This Easy Chocolate Cake Recipe is always such a hit, great for Kids Birthdays
I love making my kids birthday cakes; I am no expert but my non arty-crafty self finds it quite fun puddling away into the wee small hours to create something fun for my kids and the delight on their faces is always worth it.
But the best discovery along the way has been my “go to” chocolate cake recipe – this tastes amazing, is a lovely dense cake so holds up to any icing you desire and stays fresh for some time.
This is not an original recipe so thanks to someone out there for making this up – thanks to Tracey for passing it onto me and thanks be to god for chocolate……
Ingredients
Sift & add together the following in a large bowl and combine well (please note I hardly EVER sift anything I am baking, but please feel free to!)
2 Cups Plain Flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 Cup cocoa
1 1/2 Cups Sugar
In a separate bowl add
2 lightly beaten eggs
1/2 Cup oil
1 Tablespoon malt vinegar
1 Cup Milk
1 teaspoon vanilla essence
1 Cup black coffee (I add 250mls cold water and 1 tsp of coffee, mix well then add to wet ingredients)
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and mix well until combined. Pour into a greased baking tin (approx. 25 x 25), bake at 180 deg Celsius (355 Fahrenheit) for approx. 45mins or just until skewer comes out clean, set timer for 30-35 to test first as different pans and ovens will show a different result. Allow to cool in the pan – turn out onto a board or rack to cool completely. Store in an airtight container until you are ready to ice.
I often make 1 1/2 times this recipe for larger cakes. I just love the odd ingredients in this one, the fact I NEVER drink or eat anything coffee flavoured attests to the fact this tastes nothing like coffee! Or malt vinegar for that matter! Odd baking science at its best…. Can also be used for cupcakes, just shorten baking time to around 15-20 minutes and check to see if they bounce back then they are done.
Will post a great Chocolate Ganache recipe soon which goes with this a treat – think chocolately goodness, covered in chocolately decadence – add berries and you might have just gone to heaven 🙂
Lee says
Hello this recipe is definitely one I use all the time it always tastes great and so easy to make. I’ve never used it for a stacked cake though, would it be strong enough for that, with dowels etc for support?
justamumnz says
Yes it’s great for stacking, heavy but great!
Rachel says
I am needing a chocolate cake to cut out a number 9 and put chocolate fingers around the outside. How high does this cake turn out if you make it in a 25x25cm tin? Just wondering if I need to make 2 and stack them?
justamumnz says
I would make 2 to be safe, then if you need to trim the tops it’s ok. Sounds like a great cake idea ☺️
Bridget Rawson says
Hi there, my cake did not cook in the centre. Should I try fan bake instead?
justamumnz says
No need to cook on fan bake, just cook longer until it cooks in the centre. All ovens are different and depending on size of the pan used etc. Just check every 5 minutes until done.
Sha says
Hi there, can white vinegar be used or lemon juice instead of Malt vinegar for this cake recipe.
justamumnz says
Try white vinegar.
Kay says
This looks amazing. Could I use white vinegar instead?
Raewyn says
Hi. I have made this cake a dozen times now and every time it’s perfect 👍. Moist, flavoursome and buttercream icing sticks beautifully. My go to cake recipe!
justamumnz says
That’s so lovely to hear! I must redo this post to make it easier to follow
ayla says
love this cake have been using it for every birthday
Carleen Thomson says
What size round tin would you use for this please?
Sally says
Hi, the cake turned out great. how long can you store this cake and can we freeze the cake
justamumnz says
It will keep well for up to 4-5 days, if you wish to freeze it wrap it well in plastic wrap then pop in an airtight container for up to 3 months
Jade says
Do you think balsamic vinegar would work ok instead of malt vinegar? Also do you know if this recipe freezes well? Thanks!
justamumnz says
No, it does need to be malt vinegar, balsamic is quite different for baking. And yes freezes beautifully.
Janette says
If there is any left overs!!! Can it be frozen?
justamumnz says
Yes definitely. Some icings do not love being frozen but the cake itself definitely can.
Charlotte Spearpoint says
Hi I was wondering which cake would be best to make for a wedding. I love your best ever chocolate cake. I want to use ganache and fondant on the cake. Can you please help.
Lee says
Ive made this cake a couple of times and it’s great but just wondering does it hold up ok to fondant?
justamumnz says
Yes this one does as it’s quite dense and strong compared to say my best ever chocolate cake.
Luana says
Hi this looks amazing! I was just wondering how to find the chocolate Ganache recipe you mentioned? Thankyou:)
justamumnz says
Here you go, I’m sorry it’s not in my new format, any questions just ask. https://justamumnz.com/2014/01/20/gorgeous-chocolate-ganache-so-easy/
Dee says
Thank goodness – I don’t have any to hand!
Thanks for the prompt reply!
justamumnz says
My pleasure! Happy baking 🙂
Dee says
Oh ok – I watched the video and it shows the adding of baking powder…?
justamumnz says
That video is for a different cake, that’s my Best Ever Chocolate Cake which includes different ingredients, you can find that recipe here https://justamumnz.com/2017/06/17/best-ever-chocolate-cake/
Dee says
Hi – there is no measure of baking powder in the recipe ingredient list – how much should I add?
justamumnz says
Hello, there is no baking powder in this recipe ☺️
Kelly says
Hello! What particular oil do you use when cake baking please? Also, what’s a good substitute for the coffee as I don’t need my soon-to-be 3 year old bouncing off the walls any more than he already does LOL! TIA
justamumnz says
Ha ha the coffee simply gives it a darker richer texture so you could do with out and just use water, or use extra cocoa. I use Canola oil in my baking.
Juliet says
Hi this looks lovely, am thinking of using this recipe for my daughter’s birthday! Just wanted to check I’m assuming the coffee you use is instant?
justamumnz says
Hi Juliet – I just use whatever is in the cupboard – usually Moccona – it is for the depth of flavour and the colour rather than any coffee taste 🙂
Sha says
Hi there, can white vinegar or lemon juice be used instead of malt vinegar in this cake recipe.
justamumnz says
I would try white vinegar in its place.