Name: Moist Chocolate Cake
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup cocoa powder; 1 cup sugar; 1/2 cup milk; 1/2 cup warm water; 1/4 cup softened butter or margarine; 1 teaspoon white vinegar; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1 egg; A pinch of salt

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This Moist Chocolate Cake is one of my favorite go-to desserts when I want something rich, chocolaty, and deeply satisfying without a complicated ingredient list. With a soft, tender crumb and intense chocolate flavor, this cake is everything I crave in a homemade treat—and it’s incredibly simple to make.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this cake turns out every single time—moist, fluffy, and full of deep chocolate flavor. It doesn’t require any fancy techniques, and most of the ingredients are probably already in my pantry. The combination of milk, warm water, and vinegar keeps the cake extra tender, while the cocoa and vanilla add just the right richness. It’s the perfect cake for any occasion or even just an everyday dessert. Moist Chocolate Cake

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup warm water
1/4 cup softened butter or margarine
1 teaspoon white vinegar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 egg
A pinch of salt

Directions

Preheat the Oven:
I preheat my oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a round or square cake pan.
Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, I sift together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to remove any lumps and ensure even mixing.
Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, I whisk together the milk, warm water, softened butter, vinegar, vanilla extract, and the egg until smooth.
Make the Batter:
I pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir just until combined. I make sure not to overmix—just enough to form a smooth, pourable batter.
Bake the Cake:
I pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool and Serve:
I let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. I like to serve it plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or topped with chocolate ganache or frosting.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes one 8-inch cake (about 8 slices).
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30–35 minutes
Total time: 40–45 minutes

Variations

Sometimes I fold chocolate chips or chopped nuts into the batter for added texture. I’ve also used this recipe as the base for cupcakes—just adjust the bake time to 18–20 minutes. For an extra-deep chocolate flavor, I occasionally use coffee instead of warm water.

Storage/Reheating

I store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days. When I want to reheat a slice, I pop it in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to bring back that soft, just-baked texture.

FAQs

Can I use oil instead of butter?

Yes, I’ve made this with vegetable oil or canola oil when I wanted an even moister texture. Use the same amount as the butter.

Why do I need vinegar in a cake?

The vinegar reacts with baking soda to help the cake rise and become light and fluffy. I don’t taste it at all in the final product.

Can I make this cake eggless?

Yes, I’ve replaced the egg with 1/4 cup of plain yogurt or unsweetened applesauce, and it still came out moist and delicious.

What frosting goes best with this?

I love a classic chocolate buttercream or ganache. Cream cheese frosting also pairs beautifully with the rich cocoa flavor.

Can I freeze this cake?

Absolutely. I let the cake cool completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and freeze it for up to 2 months. I thaw it at room temperature before serving.

Conclusion

This Moist Chocolate Cake is my favorite kind of dessert—easy to make, rich in flavor, and perfectly tender with every bite. Whether I’m baking for a special occasion or just treating myself on a regular day, this cake delivers every time. It’s simple, satisfying, and sure to become a staple in my kitchen.