Description
This Simple Moist Chocolate Walnut Cake is a rich and delicious dessert perfect for any occasion. Featuring a tender crumb, deep cocoa flavor, and optional crunchy walnuts, this cake is easy to prepare and bakes to perfection in just over half an hour. The balance of sweet and slightly nutty notes makes it a crowd-pleaser that can be served plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or frosted according to your preference.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup hot water
Add-ins
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal after baking.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly mixed.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add the vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix thoroughly until the batter is well combined and uniform in texture.
- Incorporate Buttermilk: Gradually pour in the buttermilk while mixing continuously to achieve a smooth consistency in the batter.
- Add Hot Water: Stir in the hot water gently until the batter becomes thin and smooth, which helps create a moist cake texture.
- Fold in Walnuts: If using, fold the chopped walnuts evenly into the batter for added crunch and flavor.
- Pour Batter into Pan: Transfer the prepared batter into the greased and floured cake pan, spreading it evenly.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.
- Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove it from the pan and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve: Enjoy the cake as is, dusted with powdered sugar, or topped with your favorite frosting.
Notes
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best mixing results.
- You can substitute walnuts with other nuts or omit them entirely for a nut-free version.
- For extra moisture, brush the cooled cake with a simple syrup before frosting.
- If you prefer, use coffee instead of hot water to enhance the chocolate flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
