Simple 15-Minute Prep Chocolate Birthday Cake (2025 Guide)

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups white granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup vegetable or canola oil
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup hot brewed coffee or hot water

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
3. Add the milk, oil, eggs and vanilla. Beat with a handheld mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes.
4. Stir in the hot coffee or water until combined (the batter will be thin).
5. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Allow cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove from pans and cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.