Effortless yet indulgent, the Thrown Together Chocolate Cake is the ultimate solution for last-minute dessert cravings. This recipe combines pantry staples like all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and sugar to create a rich, moist chocolate cake that’s ready in just 40 minutes—from prep to finish. With minimal mixing and a clever addition of boiling water for extra moisture, this cake delivers a soft, fudgy texture without the fuss. Perfect for beginners or seasoned bakers in a rush, it’s a versatile treat that pairs beautifully with frosting, powdered sugar, or fresh fruit. Whether you need a quick family dessert or a simple yet elegant addition to any gathering, this easy chocolate cake is sure to impress.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round or square baking pan, or line it with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix well to combine.
Add the milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Crack in the eggs. Use a whisk or an electric mixer to combine everything until smooth, about 1-2 minutes.
Slowly pour in the boiling water while mixing continuously. The batter will be thin, but this is normal and ensures a moist cake.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula if necessary.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once cooled, serve as is or top with your favorite frosting, powdered sugar, or fresh fruit.
Calories |
2889 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 137.7 g | 177% | |
| Saturated Fat | 30.9 g | 154% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 67.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 394 mg | 131% | |
| Sodium | 3038 mg | 132% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 427.4 g | 155% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 47.8 g | 171% | |
| Total Sugars | 215.6 g | ||
| Protein | 63.1 g | 126% | |
| Vitamin D | 4.7 mcg | 24% | |
| Calcium | 529 mg | 41% | |
| Iron | 29.2 mg | 162% | |
| Potassium | 2530 mg | 54% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.