Description

A simple, budget-friendly double chocolate cake made with pantry staples. This ultra-moist dessert requires no mixer and features a rich ganache frosting, making it perfect for last-minute cravings or family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
2 cups granulated sugar
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs (room temperature)
½ cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water
1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
½ cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon butter (optional)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until no lumps remain.
Add eggs, oil, and vanilla to the dry ingredients. Beat with a whisk for about 2 minutes until the batter is thick and dark.
Slowly pour in boiling water while stirring gently. The batter will become thin and watery; this is correct. Pour evenly into the prepared pan.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
While the cake cools, heat heavy cream in a small saucepan until it just starts to simmer. Pour hot cream over chocolate chips in a bowl and let sit for 5 minutes.
Gently whisk the cream and chocolate from the center outward until smooth. Stir in butter if using.
Pour warm ganache over the cooled cake and spread to the edges. Let set before slicing.

Notes

Do not overbake the cake, as this is the main cause of dryness. The boiling water ‘blooms’ the cocoa powder for deeper flavor. The cake tastes better the next day as flavors meld. Can be stored at room temperature for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 380
Sugar: 38
Sodium: 220
Fat: 18
Saturated Fat: 8
Carbohydrates: 52
Fiber: 2
Protein: 5

Keywords: chocolate cake, double chocolate, ganache frosting, budget dessert, easy cake, moist chocolate cake, family dessert, no mixer cake