One Bowl Chocolate Cake with Salted Chocolate Fudge Frosting Recipe
Introduction
This One Bowl Chocolate Cake with Salted Chocolate Fudge Frosting is a rich, moist dessert made simple with minimal cleanup. Combining deep cocoa flavors with a luscious salted fudge frosting, it’s perfect for any chocolate lover’s cravings.

Ingredients
- 1 cup Bob’s Red Mill Organic All-Purpose Unbleached White Flour
- 1/3 cup + 1 tablespoon unsweetened natural cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/3 cup strongly brewed hot coffee
- For the salted chocolate fudge frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 4 ounces dark chocolate, chopped, melted, and cooled
- 1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt
- For decorating:
- Sprinkles, if desired
- Flaky sea salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350℉. Line an 8×8 inch square baking dish with parchment paper, then spray it generously with nonstick spray. Set aside.
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.
- Step 3: Add the eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, vegetable oil, and buttermilk to the dry ingredients. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
- Step 4: Slowly pour in the hot coffee while whisking continuously, until the batter becomes smooth and pourable.
- Step 5: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 30-35 minutes. The cake is done when the center is set and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Step 6: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 30 minutes. Then carefully remove it from the pan using the parchment paper and transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
- Step 7: To make the frosting, place the softened butter in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Beat on medium-high for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Step 8: Reduce mixer speed to medium and gradually add powdered sugar. Once combined, increase speed back to medium-high and beat for another 1-2 minutes.
- Step 9: Add vanilla extract and heavy cream, beating for 30 seconds. Turn off the mixer and add the melted, cooled chocolate.
- Step 10: Beat again on medium-high speed for 1-2 minutes until fully incorporated, scraping down the bowl as needed. Add flaky sea salt and beat for 30 seconds to combine.
- Step 11: Spread the frosting over the cooled cake using an offset spatula. Create swoops if desired, then decorate with sprinkles and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt.
- Step 12: Cut into squares and serve. Enjoy your decadent, homemade chocolate cake!
Tips & Variations
- Use strong brewed coffee to intensify the chocolate flavor without making the cake taste like coffee.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute buttermilk with a plant-based milk mixed with a teaspoon of lemon juice and use a dairy-free butter alternative for the frosting.
- If you prefer a less sweet frosting, reduce the powdered sugar by 1/4 cup and adjust cream to achieve desired consistency.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or chili powder to the batter for a subtle spicy twist.
Storage
Store the cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor. Frosted cake can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this cake without coffee?
Yes, you can substitute the coffee with hot water or hot milk, but the coffee enhances the chocolate flavor significantly, so it’s recommended if possible.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
The cake is ready when the center is set, no longer jiggly, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.
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One Bowl Chocolate Cake with Salted Chocolate Fudge Frosting Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings 1x
Description
This One Bowl Chocolate Cake with Salted Chocolate Fudge Frosting is an indulgent yet simple dessert perfect for any occasion. Featuring a moist and rich chocolate cake infused with coffee to enhance the cocoa flavor, it is topped with a luscious salted chocolate fudge frosting that perfectly balances sweetness and a hint of sea salt. Easy to prepare with common pantry ingredients and baked in one bowl, this cake promises decadence without the fuss.
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Cake
- 1 cup Bob’s Red Mill Organic All-Purpose Unbleached White Flour
- 1/3 cup + 1 tablespoon unsweetened natural cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/3 cup strongly brewed hot coffee
For the Salted Chocolate Fudge Frosting
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 4 ounces dark chocolate, chopped, melted, and cooled
- 1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt
For Decorating
- Sprinkles, if desired
- Flaky sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350℉ (175℃). Line an 8×8 inch square baking dish with parchment paper and spray liberally with nonstick spray to ensure easy cake release.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and cocoa.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, vegetable oil, and buttermilk to the dry ingredients. Whisk thoroughly until the batter becomes smooth and well combined with no lumps.
- Incorporate Hot Coffee: Slowly pour in the strongly brewed hot coffee while whisking gently to combine. The coffee intensifies the chocolate flavor and helps create a moist texture. Ensure batter is smooth and pourable.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish. Place in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. The cake should no longer be jiggly in the middle.
- Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool in the baking pan for about 30 minutes. Then carefully lift it using the parchment paper and transfer onto a cooling rack to cool completely before frosting.
- Make the Frosting: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the softened butter on medium-high speed for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy. Lower speed to medium and gradually add the powdered sugar. Once fully incorporated, increase speed to medium-high and beat for another 1-2 minutes.
- Add Flavor to Frosting: Add vanilla extract and heavy cream, then beat for 30 seconds for a creamy texture. Turn off the mixer momentarily and pour in the melted and cooled dark chocolate. Resume beating on medium-high speed for 1-2 minutes, scraping down the sides as necessary to incorporate the chocolate fully.
- Finish Frosting: Add flaky sea salt and beat for 30 seconds to combine evenly, balancing the sweet and salty flavors perfectly.
- Decorate the Cake: Use an offset spatula to frost the cooled cake, creating smooth or swoop patterns for visual interest. Add sprinkles if desired, and finish with a light dusting of flaky sea salt.
- Serve: Cut the cake into squares and enjoy this rich, moist chocolate cake topped with luscious salted chocolate fudge frosting.
Notes
- Using hot coffee in the batter enhances and deepens the chocolate flavor without making the cake taste like coffee.
- Ensure the cake is completely cooled before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- For best results, use high-quality dark chocolate in the frosting to achieve a rich and indulgent flavor.
- Parchment paper not only prevents sticking but also helps to lift the cake out of the pan easily.
- Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: One bowl chocolate cake, salted chocolate fudge frosting, easy chocolate cake, chocolate cake recipe, simple chocolate cake, homemade frosting, rich chocolate cake

