Ingredients
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup (95g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (45g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup (120ml) buttermilk (or regular milk with 1 tsp vinegar)
- 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (120ml) hot strong coffee (or hot water for milder flavor)
- Optional: 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips for extra richness
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch (20cm) round cake pan (or line with parchment).
- In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add egg, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla. Beat with a mixer or whisk until smooth and well combined.
- Slowly pour in the hot coffee (or water) and stir until the batter is smooth — it will be thin but that’s perfect!
- If using, fold in the chocolate chips.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with ganache, or top with your favorite frosting for an extra chocolate hit!
If you’d like, I can add a quick chocolate ganache or frosting recipe too — just say “yes!”