Ingredients

For the Cake -

1 and 3/4 cups (220g) all-purpose flour

1 and 1/2 cups (300g) granulated sugar

3/4 cup (65g) unsweetened cocoa powder

1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

2 large eggs

1 cup (240ml) buttermilk (or 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice)

1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil

2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

1 cup (240ml) boiling water

For the Chocolate Ganache (Optional) -

1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream

1 cup (170g) semi-sweet chocolate chips

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

Instructions

For the Cake -

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour a 9x13-inch (23x33cm) baking pan.
• In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
• Add the eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix well until the batter is smooth and well combined. The batter will be relatively thin.
• Carefully stir in the boiling water. The batter will become thin but don't worry; this is normal.
• Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
• Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then remove it from the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack.

For the Chocolate Ganache (Optional) -

• In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Remove from heat immediately.
• Add the chocolate chips and butter to the hot cream. Let it sit for a minute to soften the chocolate, and then stir until smooth and well combined.
• Let the ganache cool for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.
• Pour the ganache over the cooled chocolate cake and spread it evenly with a spatula.
• Allow the ganache to set for about 30 minutes before serving.

Enjoy your delicious one-bowl chocolate cake! You can serve it as-is or with a scoop of ice cream for an extra treat.