Hershey’s Perfect One Bowl Chocolate Cake

Quick Benefits

Hershey’s Perfect One Bowl Chocolate Cake is a rich, moist, and decadent dessert that requires minimal effort. With a simple, one-bowl method, this cake delivers deep chocolate flavor with a velvety texture. Whether for birthdays, gatherings, or a cozy treat at home, this cake is a go-to for chocolate lovers who want an easy yet indulgent dessert.

Essential Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 2 cups sugar
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup light flavored olive oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water

For the Frosting:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips (6 ounces)
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

Preparation Steps

1. Preheat the Oven: Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a bundt pan and dust with cocoa powder, or prepare two 9-inch round cake pans or 24 cupcake liners.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: Add eggs, milk, olive oil, and vanilla extract to the dry mixture. Beat with a mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes.
4. Incorporate Boiling Water: Slowly pour in boiling water while stirring continuously. The batter will be thin, which is expected.
5. Bake:
   • Bundt Cake: 35-40 minutes
   • 9-inch Rounds: 30-35 minutes
   • Cupcakes: 22-24 minutes
   • Use a toothpick to check for doneness (should come out clean).
6. Cool the Cake: Let the cake cool completely before frosting.

Making the Frosting:

7. Heat the Cream: Warm heavy cream in a saucepan until steaming (or microwave for 30-45 seconds).
8. Melt the Chocolate: Remove from heat and stir in chocolate chips. Let sit for a few minutes, then mix until smooth.
9. Add Cocoa & Sugar: Whisk in powdered sugar and cocoa powder until fully combined.
10. Frost the Cake: Pour the chocolate frosting over the cooled cake and let it set before serving.

Health Benefits

• Antioxidant Boost: Cocoa powder is rich in flavonoids that support heart health.
• Mood-Boosting Properties: Dark chocolate is known to elevate serotonin levels, improving mood.
• Balanced Sweetness: Using olive oil instead of butter reduces saturated fat while maintaining moisture.

Serving Suggestions

• Classic: Serve slices with a dusting of powdered sugar or fresh berries.
• Indulgent: Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
• Beverage Pairing: Enjoy with coffee, hot chocolate, or a glass of milk for the ultimate treat.
• Party-Ready: Decorate with chocolate shavings or sprinkles for a festive touch.

Creative Variations

• Espresso Chocolate Cake: Add 1 teaspoon espresso powder to enhance the chocolate depth.
• Nutty Twist: Mix in chopped hazelnuts, pecans, or almonds for texture.
• Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle with salted caramel sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute almond milk and coconut cream for milk and heavy cream.

Storage Tips

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigeration: Keeps fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Wrap unfrosted cake layers in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw before frosting.

Pro Tips

• Sift the Cocoa Powder: This ensures a smooth batter and frosting without lumps.
• Use High-Quality Chocolate: Better chocolate means richer flavor—opt for premium cocoa and chocolate chips.
• Let the Cake Cool Completely: Prevents frosting from melting and becoming runny.
• Double the Frosting: If you love extra chocolate goodness, make 1.5x the frosting for a thicker layer.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free all-purpose flour in place of regular flour.

2. Why is my batter so thin?
This is normal! The boiling water helps create a moist, fluffy texture.

3. Can I use butter instead of olive oil?
Yes, substitute with melted unsalted butter for a richer flavor.

4. How do I keep my cake from sticking to the pan?
Grease the pan thoroughly and dust with cocoa powder instead of flour for a smooth finish.

5. Can I make cupcakes instead?
Absolutely! Bake at 350°F for 22-24 minutes and check with a toothpick.

Enjoy your Hershey’s Perfect One Bowl Chocolate Cake—a rich, moist, and incredibly easy-to-make treat for all occasions!

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