✅ Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
* 1 ¾ cups **all-purpose flour**
* 1 cup **granulated sugar**
* ½ cup **unsweetened cocoa powder**
* 1 ½ teaspoons **baking powder**
* ½ teaspoon **baking soda**
* ¼ teaspoon **salt**
Wet Ingredients:
* 2 **large eggs**
* 1 cup **milk**
* ½ cup **vegetable oil** (or melted butter)
* 2 teaspoons **vanilla extract**
* ½ cup **hot water** or **hot coffee** (for deeper flavor)
Optional (for topping):
* ½ cup **chocolate chips** or **chunks**
* **Powdered sugar** or **ganache** for garnish
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🍰 Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to **350°F (175°C)**.
Grease and line an **8x8-inch (20x20 cm)** square pan with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together **flour**, **sugar**, **cocoa powder**, **baking powder**, **baking soda**, and **salt** until evenly combined.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Add **eggs**, **milk**, **oil**, and **vanilla extract** to the dry ingredients.
Mix with a hand whisk or mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy (about **1–2 minutes**).
Step 4: Add the Hot Water (or Coffee)
Slowly pour in **hot water** (or coffee) and stir gently.
The batter will be thin — that’s what makes the cake moist and light!
Step 5: Pour and Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan.
Bake for **30–35 minutes**, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool & Serve
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Dust with **powdered sugar** or drizzle with **chocolate ganache** for an extra touch of decadence.
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🍫 Optional Chocolate Ganache Topping
**Ingredients:**
* ½ cup **heavy cream**
* 1 cup **chocolate chips**
**Instructions:**
Heat the cream until hot (but not boiling). Pour over chocolate chips and let sit for 2 minutes.
Stir until smooth, then pour over the cooled cake.
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💡 Tips for Perfect Chocolate Mani
* Use **hot coffee** instead of water to intensify the chocolate flavor.
* Don’t overmix the batter — mix until just combined.
* Add **chopped nuts**, **caramel swirls**, or **mini marshmallows** for fun variations.
* Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to **3 days** or refrigerate for **5 days**.
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💛 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
* Super **rich, moist, and chocolatey**.
* Easy ingredients — no fancy tools needed.
* Perfect for **birthdays, gatherings, or late-night cravings**.
* Great base for **layer cakes** or **cupcakes** too!