Want to make a delicious chocolate cake but only have cocoa powder on hand? You’re in luck! You don’t need fancy chocolate bars or chocolate chips to bake a rich, moist, and satisfying cake. Cocoa powder alone can give you all the chocolate flavor you crave—with a smoother, more balanced taste.
In this article, you’ll learn how to bake a soft, fluffy chocolate cake using only cocoa powder as your chocolate source.
Why Use Only Cocoa Powder?
- Easier to store and measure than chocolate
- More affordable and accessible
- Produces a smooth, balanced chocolate flavor
- Lower in fat than melted chocolate
- Perfect for everyday cakes, cupcakes, and snack cakes
Best Type of Cocoa Powder for Baking
There are two main types:
- Natural Cocoa Powder – Slightly acidic, lighter in color, reacts with baking soda
- Dutch-Processed Cocoa – Neutral in acidity, darker, and richer in flavor
For this recipe, you can use either one, but if using Dutch-processed, ensure your leavening includes baking powder, not just baking soda.
Simple Chocolate Cake with Cocoa Powder Only
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup milk or plant-based milk
- 1 tbsp white vinegar or lemon juice
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat oven
Set to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round or square pan.
2. Mix wet ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vinegar, oil, sugar, and vanilla.
3. Add dry ingredients
Sift in the cocoa powder, flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Mix until smooth and lump-free.
4. Bake
Pour into the pan and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
5. Cool
Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Tips for Rich Flavor
- Use high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder
- Add a pinch of espresso powder to deepen the chocolate taste
- Don’t overbake—cocoa-based cakes can dry out quickly
- Taste the batter before baking—adjust sugar if needed
Easy Frosting Ideas
- Cocoa Buttercream – Mix cocoa powder, powdered sugar, plant-based milk, and butter
- Chocolate Ganache – Cocoa powder + warm cream or coconut milk + sweetener
- Strawberry Whipped Cream – For a fruity contrast
Flavor Variations
- Add ½ tsp cinnamon for a warm twist
- Stir in chopped nuts or chocolate chips (optional)
- Add orange zest for a citrus-chocolate blend
- Use coconut milk for a richer texture and flavor
Storage
- Room temp: 2 days (covered)
- Refrigerator: 4–5 days
- Freezer: up to 1 month (without frosting)
Rich, Moist, and Easy
This cocoa-only chocolate cake is the perfect mix of simplicity and indulgence. It’s rich enough for celebrations, but easy enough for a midweek treat.
And the best part? You only need pantry staples—no fancy chocolate required.
