Imagine a decadent chocolate cake that's not only incredibly easy to make but also packed with rich, fruity goodness - all mixed in just one bowl! This One-Bowl Chocolate Fruit Cake is the ultimate dessert hack that will transform your baking experience from complicated to completely effortless. Perfect for busy home bakers, chocolate lovers, and anyone craving a moist, delicious treat that looks like it came straight from a professional bakery, this recipe promises maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 50 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: International
Serves: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups mixed dried fruits
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mixed dried fruits with 1/2 cup of hot water. Let the fruits soak and soften for 10 minutes, which will help them become plump and enhance their flavor.
- In a separate large bowl, sift together the unsweetened cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This will help remove any lumps and ensure even distribution of dry ingredients.
- Add granulated sugar to the dry ingredients and mix well using a whisk to create a uniform mixture.
- Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Pour in the vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until a smooth batter forms.
- Drain any excess water from the soaked dried fruits and gently fold them into the chocolate batter, ensuring even distribution.
- Transfer the batter to the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to create an even surface.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. To check doneness, insert a toothpick into the center - it should come out clean with a few moist crumbs.
- Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional: Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with chocolate glaze for extra decoration.
- Slice and serve at room temperature. The cake can be stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Tips
- Fruit Soaking Technique: For the most tender and flavorful dried fruits, use hot water when soaking. This helps plump up the fruits and intensify their natural sweetness.
- Cocoa Powder Matters: Use high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder for the most intense chocolate flavor. Dutch-processed cocoa can provide an even richer taste.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure eggs and other wet ingredients are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better cake texture.
- Don't Overmix: Mix the batter just until ingredients are combined to prevent a tough cake. Overmixing can develop too much gluten.
- Toothpick Test: Always check cake doneness with the toothpick method. A few moist crumbs are perfect - a completely clean toothpick might mean an overdone cake.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing to prevent crumbling and help flavors settle.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 35mg
