This 6 inch Single Layer Chocolate Cake is soft, moist, and the perfect amount of chocolatey goodness to enjoy by yourself or with someone you love! Enjoy it with a sprinkling of powdered sugar over the top or with this rich, milk chocolate frosting and a handful of rainbow jimmies! Just don't forget the milk!
reasons to love this 6 inch single layer chocolate cake
- It's just one, 6 inch single layer cake
- Soft and moist in texture
- Full of chocolate flavor in each bite
- An easy to make recipe
- Perfect to enjoy on your own or with a loved one, and also for birthdays
- It's frosted with a small batch milk chocolate frosting
- You can add on some rainbow jimmies or sprinkles
I love chocolate and I love cake, but sometimes I simply don't want a 2 or even 3 layer cake. Anyone else? Adapted from my small batch chocolate cupcakes recipe, this 6 inch single layer chocolate cake is the newest recipe to be added to my recipe box. It's an easy-to-make recipe that tastes fantastic!
single layer chocolate cake ingredients
- All-Purpose Flour. Use what you have on hand. My favorite though is King Arthur Flour. It's the best (IMHO).
- Sugars. You'll need granulated sugar and light brown sugar for this recipe. The light brown sugar should be lightly packed if using measuring cups.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder. I used Hershey's, but use what you have on hand. Using extra dark cocoa powder from Hershey's will work fine too. I did not test this with dutch process or black cocoa.
- Baking Powder and Baking Soda. The usual players. Make sure they're still fresh and haven't expired.
- Salt. Just a pinch!
- Egg. Just one is needed, and at room temperature is best!
- Milk. I used 1%, but you could also use fat free, 2%, whole, or lactose free milk. I did not test this with almond, soy, or any other non-dairy milk.
- Vegetable Oil. You don't need a lot, but it gives the chocolate a little more of that moist consistency.
- Vanilla Extract. Pure is the best or you can sub it out for this cocoa vanilla extract from Heilala Vanilla! All of their flavored extracts are awesome!
- Hot Water. It should be hot to the touch, but not boiling.
optional ingredients
The following ingredients are optional with this recipe. The first two definitely add more amplified chocolate flavor to the cake. The jimmies just make it cheery and fun!
- Dark Chocolate. You don't need much at all. Using chocolate chocolate chips or a bar of chocolate is perfectly fine. I used 2 squares of Ghirardelli 60% dark chocolate.
- Espresso Powder. This needs to be dissolved in the hot water before adding to the rest of the wet ingredients. You can skip this, but you still need to add in the hot water. Another substitute for this is instant coffee. Same amount and same method.
- Rainbow Jimmies. Perfect for sprinkling over top of the milk chocolate frosting. Of course, if you're just going with the powdered sugar, you can skip these.
how to make the best chocolate cake
Skip the mixers. For this single layer cake recipe you don't need any mixers. Just some mixing bowls, whisks, and a spatula will do the trick. To make the milk chocolate frosting, however, I do recommend using a hand mixer or stand mixer.
Prep your cake pan. Nothing stinks more than a cake that won't easily come out of the pan. Enter Baker's Joy. I'm not being paid to say this at all, I just love this product and swear by it for all my cakes! I've gotten it online and also at Walmart.
Don't over mix the cake batter. Skipping the mixers does help reduce the chance of over mixing the cake batter, but it can still happen. Mix the ingredients until they're just combined—meaning until you can no longer see it. This really comes into play when you mix the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients.
Add in the optional ingredients. I've mentioned above that the melted chocolate and espresso powder are two optional ingredients to this recipe. The melted chocolate adds more chocolate flavor, while the espresso powder gives it a nice boost.
If you use the melted chocolate, take note that it might cause the top of your cake to sink ever so slightly or pucker in the middle. I know ordinarily that can mean a whole slew of cake issues, but for this it is okay.
I still recommend doing the toothpick test after baking because yes, you can still run into baking issues. If the inserted toothpick (at the center of the cake) comes out clean, you're good.
Use cake strips. I don't mention this as often as I probably should with my cake recipes, but using cake strips helps tremendously with getting a nice flat cake surface. I have a bunch from Wilton which I use regularly with my cakes and love them.
Cool the cake completely. And only cool the cake in the pan for about 10 minutes. You will then want to invert it onto a wire cooling rack to finish cooling. It's one of my favorite steps because you get this fabulous smell of chocolate cake when turning it over.
It's also worth noting that if you are frosting your cake the same day as making it, then it's definitely good to let it cool completely.
Keep it simple. If the thought of making the milk chocolate frosting stresses you out, then simply sprinkle over the top a dusting of some powdered sugar. Either way you will still satisfy your chocolate cravings!
can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, for sure! You can make both the chocolate cake and the frosting in advance.
The 6 inch chocolate cake can be made up to 2 months in advance when properly stored in the freezer.
The milk chocolate frosting can be made up to 2-3 days in advance when kept in a tightly sealed container in your refrigerator. You might need to place it back into the mixing bowl of your stand mixer to bring it back to life a bit before adding it to your chocolate cake.
how to freeze a single layer cake (unfrosted)
Freezing this single layer chocolate cake requires only a few steps.
- Allow the cake to cool completely.
- Wrap it tightly in 2-3 layers of plastic wrap.
- Place it in a freezer storage bag then into a flat part of your freezer.
- Make sure to write what it is along with the date on the storage bag, so you remember what it is!
To defrost this single layer chocolate cake, you will want to put it in your refrigerator 2-3 hours before frosting. This will not completely defrost the cake, but this is a good thing! A fully defrosted cake will give you more crumbs as you try to frost it.
can I freeze frosted cake slices?
Absolutely! I used this chocolate cake recipe for my birthday cake and froze the remaining slices to have for later.
To freeze frosted cake slices, tightly wrap each individual cake slice 2-3 times in plastic wrap. Then add one layer of aluminum foil. Gently write on the outside in permanent marker what it is in case you forget.
Once packaged up for the freezer, you can arrange them on a baking sheet, plate, or a flat surface in your freezer. The slices will last up to 2 months.
To defrost the frosted cake slices, let them come to room temperature on your kitchen counter or in the refrigerator.
recommended baking tools
Here are just a few baking tools I recommend when making this moist single layer chocolate cake! Scroll through the carousel below for more!
- 6 inch Cake Pan. Mine is from Wilton which came in a set of four. You can find them online or at any craft and baking supply stores.
- Mixing Bowls. Works well for the dry ingredients and wet.
- Glass Measuring Cup. I used this for melting my chocolate!
- Whisks and Spatulas. Always good to have a few of these on hand while you bake this chocolate cake! I swear by GIR whisks and spatulas. They also make spoonulas which are a combination of a spatula and a spoon. I love them when using cake batters!
more small batch desserts to enjoy!
Single Layer Chocolate Cake
Author:Ingredients
6 inch single layer chocolate cake
- ½ cup All-Purpose Flour
- ¼ cup Granulated Sugar
- ¼ cup Light Brown Sugar, lightly packed
- ¼ cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
- ½ teaspoon Baking Powder
- ½ teaspoon Baking Soda
- ⅛ teaspoon Salt
- 1 Large Egg
- ¼ cup Milk, any type (I used 1%)
- 2 tablespoon Vegetable Oil
- ½ teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 2 tablespoon Hot Water
- 1 oz Dark Chocolate (optional), melted
- ½ teaspoon Espresso Powder (optional), dissolve in the hot water
- ½ cup Rainbow Jimmies (optional), for cake garnish
small batch milk chocolate frosting
- 2.5 oz Milk Chocolate Chips
- 6 tablespoon Unsalted Butter, room temperature
- ⅓ cup Sifted Powdered Sugar
- ¼ cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
- ⅛ teaspoon Salt
- 2 tablespoon Light Corn Syrup
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
Instructions
6 inch single layer chocolate cake
- Adjust your oven rack to the 2nd level position (just above center) and preheat your oven to 350ºF. Generously spray a 6 inch cake pan with a flour based baking spray or grease and flour. If you choose, you can also add a 6 inch parchment paper circle to the bottom of the pan as well. Set to the side.
- Using a microwaveable bowl or measuring glass, melt the dark chocolate in 30-45 second increments at full power until smooth and creamy. Set to the side to cool slightly.
- With a small mixing bowl and a whisk, blend together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set to the side.
- In a separate medium-size mixing bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and hot water dissolved with the espresso powder.
- Add in the melted chocolate.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and whisk together until just combined. Be careful not to over mix the cake batter.
- Pour the cake batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 25-28 minutes at 350ºF or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool the cake in the cake pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire cooling rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar or frost with this small batch milk chocolate frosting and top with rainbow jimmies, then enjoy!
small batch milk chocolate frosting (optional)
- In a microwaveable bowl or measuring glass, melt the milk chocolate in 30-45 second increments at full power until smooth and creamy. Set to the side to cool slightly.
- Using your hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment mix the unsalted butter, sifted powdered sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, and salt on medium speed until well blended. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Add in the light corn syrup, vanilla extract, and the melted chocolate, and mix until the frosting is well blended and smooth in texture.
- Frost your cake once it's completely cooled.
Recipe Notes
AJ says
Hello I have a silly question! Is there a hack to measure 1/8 CUP? I only have the standard 1/4 1/3 1/2 2/3 and 1 cup sizes! Thank you xoxo
Jennifer says
Totally not a silly question! Since you have 1/4 cup, you could fill that only half full. Hope that helps!☺️
Edited because I just realized you said 1/8 cup, not teaspoon!
Brittany says
Since 1 cup = 16 tablespoons, 1/8 cup = 2 tablespoons 😊
Jennifer says
Yes, this would work too! Thanks!
Diya says
Is this batter pretty thin? I want to use my 6” springform, but want to make sure the batter won’t leak
Jennifer says
Hi! I haven’t made this in a springform pan, so I can’t say for certain this will work. The batter is slightly thick and somewhat thin, but not runny. It pours easily into the pan, but you still need to use a spatula to finish getting the rest in there. I hope that helps!
Jeanina says
Hi, can you tell me if the corn syrup is a most? I don't have any and it's not something we are used to in my country.
Thank you 🙂
Jeanina says
* a must
Jennifer says
Hi! It’s a must, but you can use substitutes like honey or maple syrup if corn syrup isn’t available. I read too that if you soak 1/4 cup of water in 1 cup of sugar you can make corn syrup.
Katie says
Hi I love the way you explain all the steps and provide lots of tips! I have one question though...the smallest cake tin that I have is 9 inch. Would that work for this recipe? Would it make the cake too thin? Thanks!
Jennifer says
Hi Katie! Thank you so much! Using the 9 inch cake pan would definitely make it too thin. Just an idea...you could always double the recipe fill the 9 inch cake pan and then use the remaining cake batter for cupcakes. I would then double the frosting recipe as well.
Violet James says
This was a great recipe. The only things I don't like is that I did not know how to measure 1/8 of a teaspoon. I also had to make a double batch but this was a great recipe!
Jennifer says
I'm so glad you liked it! For the 1/8 teaspoon, some people will also refer to this as a pinch. It's a very small amount.
Ann says
Can I substitute butter for oil?
Jennifer says
Hi Ann! I didn't test this recipe using butter, but I don't see why you couldn't here. I would do a 1:1 substitute for the oil and use room temp unsalted butter.
Alicia C says
This is absolutely a 5 * cake! I was looking for something quick and fuss free and this was exactly that. The cake was lovely, moist and super light without being pasty which some oil based cakes can be. The frosting is not too sweet either and goes well with the slightly darker flavour sponge. For those in the UK I used golden syrup in place of corn syrup and it worked well!
Jennifer says
Thank you for the feedback, Alicia! I’m so happy you enjoyed it! And thank you mentioning the UK version of our US corn syrup! Very much appreciated.❤️
Naomi says
I made this tonight and loved it - a recipe that just works (and I'm capable of messing almost anything up). I didn't have the espresso powder but did include the chocolate. The icing was easy too and the perfect amount. Will definitely be coming back here for recipes!
Jennifer says
Thank you, Naomi! I'm so happy to hear you loved it!
Kat D says
Normally I love just a single 6” cake and am grateful for your awesome small batch recipes. For Father’s Day, I doubled this recipe and halved your recipe for Oreo buttercream to make a wonderful little cake. Not too sweet, not too much chocolate (is that a thing) and a very content dad.
Thanks again!
Jennifer says
Oh, that's perfect combining it with the oreo buttercream! I'm glad your Dad enjoyed it!
Tyy says
Hey, this is my second cake I've done from your list of recipes, the first was the six inch single layer funfetti cake and yesterday I decided to bake this one and it came out great! From the cake to the frosting tasted really good! Thanks again for this recipe! It's another one that has been added to my list of recipes.🙂
Sara says
Hi, I already tried this recipe was turned out amazing. Just want to ask if we can use white chocolate melts rather than milk chocolate mets for icing , to give it a white frosting look?
Thanks
Sara
Jennifer says
I didn't test the recipe using white chocolate melts, but you could give it a try and let us know how it turned out!
Theresia says
Hi, thanks for sharing this recipe! I plan on making this for my husband's birthday and this recipe seems perfect!
One question though, how much hot water did you use to dissolve the espresso powder? And since I haven't got any instsnt espresso powder in my country, can I use extra-fine grind ground coffee instead?
Thanks!
Jennifer says
Hi! It's noted in the recipe, but you use 2 tablespoons of hot water. For the espresso powder, it's noted in the blog post as well that you can use instant coffee as a substitute or you can leave it out entirely.
Theresia says
Sorry I missed reading the amount of hot water :p My bad!
I've finally made this and the taste is wonderful! The cake is not too sweet and rich with chocolate flavor. I used all the optional ingredients and oh believe her when she said the coffee and melted chocolate will enhancee the chocolate taste! My husband and I love this so much!
Thanks for this simple and wonderful recipe <3
Jennifer says
No worries at all. I'm glad you and your husband enjoyed it!
Joyce says
Thanks, so much. I never make 2 or 3 layer cakes. It’s too much cake for us. So, it’s great to have good 1 layer cakes! Small batch all he way. The more small batch, the better.
Jennifer says
Couldn't agree more Joyce, thanks!
Madeleine Fuchs says
Thank you so much for this perfect recipe!
I made it yesterday and we loved it.