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Simple Moist Chocolate Walnut Cake Recipe


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3.9 from 39 reviews

  • Author: admin
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x

Description

This Simple Moist Chocolate Walnut Cake is a rich and tender dessert perfect for any chocolate lover. Made with cocoa powder, buttermilk, and optional walnuts, this cake offers a delightful balance of chocolate flavor and moist texture. It’s easy to prepare and baked to perfection, making it an ideal treat for birthdays, gatherings, or everyday indulgence.


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

Additional Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the cake after baking.
  2. Mix 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 combined.
  3. Add Wet Ingredients: Add the vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry mixture. Mix thoroughly until the batter is smooth and well incorporated.
  4. Incorporate Buttermilk: Gradually pour in the buttermilk while mixing continuously to create a smooth, consistent batter without lumps.
  5. Stir in Hot Water: Add the hot water to the batter and stir gently until the batter thins out and becomes smooth, which helps achieve the moist texture.
  6. Add Walnuts: If using, fold in the chopped walnuts evenly throughout the batter for added crunch and flavor.
  7. Pour Batter into Pan: Transfer the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to ensure even baking.
  8. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is fully baked.
  9. Cool Cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely, preventing sogginess.
  10. Serve: Enjoy the cake plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or with your favorite frosting for extra indulgence.

Notes

  • Ensure the buttermilk and eggs are at room temperature to achieve a better batter consistency.
  • If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk and let it sit for 5 minutes.
  • To make the cake gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking.
  • For a richer flavor, consider lightly toasting the walnuts before folding them into the batter.
  • Make sure not to overmix the batter once the flour is added to avoid a dense cake.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American