8-Inch Chocolate Cake

A rich, moist 8-inch chocolate cake with a tender crumb and deep cocoa flavor, perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or an easy homemade dessert.

This 8-inch chocolate cake is soft, moist, and full of rich cocoa flavor. It bakes into a beautifully even layer cake that is perfect for frosting, filling, or serving simply with a dusting of powdered sugar. Ideal for celebrations or any time you want a classic homemade chocolate dessert.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup hot water

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 F. Grease an 8-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and well combined.
4. Slowly pour in the hot water and stir until the batter is thin and fully incorporated.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
6. Bake for 28 to 32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely before frosting or serving.