liners.

Bake the cake:

4. For a bundt cake, bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. For two 9″ round cakes, bake for 30-35 minutes, and for cupcakes, bake for 22-24 minutes. Let the cakes cool completely.

Prepare the frosting:

5. In a saucepan over low heat, warm the heavy cream until steaming (or heat in the microwave for about 2 minutes). Remove from heat and add the chocolate chips to the hot cream. Let it sit for a few minutes, then whisk until the mixture is smooth and glossy.

6. Add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, stirring until completely smooth.

Assemble and serve:

7. Pour the frosting over the cooled cake. Serve immediately, or chill the cake in the refrigerator until the frosting sets.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 16 servings (or 24 cupcakes)

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 40 minutes

• Total Time: 50 minutes

Variations

• Add-ins: Add chocolate chips, nuts, or shredded coconut to the batter before baking for extra texture and flavor.

• Frosting Variations: Use a cream cheese frosting or buttercream for a different twist. You could also add a splash of vanilla extract or espresso to the frosting for added flavor.

• Cupcakes: This recipe can easily be turned into cupcakes, just bake for 22-24 minutes.

• Gluten-Free: The gluten-free flour mix provided works perfectly in place of all-purpose flour to make this cake suitable for gluten-free diets.

• Vegan: Substitute eggs with flax eggs and use plant-based milk and butter to make this cake dairy-free and egg-free.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze slices for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply microwave for 10-15 seconds to warm it up.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of cocoa powder?

Yes, you can use Dutch-processed cocoa powder or any type of unsweetened cocoa powder that you prefer. The flavor might vary slightly but still work well.

2. Can I make this cake in advance?

Yes, you can make the cake a day ahead of time. Just store it in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate it and add the frosting when you’re ready to serve.

3. Can I make this recipe as cupcakes?

Yes, this recipe is great for cupcakes! Just divide the batter evenly among a 24-cup muffin tin and bake for 22-24 minutes.

4. How can I make the frosting thicker?

If the frosting is too thin, add a little more powdered sugar and cocoa powder, or reduce the heavy cream slightly next time.

5. How can I make the cake lighter and fluffier?

To make the cake fluffier, you can sift the dry ingredients to remove lumps, or add a little extra baking powder to give it more lift.

6. Can I freeze this cake?

Yes, you can freeze this cake either whole or sliced. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store it in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.

7. Can I add coffee to this cake for a richer flavor?

Yes, adding a tablespoon of instant coffee or espresso powder to the batter can enhance the chocolate flavor without overpowering it.

8. Can I use different frostings or toppings?

Yes, you can experiment with different frostings, such as a whipped cream frosting, or top the cake with fresh berries, crushed nuts, or even a drizzle of caramel for a unique twist.

9. Is this cake dense or light?

This cake is wonderfully moist and tender, but not overly dense. The texture is rich, with a slight fluffiness that balances out the creamy frosting.

10. Can I make this cake without the frosting?

Yes, you can make this cake without the frosting, or dust it with powdered sugar for a lighter version.

Conclusion

Hershey’s Perfect One Bowl Chocolate Cake is a simple, delicious, and incredibly satisfying dessert that delivers everything you want in a chocolate cake: rich, moist, and indulgent. With a quick prep time and minimal cleanup, this cake is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re baking for a birthday, celebration, or just because. Add the decadent chocolate frosting for the ultimate treat, or serve it plain for a simpler version. Either way, it’s sure to be a hit!

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