Easy Chocolate Cake (8×8 Pan)
This simple chocolate cake comes together with everyday pantry ingredients. It’s mixed in two bowls, baked in a square pan, and finished with a quick cocoa frosting once fully cooled.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup water
For the Chocolate Frosting
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk (or cream)
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch square baking pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
- flour, sugar, cocoa powder, salt, and baking soda
- In a separate bowl, stir until combined:
- vanilla extract, white vinegar, vegetable oil, and water
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Mix until the batter is smooth and no lumps remain.
- Transfer the batter to the prepared pan.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before adding frosting.
How to Make the Frosting
- Melt the butter in a small saucepan (or microwave in a microwave-safe bowl).
- Stir in the cocoa powder until a thick, dark paste forms.
- Move the cocoa mixture to a medium bowl. With a mixer on low speed, blend in the powdered sugar, milk (or cream), and vanilla.
- Increase to medium-high speed and beat for about 5 minutes, until the frosting becomes smooth and creamy.
- Spread over the cooled cake, slice, and serve.
