30 Minute Easy-Peasy Chocolate Cake.

Imagine this: your husband casually mentions that someone is coming over for coffee at the last minute. Panic sets in as you realize you don't have any dessert prepared. Don't fret! I have just the recipe for you—the 30-Minute Easy-Peasy Chocolate Cake. As the name suggests, this delightful cake can be whipped up in just 10 minutes of mixing and takes a mere 30 minutes to bake. It's the perfect solution for those unexpected guests, and the best part? The ingredients are likely already in your pantry!

This recipe is incredibly forgiving, allowing for some flexibility with the ingredients. While I usually add almonds and yogurt for added texture and moisture, feel free to omit them if you don't have any on hand. No need to worry about a trip to the grocery store just for this cake! However, there is one crucial ingredient requirement—make sure to use Dutch cocoa, not drinking chocolate. Drinking chocolate contains added sugar, while Dutch cocoa imparts a slightly bitter flavor that perfectly complements the cake.

Now, let's talk technique. Mixing this cake requires a bit more effort than making muffins, so be sure to thoroughly combine the ingredients. As for the cake pan, you have the freedom to use any size or shape you prefer. Just remember to adjust the cooking time accordingly (the suggested 30 minutes is for a 7-inch pan).

Once the cake is baked to perfection, there are various options to finish it off. For a simple touch, sift some icing sugar on top. If time permits, you can melt some chocolate to make a delectable icing or opt for a chocolate butter icing. Alternatively, you can follow my lead and leave it unadorned. This cake doesn't necessarily need a topping, but it does lend itself well to filling and icing. In fact, slicing it in half, filling it with freshly whipped cream, and topping it with chocolate is an absolute treat. And let's not forget the delightful addition of a strawberry or two for that extra touch of elegance.

If you have a sweet tooth and find the cake not sweet enough, you have the option to add up to an additional 1/2 cup of sugar, bringing the total to 1 cup. While I haven't personally experimented with brown sugar in this recipe, it should work just fine as a substitute.

Recently I made this recipe as a cupcake, and topped it with an icing made from icing sugar, butter, caramel syrup and flaked salt. What a hit! Of course they dont take as long to cook, so keep an eye on them in the oven.

The 30-Minute Easy-Peasy Chocolate Cake is a true lifesaver when unexpected company arrives. With its minimal prep time, easily accessible ingredients, and fine crumb texture, it's a go-to recipe that will never disappoint. So, the next time you're caught off guard by a coffee invitation, remember this recipe and impress your guests with a delicious homemade chocolate cake in no time.

Easy-peasy 30 Minute Chocolate Cake

Ingredients

• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla paste
• 2 tablespoons yoghurt (if using)
• 1 cup plain flour
• 1/2 cup sugar  (you can use 1 cup of sugar)
• 1/2 cup dutch cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1-1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 2 tablespoons almond flour (if using)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Method

• Preheat the oven to 160C fan forced
• Line a 7 or 8 inch round cake pan
• Mix together milk, vanilla, egg, oil, yoghurt (if using)
• In a bowl combine the dry ingredients and mx to distribute evenly
• Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients
• Mix by hand or with a hand beater for at least 2 minutes until you have a very smooth batter.
• Fill baking tin and bake for aprox 30 minutes, or until a skewer comes out clean.
• Allow to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes until placing onto a cooling rack.