Last updated on April 16th, 2025
The secret to a moist chocolate cake lies in replacing butter with oil, and this easy recipe does just that. This is a straightforward, one-bowl batter that’s sure to become part of your recipe book forever. It’s the best chocolate cake for any of life’s sweet celebrations.
For icing recipes – go here. I recommend a chocolate buttercream icing or ganache.
Chocolate Cake
Prep Time: 25- Cook Time: 30
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 1 double layer cake 1x
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A classic chocolate cake with fool-proof secrets to perfect cake moistness!
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- ¾ cups cocoa powder
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- 2 tsp baking soda
- pinch of salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla essence
- 2 cups sugar
- ½ cup oil
- 1 cup boiling water or hot coffee
- 2 eggs
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180°C. Line two 23cm round cake pans, or one 23x33cm rectangular baking pan, with wax paper. Grease the paper and the sides of the pan well.
- In a large bowl, sift the dry ingredients together.
- Add the eggs, milk, oil and vanilla essence and beat with an electric mixer for about two minutes. Add the boiling water or coffee and mix until combined.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans and bake for 30-40 minutes.
- To test if the cake is ready, insert a toothpick into the middle of the pan. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready. A single rectangular cake will take slightly longer to bake than two round layers.
- Slide a knife around the edge of each cake to loosen it from the pan, turn the pan over onto a metal rack and peel off the paper.
- Let the cake cool completely before covering with icing.
This is an excellent recipe – I have been baking this cake for many years – the oil is definitely the secret for a moist cake, but I have another secret! Use Moirs CARAMEL essence, not any other make, instead of vanilla essence in the cake mixture, as well as in your icing. I always get many compliments for my cakes and I know that it’s the Caramel essence!
Made this for my partner on her birthday. It was amazing. Perfectly moist inside, so tasty, so full of chocolate. I just wanted it all for myself! I made a Mars bar chocolate coating over the top and sides which made it all the more decadent. A real winner and simple!
This is the best chocolate cake I have ever made and eaten! Thanks:)
This really works. I have tried many different recipes for a moist chocolate cake, but this is certainly the best by far. Both the texture and taste are devine! Thanks for sharing this.
I have baked this chocolate cake twice now and i must say that it is definately the best chocolate cake that I have eaten (& I am not a lover of chocolate cake). Its simple & easy and is TOTALLY YUMMMMIII!!!
Yum yum yum! This chocolate cake is super moist, really delicious & easy to make! Made it for my mom’s birthday and everyone loved it! Good recipe.
Best recipes EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
it was pretty tasty but it got a little sticky in the mouth.
I’m a doctor and don’t get much time for cooking, which something I really wanna do well. I’m studying for an exam and was just browsing through various websites until I came upon this recipe. Haven’t tried it yet but plan to do so tomorrw. Wish me luck. Will tell you how it goes.
Am I missing something? You mentioned the icing at the beginning but the recipe for the delicious icing is not included with the cake recipe…
I have tried this recipe and this is the best cake I have ever baked
This is the perfect chocolate cake and will be the only recipe I will use in future. Now do you have a recipe for a plain sponge cake?
That was the nicest cake yet. Thank you.
exactly how much is 1 cup of flour? is it 250g? im very confused because different sites have different measurements.
Oh my world! I have been trying to bake a moist chocolate cake since I can remember.This is the best recipe ever.thank you so much.my cake is just delicious..
awesome recipe using it on entrepreneurs day on the 2cnd September (im 12 years)hope this works as well as all the others say it does! MWA ya’ll!
Its good i could eat it again.
Great recipe i must say. Absolutely loved it. 🙂
Easiest recipe I’ve tried and most definately flop proof!!! Absolutely delicious and brings in lots of compliments!!
ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC!!!
This is absolutely the best chocolate cake recipe, moist and decadent! Love it so much!
this is the best chocolate cake receipe ever! The cake is perfectly moist and yummy! My whole family loves it! Ill be making it every sunday!!
Excellent cake!!.Im just 17 studying at the Culinary Arts School and I made this cake for my practical. It was a real winner.
Im just 17 studying at the Culinary Art School. The recipe is excellent, it was a real winner!!
Hello!!
I was looking for perfect chocolate moist cake and I found it here. I needed something not to sweet and heavy, but with a real flavor of dark chocolate. I was a bit skeptic when I saw the batter, because it was pretty liquid, but after baking the cake turned out perfectly! The combination of your chocolate moist cake and of mine red berry filling and vanilla cream is just so yummy! Thank you for sharing it with us!
You can see the cake (made by me) right here: http://www.coolinarika.com/preview/recept/bloody-berry/
I translated your chocolate moist cake and share it with my friends, hope you don’t mind, and of course, I mentioned where I took it from!!!
Best wishes from Serbia, and Happy New Year!
i love the recipe its easy and simple above all delicious
We have tried out the cake recipe. it is really yummy. Children liked it
I have been searching for a really good chocolate cake for, what feels like, forever. I tried this recipe firstly, because I know oil generally delivers a lovely moist cake and secondly, becasue it appeared so easy to throw together…..My search has ended right here!!! I love this cake, my family loves it and my friends keep asking me to make it for them. Thank you for sharing this and ending my frustrating search for the perfect chocolate cake 😀
Best, most moist chocolate cake ever. I am not a pro cook but this was so easy to make. I felt like a pro. I topped it off with a cream cheese frosting. To die for!!!!
good recipe…….delicious….just tried out last night….totally………….. 🙂
This chocolate cake is delisiouse
Hi…What an excellent recipe. Would like to say this is the best chocolate cake I have ever made. I am a grandmother & have been cooking cakes for a long time & have never had one turn out this good before. Hubby & grandkids loved it…sent the recipe to my daughter who never cooks cakes & it turned out perfect. We will be cooking this for many years to come. A big thank you for posting the recipe.
Hi there! I want to make a huge sheet cake, if I want to increase the recipe to twice it’s size, must I double all the ingredients?
Thank you
Yes, it’s safe to double all the ingredients!
I starting teaching myself how to bake cakes, I have tried this recipe, my cake came out really delicious & super moist. My parents & siblings were surprised I baked it myself, great recipe, am so proud of myself thanx a mil!!
awesome recipe! so simple and easy to make, made it first time and was so impressed! so yummy and moist 🙂 best moist choc cake ive ever made a must try
Absolutely great recipe, moist, smells divine. Dont you have a recipe for a red velvet cake that’s just as good as this one? Thanks for the recipe!
Baked this on sunday for my family! They cudnt believe I had baked it myself. Used coffee and caramel as add ons. It was purely delicious. Definately a winner for me!
Whao simply the best. Definitely a must keep. super moist,melts in your mouth. totally delicious!!! any eays recipes like this for a yellow cake?????
This recipe does not state what type of oil. Olive oil? Vegetable oil? Sunflower oil?? what type of oil do I use?
Hi Lisa, use vegetable oil like sunflower oil. I wouldnt use Olive Oil for this cake.
wow great recipe used it for a bake sale for my daughters school, wow thanks best seller
I have been trying chocolate cake for years and it was never so moist. I love this recipe its so simple and straight forward .
I made this cake for my hubby last night! What a recipe! Probably the best chocolate cake i’ve ever made. It is so moist and tasty. A definite winner!
The easiest chocolate cake recipe and absolutely delicious
I just popped this in the oven. It looked a little thin after adding the 1 cup of boiling coffee, but we’ll see what happens. It’s been in the oven for about 15 minutes and the middle is starting to wrinkle and pucker up a bit. I will post results when the cake is done.
Best recipe ever. Will not change a thing.
Definately the best chocolate cake that i have eaten and many praises from friends and family. For the icing i used 1 large tin caramel treat mixed with 1 large tin nestle dessert cream. Devine
I think the recipe for this Chocolate Cake looks so easy, but where is the recipe for the icing that you recommend we make ?
Follow this link for the recipe to the icing – https://justeasyrecipes.com/2009/08/25/icing-101/
i am impressed by the reviews,planning to make for my mumma’s bday…hope it will go well
should i use boiling water or the coffee? thanks:)
I must say that I was really shocked when I made this cake last night and it turned out to perfection!!! Reason being I always want to make a chocolate cake that isn’t dry but it always turns out Dry anyway. But this recipe is the bomb!!! Really love it thank you so much, my family really loved it tooo
I fancied a treat. No butter in the fridge Mmmm. Looked up chocolate cake with oil. Best thing hubby & I have tasted. This recipe will Definitely be passed on. Yummy,Yummy,Yummy!!:)
Thanks for such a nice chocolate cake reciepi, this is the second time am baking this cake, its very tasty moist & everyone loved the great taste,am baking another one just now…..:)
Who many does it make for (servings)
Well, you could eat it all to yourself therefore 1 person 🙂 But usually 12 or so…also depends how big a slice you cut??
Baked 4 my man nd he ate half of it in just 10 minutes.now i always have 2 bake it on his birthday nd fathers day
Excellant Recipe. I made it last night for my husband and he really enjoyed it.
Bula vinaka from Fiji!!
on small Pacific Islands, it’s difficult to find exotic ingredients for excellent cakes, but, this one is simple and the ingredients are affordable.
and the results…million dollars.
thank you so much
Amazing! simple and easy. best chocolate cake recipe.
Made this last week but instead of icing i melted maltesers in a double boiler with cream for the topping, absolutely delish!!!
Amazing recipe it is brilliant i really baked it now and it is soo yummy thankyouuu very much
.,wahhh i really really wanna make this one…but i’m just confused…what type of flour did you use..cake flour?all purpose flour? plain flour? please please please answer… thanks so much =)
Easy Peasy flop proof recipe!!!! I followed it to the T and the birthday cake I made was amazing… Thank you…
The best chocolate cake recipe ever!! Other recipes usually turn out dry or they need so many ingredients, it is pointless to make. And I must say, this one is fool proof. any one can make it and it would turn out delicious!
thanks for the recipe
thankyou very much ummy.
thankyou very much yummy.
i love it.yummy.
Found your website and lookd very interesting,I am researching baking cup and spoon measurments, as I have found USA, UK and Australia are all different eg USA 1tbls =15ml and Australia is 20ml. As I am interested in trying some of your recipes can you inform we what your cup and spoon measurements would be.
Lookf orward to hearing from you.
@Maria – Our cup size is 250ml, our tablespoon is about 15 ml and a teaspoon about 5ml.
I was blown away by this cake, it`s really amazing!!
My first attempt, which was also my very first attempt at baking a cake, was a flop. In my excitement I accidentally added 2 cups of milk, so then I tried to compensate by adding as much flour and baking powder as I could.
The result was a pudding like middle, but nevertheless still very delicious. Was good with cream
My second attempt I ended up mixing by hand (and by hand I mean with a metal spoon), and it came out brilliantly, best chocolate cake eaten in recent memory, strawberry jam in the middle and a tin of caramel splattered on top.
One tin didn’t quite cover it nicely, but with the cake being plenty rich, it was more than enough
Want to try this but can any1 be kind enough to suggest or advise what frosting they used! Was it ganache and buttercream etc. I’ve tried mailing this site but the mail comes back undelievered. Thanks in advance.
Hi Renuka – see point 7 in the method – I suggest a chocolate buttercream icing.
do i use jumbo eggs or large or extra large ?
many thanks
i’m making this fir the third time now, it is one of my favorite recipes… this time im halving the ingredients, as i only want a one layer cake. this is the best chock cake recipe ever, and i can recommend it even to first time bakers!
Hi, wow.. This is the first cake I’ve seen with only positive feedback.. I wanna try this one., could you please specify what flour you used and also sweetened or unsweetened cocoa ? Thank you..
@Sahana – Just use normal cake flour. The cocoa is unsweetened as far as I know.
@Anisa – You can use medium to large eggs.
Awesome recipe, I committed the ‘sin’ of not testing a recipe before serving it to friends- luckily for me (and my friends) this recipe was AMAZING and turned out perfectly…. have been reccommending it to everyone ever since! Thanks so much
This recipe is amazing!
i used the recipe to make cupcakes and they came out amazing! Very moist and chocolatey! definitely one to use!
x
I bake 10 times this super cake recipe it’s real delicious cake I ever had.. Thanks for the person who has this GREAT delicious super chocolate cake recipe ….
I made this cake for my sisters 13th birthday last weekend. she loved it and so did the rest of the family!! I thought that the cake would come out small like other cake recipes so i doubled the mixture and ended up with two huge cakes!! this was much to the delight of the family. My sister is having a sleepover party at the weekend and has requested that i make the same cake again.
the only change i made to the recipe was i ran out of cocoa and so substituted it with hot chocolate powder. The cake was so soft and moist and delicious, you couldn’t taste the coffee!
Definetly my new favorite cake recipe,
Thanks!! 😀
It looks wonderful! And tastes better! It is a great recipie! Keep making more of your amazing recipies!!
This was the best chocolate cake recipe. I didnt expect the cake to be so moist and delicious.
What if I use plain flour? Cause I just bought the ingredients and instead of cake flour I bought plain flour??
It should be fine, as there is baking powder and baking soda in the recipe!
This is really a wonderful chocolate cake! Our whole family loves it, especially my mom. 🙂 My Sister and I have made it many times (for parties, birthdays, and holidays) and are making it again today, for Easter. It is really easy, moist, and super delicious. Thanks so much for this recipe!
it is such an awsome recipe. baking is not my natural talent. husband bought me a new smeg oven, price tag was to bake him a chocolate cake. tried this recipe, could not beleive the perfection, had to pinch myself to get it out the oven, never baked such a perfect chocolate cake before!!!!!
thank you!
Hi, do u use castor sugar or normal sugar?? Thanks
I tried this recipe, the cake came out amazingly moist and delicious. I bought OO grade flour this time by mistake, can i use that instead of plain flour without spoiling the taste.Many thanks.
I just tried the cake the texture is wonderful !! Spongy sponge… But I wish it were less chocolaty.. More milk chocolate like.. I used Cadbury cocoa powder.. Is it fine?? Can I convert into a little bit more towards milk chocolaty type…???
Hi Rif, Cadbury Cocoa is absolutely fine, if you want to make it less chocolatey, just use less cocoa powder and one that is not very rich – Nestle or Cadbury’s is fine.
yummy sweetly
what kind of flour you used ??
@Dinavie – Just normal cake flour 🙂
Hi, this was my first attempt to baking a cake and the result was absolutely amazing! So easy, so moist and rich. I am def baking this cake again and again and again!!! It made me look like a pro!!! Thank you
Hey All,
OK, so i’ve attempted this recipe before with great success. Today is such a nice and cold day, I decided to bake a chock cake, and guess what – i ran out of cocao…
I used milo instead, it is in the oven now, and I cannot wait to tell you the outcome… I hope it is good. I read somewhere on the internet that cocao can be substituted with milo, so I hope it will turn out fine!!
#fingers crossed#
Hi. I don’t have enough normal sugar, v
Can I use caster sugar instead?
Hi Michelle, yes of course you can use caster sugar, even better! 🙂
Hi, I made this cake for my son’s birthday. It turned out to be very soft and yummy. Every one in the family liked it very much. What was missing was just the icing. Going to try next time.
Hi Louise
my oven is too small to fit 2 nos. of 20cm tray, can i just bake into one, which is whole recipe into 1x 20cm, if so, how long do i need to bake and do i still use the same oven temperature?
thank you
Always wanted to learn to bake so I searched for cake recipes and came across this scrumptious, moist, mouth watering recipe, I had to bake it again and again:-), my hubby loves it.
I must say the batter comes out rather runny.. i have a cake tin that unhooks on the side with a clip and because of this the batter is leaking out 🙁
This is just the easiest Chocolate Cake ever, we all love it even the Grand Children can make it, and it’s so moist.
Made this cake twice now and have to admit, it is honestly the best choc cake I have ever made! Every time I make it I get concerned that the mixture is too runny but it always works out! Followed the link on here to some good icings and the BEST icing with this is the Swiss meringue chocolate icing. My dad said he would pay for this cake in a café it’s so good!
Plz could u tell me if baking soda da same as bicarbonate soda
Can I use fondant icing on this cake?
Hi, u choc cake is amazing baked it for myself in January slightly reduce amount of milk though and it turned out just fine
WOW! Trying this recipe for the first time. I’ve just put the first cake tin into the oven to bake (fingers crossed) the other cake I’ve added nuts in peanuts and hazelnuts and some chocolate pieces. We’ll see how it turns out. It sounds great and can’t wait to try it. For a complement topping…I mix peanut butter with hazelnut spread and a little milk and cocoa together and spread it on when the cake has cooled down. It’s very sticky, smooth and extremely yummy:) You can add some extra coffee to the milk if you want a coffee taste. Or if you want it more chocolatey then you add more cocoa etc. Have fun like we did x thanks for this amazing recipe x
Perfect, hats off. Soo tasty yummh cake
I made this cake for myself on my birthday and I totally loved it, just reduced the sugar a bit
I’ve made this like a million times & everyone never gets bored with it! 🙂 Simple yet so delicious. I first stumbled upon this recipe a year ago for my Hubby’s birthday & since then, family & friends never fail to *request* it everytime there’s a celebration.. Even on ordinary days they ask me to bake some ’cause all of us just can’t get over it. 😀 Thank you so much for this recipe! 🙂
my cake didn’t rise? I used baking powder and cake wheat flour as there was no regular cake flour at the shops….
Omg… I was wayyyy too lazy to soften the butter and cream it so i looked for cakes with oil. Haven’t baked it yet but looking at the comments, I think I’m gonna bake this for my mom tomorrow. I’m 12 and i LOVE the kitchen. Thanks!!
Can I use bicarbonate of soda instead or baking soda?
Hi Jessica, it is the same thing 🙂
The batter turns out too watery. I’m baking it now. Hope it turns out ok. Will post again later.
Can we adjust the quantity by reducing all ingredients half.
Hi hi! This is the second time I’m making this cake and it is a huge hit! So moist and soft; finally, a really good chocolate cake recipe. Thanks!
Hi, I just love cakes n always wanted to mk myself n just lyk amagic came to knw ur recipe. It turned out delicious.BT I wud lyk to knw can it b made in pressure cooker n hw.
I want to try dis out today, I jus hope its fine. And please can I make it a layer cake with plain sponge cake? Hope it won’t affect the plain sponge white cake cos of the hot water/hot coffee. Pls I need a response. Thanks
Can I bake this chocolate cake as a layer together with plain sponge cake. I mean, mix plain sponge batter and this chocolate batter in layer before baking? Hope it won’t be a mess? Will it come out fine?
This was the eassy and delicious recipe
Yeah i am trying it today.
Right now.
This one shocked me for real..!! the cake was done and turned out soft and spongy in just 10 mins… i wonder whether that was some sort of miracle… nyways, everyone loved it lots n a million thanks for the awesome recipe..
hi there, this is my first time trying this i followed all steps given and i want to know after you mix all the ingredients i notice at the end you have to add the 1c boiling water…and it made my batter runny is that okay or did i do something wrong?
Your cake looks good and I want to try it but the icing recipee cannot be accessed pls email me the icing recipee then I’ll give the feedback thanx
Hi Louise, when your recipe says boiling water or coffee which is the best to use do you think? Also if coffee do you mean a black cup of coffee or white cup of coffee? Thanks can’t wait to try this 🙂
Can I substitute no egg in place of egg, want to bake it now
My goodness DELICIOUS … Love it, easy to make going to bake again and again for my family and friends.
It was so simple to make!
No mess, no fuss ingredients & recipe.
& the cake is just so gorgeous- taste, texture & looks.
Thank you for a wonderful recipe!!
bigger than i expected but the moist softest cake ever made. Thank u so much!
I must say…this recipe is so flawless, simple yet so fruitful….i have got only compliments whenever i have baked and given this cake to someone…Thanks a lottt
WOW!!! This was the easiest recipe, my little gals baked and it was the best chocolate cake ever.
Cake was fabulous! Highly recommend this receipe!!
Im making it now. Hope I also experience the wonderful results everyone else did.
Is the batter meant to be so runny though or have I done something wrong?
I just got all my ingredients mixed up and as i was about to put the oven on. Bam that darned load shedding. Hope it can stand for about 3 hours before the power comes back on
Which type of milk we have to use. Raw milk or cool milk or hot milk
Made the cake for my g sons birthday moist really tasty thanks a lot ?
Hi I followed everything to the t, doubling the ingredients the only thing I’m worried about is that I forgot to add the boiling water to the mixture will my cake flop because of this? The consistency of the batter was just great hence me not adding the water please advise..?.
Hello.. I just made this cake, its in the oven. Is the batter meant to be this runny??
Only problem with this recipe is that its so good that I have to make it for every ones birthdays. I add coffee and use caramel treat mixed with little cream and sprinkle crushed peppermint crisp chocolate on top. OMG!!!! Its the best choc cake ever. x
I discovered this cake two years ago when I had no butter in the pantry but needed to throw a cake together quickly! Since then it’s my ‘go-to’ recipe and I’ve got it down to a tee! Today for the first time I’m going to attempt to make muffins out of it. Wish me luck!
Absolutely marvelous recipe. My husband and kids loved it. This recipe is definitely a keeper.
Thank you Louise!! I have been hunting for a good chocolate cake recipe.. Just stumbled upon your blog!! The cake was just amazing.. And guess what.. Everyone just loved it!!
Thank you!! My 6 & 3 year olds just relished every bite!!
This cake has change my bakery people are asking for thank u,thank u I’m new at baking thisismthe best cake I’ve ever made.
I love it. Easy and very yummy.Thank you! Definitely will give a go to your other recipes
Aah yay, so glad to hear Deleila! Xx
I tried it and as a junior baker it was easy and delightful to see first time success!!! Tastes lovely. Would love to know an eggless alternative to moist cake- can you add vinegar instead, if so at what quantity?
Thanks again!
Thanks for this absolutely beautiful cake recipe.
I couldn’t believe that something looks so simple will turn out so delicious.
After reading the reviews I told myself I must try it out.
And true to it… It is wonderfully easy to make yet amazingly professional result!
You are right to say that it will be a recipe one will treasure.
Thank you again, and really enjoy your website too!
How long did I tried to get a chocolate cake recipe? Finaly i foud a simple yummy cake. U a the best & many thanks.
How long can I keep the cake after baking it. Was thinking of baking it on Thursday, dirty icing it Friday and decorating on Saturday for the party. Will it still be fine then?
Easy and so delicious. I would like to know …. can I make chocolate cupcakes from this delicious batter? Thanks for all your lovely recipes.
Yes ofcoz
Hi there, constantly i used to check webpage posts here early in the daylight, since i enjoy to find out more and more.
this looks great, cant wait to make it but i wonder what would be a good egg substitute for this cake? without changing the color and all…
Your cake is currently in our oven! Can’t wait!!!
Hi what type of oil can I use, can I use gingelly oil
Best chocolate cake recipe, so moist, used it to bake my sons birthday cake. So delicios everyone loved it.
Very easy and nice recipe indeed,would really like to try it one day. Thanks
I really love ur recipes. This cake is so moist and yummy. I love ur milk tart recipe too. Thanks so much
What flour did you use?
I used to be suggested this web site by my cousin. I’m now not certain whether this publish is written by him as
nobody else understand such detailed approximately my trouble.
You’re incredible! Thank you!
I’ll be baking this chocolate cake for the first time and it’s fir the customer, by reading the comments I trust it’s delicious.
It turned out to be the best choco cupcakes recipe ever!! Just a yummmmm…. thanks
This cake came out fantastically, it has taken me a long time to replace my UK baking recipes with South African ones and this one is definitely being added to my favourites
Lovely recipe. It turned out so well. Minimum effort and a great recipe if you need to bake a cake in short notice.