This easy-to-make dessert has a soft texture and rich chocolate flavor, topped with a creamy and delicious peanut butter frosting. No eggs, no butter, no milk, and no mixer required.
Active time: 15mins | Cook time: 20mins | Yield: 9-12
Ingredients:
Cake:
- 1 1/2 cups (180g) All-Purpose Flour
- 1/4 cup (25g) Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
- 1 cup (200g) Sugar
- 1 tsp Baking Soda
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 1/3 cup (80ml) Vegetable Oil (coconut, canola, corn, safflower)
- 1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1 cup (240ml) Hot Water
- 1 Tbsp White Vinegar
Cocoa Syrup:
- 1/3 cup (80ml) Hot Water
- 1 Tbsp Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
- 2 Tbsp Sugar
- 1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract
Frosting:
- 1/3 cup (45g) Powdered Sugar (Icing Sugar)
- 2 Tbsp Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
- 1 cup (240g) Natural Peanut Butter
Video:
Directions:
Cake:
- Line the bottom and sides of an 8-inch square cake pan, leaving a 3-inch overhang to use as handles. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, place the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Whisk until combined.
- Add the vegetable oil, vanilla, hot water, and vinegar. Stir until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake at 350°F (180°C) for 18 – 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cocoa Syrup:
- In a small jug, place the hot water, cocoa powder, sugar, and vanilla. Stir until combined. The hot water helps to dissolve the cocoa powder and avoid any lumps.
- Using a skewer, poke holes all over the cake. Pour the cocoa syrup slowly over the cake. Let sit at room temperature for about 1 hour so the cake can cool down and absorb all the liquid.
Frosting:
- In a medium bowl, sift the powdered sugar and cocoa powder.
- Add the peanut butter and stir with a spatula until smooth. If you like a sweeter frosting, add another 1/4 cup of powdered sugar.
- Spread the frosting evenly over the cake and serve.
You can store this cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week.
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