Description
This simple and delicious chocolate cake combines basic pantry ingredients to create a moist, rich, and tender cake with a luscious chocolate glaze. Perfectly balanced with a hint of tang from vinegar and deep cocoa flavor, this easy-to-make cake is ideal for any occasion or sweet craving.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Ingredients
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup water
Frosting Ingredients
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons water
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure the cake bakes evenly.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking soda, and salt until well combined and uniform for an even rise and flavor.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Make three small wells in the center of the dry ingredients. Pour the white vinegar into one, vanilla extract into the second, and water into the third. Gently mix until smooth, avoiding overmixing to keep the cake tender.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan and smooth the surface with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Cooling fully is essential before applying the frosting to prevent it from sliding off.
- Prepare the Frosting: While the cake cools, sift the powdered sugar and cocoa powder into a small bowl. Stir in the water and vanilla extract until you achieve a smooth, spreadable glaze. Add water gradually if the glaze is too thick.
- Frost the Cake: Once the cake is completely cool, spread the chocolate glaze evenly over the top, creating a shiny and luscious finish.
- Slice and Serve: Cut the cake into nine squares and serve. Enjoy watching how quickly this moist and flavorful cake disappears!
Notes
- Be careful not to overmix the batter to keep the cake moist and tender.
- Test cake doneness with a toothpick inserted in the center; it should come out mostly clean.
- Ensure the cake is completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting or sliding of the glaze.
- If glaze is too thick, add water a few drops at a time to achieve desired consistency.
- This recipe does not use any fat, making it lighter but still moist due to the water and vinegar reaction.
