This Simple Moist Chocolate Cake is DELICIOUS, and the frosting is out of this world! This 4-ingredient recipe is so easy even the kids can help.
This post is all about how to make this (BEST) Simple Moist Chocolate Cake Recipe.
This Moist Chocolate Cake Recipe is so simple that even my five-year-old niece could make it (with some supervision)! You’ll need four ingredients: a box of chocolate cake mix, chocolate jello pudding, a stick of butter, and milk.
Mix the ingredients and pour them into a greased 13 x 9 pan. Bake time is around 35 minutes, and the easy homemade chocolate frosting (with cream cheese) can be made in minutes.
This classic sheet cake is perfect for any holiday, birthday party, or just-because occasion. A few of the best things about this mouthwatering chocolate cake recipe are that it’s soft, moist, and simple to make!
If you want to learn how to make that classic swirl design on top of the frosting, I’ll show you how with the easy step-by-step instructions below. I promise this dessert recipe won’t disappoint!
Simple Moist Chocolate Cake Recipe
What Makes A Cake So Moist?
To achieve a moist chocolate cake, use butter instead of oil and milk over water. Some experts suggest adding an extra egg for moisture, but this recipe does not call for eggs.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 Box Of Chocolate Cake Mix, approximately 15 ounces.
- 1 Box Of Chocolate Jello Pudding Mix, approximately 5.9 ounces.
- 1 Stick Of Butter, aka 1/2 cup, melted.
- Milk, 2.5 Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need For Homemade Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Cream Cheese (full-fat), 8 ounces, softened.
- 1 Stick Of Butter, aka 1/2 cup, softened.
- Vanilla Extract, 1 tbsp
- Cocoa, 2/3 cup.
- Powdered Sugar, 1 pound
- Milk, 1-2 tbsp (Add a second tablespoon of milk if the frosting is too thick.)
Equipment Needed For This Simple Moist Chocolate Cake Recipe:
- Hand Or Stand Mixer works best for combining the ingredients. If making the homemade frosting, a hand or stand mixer is needed.
- Oven
Do I Have To Make Homemade Chocolate Frosting?
If you want to buy the frosting already made, that is fine. Will the chocolate cake still taste delicious? Absolutely!
But if you have time, this homemade frosting with cream cheese complements this cake perfectly.
How To Make This Simple (Best) Moist Chocolate Cake Recipe, Step-By-Step
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease the 13 x 9 pan with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
Step 2: Add the cake mix, pudding mix, melted butter, and milk to a bowl. Using a stand or hand mixer is the easiest for combining the ingredients thoroughly. My five-year-old niece used a spatula at first, but we used a stand mixer to finish mixing the components because it was still a little lumpy.
Step 3: Add the cake batter to the 13 x 9 pan.
Step 4: Bake the cake for 30-40 minutes at 350 degrees F. Check the cake at 30 minutes by sticking a toothpick in the middle. If the toothpick comes out clean, then the cake is finished baking.
Step 5: Place the baked cake on a wire rack (to avoid sweating). Once the cake has cooled completely, you can add the frosting.
How To Make The Best Homemade Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting, Step-By-Step
Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and cocoa. Using a stand or hand mixer, beat the ingredients until smooth.
Step 2: Next, mix in the vanilla extract and milk. You may need to add two tablespoons of milk if the frosting is too thick after adding one tablespoon. The frosting should be smooth and creamy.
Is It Hard To Add Decorative Cake Swirls?
I did SIMPLE swirls on this sheet cake, which was so easy! I first added the frosting to the cooled cake and smoothed it with a butter knife. I dipped the knife in hot water to quickly smooth the frosting across the cake.
I used the same butter knife to draw horizontal lines in one direction. For the vertical lines, pull the knife blade down through the frosting and alternate every other vertical line, with one coming down and the next one going up.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- The Ingredients Are SIMPLE.
- The Step-By-Step Instructions Are So EASY My Five-Year-Old Niece Could Do It!
- It’s Insanely Delicious And One Of The BEST And Moistest Chocolate Cakes I’ve Ever Tasted.
FAQs & Expert Baking Tips For This Simple Moist Chocolate Cake Recipe
What Is The Secret To A Moist Chocolate Cake?
The secret to this simple moist chocolate cake recipe is not to overmix the batter or overbake the cake. Mix until ingredients are combined, and use a toothpick around minute 30 to check the cake.
How Can I Make A Box Cake Mix Moist?
Using butter instead of oil and milk instead of water ensures a moist cake, even when using a box of cake mix.
Is This Classic Chocolate Cake Recipe Better With Oil Or Butter?
Cake experts suggest using butter is the best way to ensure the cake is extra moist.
What Is The Best Moist Chocolate Cake Mix?
Many cake-baking experts have weighed in on this debate. Some say Pillsbury is the best, while others believe Duncan Hines is the moistest.
Would This Be A Good Chocolate Birthday Cake Recipe?
Absolutely!
Is This Chocolate Cake Recipe Easy For Kids?
It’s so easy for kids to make! As I said, my five-year-old niece made it with some supervision and had a blast feeling so independent.
What Size Pan Will I Need For This Easy Sheet Cake?
You’ll need a 13 x 9 baking pan for this recipe.
Why Is This Simple Moist Chocolate Cake Recipe The Best Ever?
This simple chocolate cake recipe uses butter, milk, and chocolate jello pudding, making it the BEST and the moistest cake ever!
How Would I Make This Homemade Chocolate Cake Ahead Of Time?
You could make this cake the day before and frost it the day of serving.
How Should I Store This Simple Chocolate Cake?
You can cover this cake and store it in the refrigerator for up to five days. The frosting contains cream cheese, so it must be stored in the fridge.
Can I Freeze This Moist Chocolate Cake?
Yes! Store the leftover cake in an airtight container before putting it in the freezer.
Is This Chocolate Cake Recipe Really Egg-Free?
Yup! It’s really egg-free.
Can I Make Cupcakes With This Recipe Instead?
You can! Adjust the baking time to 20-25 minutes at 350 degrees F.
Simple Moist Chocolate Cake Recipe
Equipment
- 13 x 9 Baking Pan
- Mixing Bowl
- Hand or Stand Mixer works best for combining the ingredients. If making the homemade frosting, a hand or stand mixer is needed.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Non-Stick Cooking Spray
- Spatula
- Oven
- Wire Cooling Rack
Ingredients
Ingredients You'll Need For This Simple Moist Chocolate Cake Recipe:
- 1 Box Of Chocolate Cake Mix, approximately 15 ounces.
- 1 Box Of Chocolate Jello Pudding Mix, approximately 5.9 ounces.
- 1/2 cup Butter, aka 1 stick, melted.
- 2.5 cups Milk
Ingredients You'll Need For The Homemade Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 ounce Cream Cheese brick (softened).
- 1/2 cup Butter, aka 1 stick (softened).
- 1 tbsp Vanilla Extract
- 2/3 cup Cocoa
- 1 pound Powdered Sugar
- 1-2 tbsp Milk (Add a second tablespoon of milk if the frosting is too thick).
Instructions
How To Make This Simple Moist Chocolate Cake, Step-By-Step
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease the 13 x 9 pan with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
- Add the cake mix, pudding mix, melted butter, and milk to a mixing bowl. Using a stand or hand mixer is the easiest for combining the ingredients thoroughly. My five-year-old niece used a spatula at first, but we used a stand mixer to finish mixing the components because it was still a little lumpy.
- Add the cake batter to the 13 x 9 pan.
- Bake the cake for 30-40 minutes at 350 degrees F. Check the cake at 30 minutes by sticking a toothpick in the middle. If the toothpick comes out clean, then the cake is finished baking.
- Place the baked cake on a wire rack (to avoid sweating). Once the cake has cooled completely, you can add the frosting.
How To Make The Homemade Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting, Step-By-Step
- In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and cocoa. Using a stand or hand mixer, beat the ingredients until smooth.
- Next, mix in the vanilla extract and milk. You may need to add two tablespoons of milk if the frosting is too thick after adding one tablespoon. The frosting should be smooth and creamy.
Nutrition
Final Thoughts On This Simple Moist Chocolate Cake Recipe
I hope you find this Simple Moist Chocolate Cake to be incredibly delicious! If you have any kids in the family, I hope you’ll let them try this easy recipe. It’s a classic beginner sheet cake that just happens to taste like the BEST chocolate cake EVER.
Share this recipe with family and friends if you find it insanely yummy. Follow career girl meets… on Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook for more home decor ideas, recipes, and gift guides.
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