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

Scale

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