Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup boiling water
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan with butter or non-stick spray. For easy removal, line the bottom with a circle of parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Make sure there are no large lumps of cocoa powder remaining. Sifting the cocoa powder beforehand can help achieve a smoother batter.
- Add the egg, milk, oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Use a hand mixer or a whisk to beat the mixture on medium speed for about two minutes. The batter will look thick at this stage, which is completely normal.
- Stir in the boiling water by hand. The batter will become very thin and watery, but don’t panic! This is the secret to a moist cake with a fine crumb. The hot water “blooms” the cocoa powder, intensifying the chocolate flavor.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Test the center with a toothpick; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.
- While the cake cools, whisk the melted butter and cocoa powder together in a medium bowl. Gradually add the powdered sugar and milk, whisking until smooth. Stir in the vanilla. If the frosting is too thick, add a teaspoon of milk. If it is too thin, add a little more powdered sugar.
- Once the cake is cold to the touch, spread the frosting evenly over the top. You can use an offset spatula to create decorative swirls. Slice into eight wedges and enjoy immediately.
- Cook Time: 45 minutes