Satisfy your sweet tooth with the incredibly simple and indulgent Western One Pan Cake—a rich, chocolatey dessert that comes together entirely in one pan! Perfect for busy bakers or those who want minimal cleanup, this recipe requires no eggs, milk, or butter, making it naturally vegan-friendly and budget-conscious. Featuring pantry staples like all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and a touch of white vinegar for the signature light texture, this cake is prepped directly in the baking pan, eliminating extra dishes. In just 10 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes of baking, you’ll have a moist, decadent treat that’s perfect served plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or paired with a dollop of frosting or scoop of ice cream. Ideal for weeknight desserts, potlucks, or last-minute celebrations, this one-pan wonder is both delicious and delightfully fuss-free.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Using an 8x8-inch (20x20 cm) square baking pan, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt directly into the pan. Spread the mixture evenly to ensure a uniform layer.
Use the back of a spoon to make three wells in the dry ingredients. In one well, pour the vegetable oil; in the second, pour the vinegar; and in the third, pour the vanilla extract.
Pour the water evenly over the entire surface of the dry ingredients.
Use a fork or small whisk to gently mix everything together in the pan until a smooth batter forms. Be sure to reach all corners of the pan but avoid overmixing.
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the cake cool completely in the pan before slicing and serving.
Serve plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or topped with your favorite frosting or ice cream.
Calories |
2166 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 79.1 g | 101% | |
| Saturated Fat | 14.9 g | 74% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 44.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 2450 mg | 107% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 374.8 g | 136% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 26.3 g | 94% | |
| Total Sugars | 202.1 g | ||
| Protein | 30.5 g | 61% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 112 mg | 9% | |
| Iron | 17.9 mg | 99% | |
| Potassium | 1118 mg | 24% | |
*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.