Some days call for a tall, layered showstopper of cake – but most days, I just want something simple, quick, and very chocolately. That’s where this little 9×9″ chocolate cake comes in. It’s a one bowl wonder, baked in a square pan, easy to slice into tidy pieces, and just the right size for a casual dessert or small gathering.
The beauty of this cake is in its simplicity. It’s the kind of recipe that doesn’t ask much of you – just one bowl, a few pantry staples, and a little stir with a whisk. Yet somehow, out of that ease, comes something deeply comforting. The chocolate and coffee mingle together for a flavor that feels r ich but familiar, like the warmth of a favorite mug on a chilly morning. It bakes up tender and moist, with a soft crumb that practically melts on your fork. Nothing fussy, nothing complicated – just a cake that feels homemade in the best possible way.
Ingredients to have on hand:
- All-purpose flour
- Cacao or unsweetened coco powder
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Baking soda
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Eggs
- Butter
- Buttermilk
- Strong brewed coffee
- Vanilla extract
- Confectioners sugar
If you love chocolate as much as I do, try some more of my favorites.
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Single layer Chocolate Mocha Cake
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup cacao or unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup melted butter (1 stick)
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup strongly brewed (decaf or regular) coffee
- 1 tsp vanilla
- Mocha Frosting: 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened, 2 cups confectioners sugar, 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 2 tbsp brewed coffee, 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease or line a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Mix the dry ingredients. In a large bowl whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- Add the wet ingredients. Crack in the egg, pour in the melted butter, milk, coffee, and vanilla. Whisk everything together until the batter is smooth and glossy. It will a little thin - that's perfect)
- Bake. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy and smooth.
- Sift in the powdered sugar and cocoa powder to avoid lumps.
- Spread generously over the cooled cake, swirling for a cozy look.
