09/13/2026
Simple Moist Chocolate Cake
A rich, moist one-bowl chocolate cake made with boiling water and cocoa
INGREDIENTS
• 2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water
STEPS
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cup all-purpose flour, 2 cup granulated sugar, 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 2 tsp baking soda, 1 tsp baking powder, and 1 tsp salt.
Add 2 large eggs, 1 cup buttermilk, 1/2 cup vegetable oil, and 2 tsp vanilla extract to the dry mix. Beat on medium speed for about 2 minutes until smooth.
Stir in 1 cup boiling water last (batter will be thin — that's what makes it moist). Mix just until combined.
Divide batter evenly between the pans. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. About 30 minutes.
Let cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
The boiling water is the key trick — it blooms the cocoa and keeps the crumb super moist. Frost with your favorite chocolate buttercream or ganache.