Easy Chocolate Cake 5 Ingredients

I like to make cakes, and nothing really beats a simple chocolate cake. I’ve made Eggless Chocolate Cake, Crazy Chocolate Cake, or Chocolate Peppermint Cake but sometimes, I want a simpler, faster recipe. This easy chocolate cake can’t get any easier. Ready in 40 minutes with only 5 ingredients!

Ingredients and Substitutions

You only need 5 ingredients to make this easy cake.

Self-Rising Flour – If you don’t have self-rising flour, mix all-purpose flour with baking powder (1½ teaspoons per cup). For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend or combine 75% gluten-free flour with 25% almond flour for better structure. Sugar – Any granulated sugar works. For a refined sugar-free option, use coconut sugar or light muscovado sugar for a deeper flavor. Unsweetened Cocoa Powder – Stick with unsweetened cocoa powder for the best chocolate flavor. Dutch-processed cocoa will yield a richer taste, while natural cocoa will be lighter and slightly acidic. Light Olive Oil – Use any neutral oil such as grapeseed, canola, or sunflower oil. Avoid coconut oil unless melted and the milk is at room temperature to prevent lumps. Almond Milk or Water – Use unsweetened plant-based milk for a richer cake, or water for a lighter texture. Other options like soy or oat milk work just as well.

How to Make Easy Chocolate Cake

This is a super simple recipe, essentially combine the ingredients and bake them. Here are photos of key steps.

Cake Decoration Options

This cake is even better if you decorate it a bit. There are many ways to make it super pretty.

Chocolate Ganache – This is ganache is perfect for topping the cake with even more chocolate. Dairy-Free Chocolate Frosting – This is a classic frosting but dairy-free! Vegan Vanilla Frosting – This vanilla frosting is the vanilla version of my chocolate frosting and it’s made with just 4 ingredients. 3-Ingredient Vegan Coconut Cream Frosting – This frosting is even simpler than my classic vanilla frosting as it’s made with just 3 ingredients. Cashew Frosting – This healthier frosting is made without cashews for a delicious twist. Vegan Royal Icing – My royal icing is a great option for a slightly thicker decoration.