Easy Cocoa Slim Cake

A soft, rich chocolate cake with a deep cocoa flavor and a tender, moist crumb. It is simple enough for everyday baking and pairs beautifully with a light chocolate topping.

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup milk
• ⅓ cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup hot water or hot coffee

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease and line a loaf or rectangular cake pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Add the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Whisk until the batter is smooth.
4. Slowly pour in the hot water or coffee while mixing. The batter will be fairly thin, which helps give the finished cake its soft texture.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
6. Bake until the center is set and a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out with a few moist crumbs.
7. Let the cake cool completely before slicing.
8. For the glossy topping, spread a thin layer of melted dark chocolate or a simple cocoa glaze over the cooled cake.
9. Slice with a sharp knife and serve.

Simple Cocoa Glaze

• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon butter

Combine everything in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir until smooth and glossy, then spread over the cooled cake.

Related Questions

Can I use coffee instead of hot water?
Yes. Coffee intensifies the chocolate flavor without making the cake taste strongly of coffee.

How do I make it more moist?
Do not overbake it. You can also replace part of the milk with plain yogurt for a softer, richer crumb.

Can I make this cake without the glaze?
Absolutely. The cake is delicious on its own, especially with a light dusting of cocoa powder.

Can I use whole-wheat flour?
Yes, but the cake will be slightly denser. For a lighter texture, use half whole-wheat flour and half all-purpose flour.