Easy Cocoa 1 Layer Cake Recipe

Indulge in this decadent, one-layer cocoa cake—easy enough for beginner bakers! Rich and chocolatey without being overly heavy, this recipe is easily adaptable for dairy-free baking using margarine. Perfect for a quick dessert or special occasion, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 75 mins
Calories 486.1 kcal
Protein 13g
Rating Be the first
Easy Cocoa 1 Layer Cake 57

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Forktionary editorial kitchen team

The Forktionary Kitchen Team

Adapted from Food.com, then tested & standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Easy Cocoa 1 Layer Cake

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How to Make Easy Cocoa 1 Layer Cake

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda, ¾ teaspoon baking powder, and ¾ teaspoon salt.
  3. In a separate bowl, cream together 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter (or dairy-free margarine) and 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in 2 large eggs one at a time, then stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1 cup water.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Pour batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
  6. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
  7. Once cooled, sift powdered sugar generously over the top of the cake.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

20 g

Sugar

186g

Fat

60g

Carbs

25g

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to make Easy Cocoa 1 Layer Cake?

Easy Cocoa 1 Layer Cake takes about 95 minutes from start to finish — roughly 20 minutes to prepare and 75 minutes to cook.

How many calories are in Easy Cocoa 1 Layer Cake?

Easy Cocoa 1 Layer Cake has approximately 486.1 calories per serving, with about 13 g protein, 25 g carbohydrates and 30 g fat.

What ingredients do I need for Easy Cocoa 1 Layer Cake?

The key ingredients for Easy Cocoa 1 Layer Cake are Flour, Unsweetened Cocoa Powder, Baking Soda, Salt, Unsalted Butter, Brown Sugar. See the full list with measurements above.

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