Best Chocolate Cake Recipe With Vegetable Oil for Moist Delight

Updated On: October 8, 2025

When it comes to chocolate cake, the perfect balance of moistness and rich flavor is key. Using vegetable oil instead of butter in this recipe not only keeps the cake incredibly tender and moist but also makes it wonderfully easy to prepare.

Vegetable oil has a neutral taste and helps the cake stay soft longer, making it a fantastic choice for everyday baking or special occasions. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this best chocolate cake recipe with vegetable oil will deliver consistently delicious results that everyone will love.

This cake boasts a deep chocolate flavor with just the right amount of sweetness, and its tender crumb is perfect for layering or enjoying on its own. Plus, using vegetable oil makes the batter easy to mix and quick to bake, so you’ll have a stunning dessert ready in no time.

Let’s dive into the details of why this recipe stands out and how you can make it your new go-to chocolate cake.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This chocolate cake recipe is a winner for many reasons. First, the use of vegetable oil keeps the cake moist and soft for days, unlike butter-based cakes that can dry out quickly.

The oil helps create a tender crumb that melts in your mouth. Additionally, the recipe uses simple pantry staples, making it accessible and budget-friendly.

The cake is also incredibly versatile — it pairs beautifully with a variety of frostings, from classic chocolate ganache to cream cheese frosting or even a dusting of powdered sugar. It’s perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or just because you deserve a sweet treat.

Plus, the straightforward instructions make it easy to bake, even if you’re short on time.

Finally, this cake is a crowd-pleaser. Its rich chocolate flavor satisfies even the most discerning chocolate lovers, and the moist texture keeps everyone coming back for seconds.

Ingredients

  • 1 ¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
  • ¾ cup (65g) unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted
  • 1 ½ tsp baking powder
  • 1 ½ tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 cup (240ml) whole milk, at room temperature
  • ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil
  • 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (240ml) boiling water

Equipment

  • Two 9-inch round cake pans
  • Mixing bowls (large and medium)
  • Electric mixer or whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Sifter or fine mesh sieve
  • Rubber spatula
  • Cooling rack
  • Toothpick or cake tester

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease the two 9-inch cake pans. Lightly dust them with flour or line with parchment paper for easy removal.
  2. Sift together the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, sift the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures a lump-free, smooth batter.
  3. Combine the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until fully mixed.
  4. Mix wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring gently with a rubber spatula or mixer on low speed. Mix only until combined — overmixing can make the cake tough.
  5. Add boiling water: Carefully pour in the boiling water and stir slowly. The batter will be thin, which is normal, and helps create a moist texture.
  6. Divide and bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  7. Cool: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting or serving.

Tips & Variations

For an extra rich chocolate flavor, try adding a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the dry ingredients.

Use buttermilk instead of regular milk for a tangy twist and even more tender crumb. You can make buttermilk by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.

To make this cake vegan, swap the eggs for flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water per egg, mixed and rested for 5 minutes) and use a plant-based milk.

Try different frostings like chocolate ganache, peanut butter frosting, or cream cheese frosting to customize the cake for any occasion.

Always make sure your ingredients are at room temperature for the best mixing and texture.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per Serving (1 slice, 1/12 cake)
Calories 320
Fat 13g
Saturated Fat 2g
Carbohydrates 47g
Fiber 3g
Sugar 30g
Protein 4g
Sodium 280mg

Serving Suggestions

This chocolate cake pairs beautifully with a variety of toppings and sides. Serve it with:

  • A scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert experience.
  • Fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries for a pop of color and tartness.
  • A drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce to elevate the sweetness.
  • Whipped cream and a sprinkle of toasted nuts for added texture.

For a festive touch, add colorful sprinkles or edible flowers on top. It’s also excellent accompanied by a hot cup of coffee or tea to balance the rich chocolate flavors.

Conclusion

This best chocolate cake recipe with vegetable oil is a fantastic addition to your baking repertoire. Its simplicity, combined with a moist and tender crumb, makes it ideal for any occasion, from casual family dinners to special celebrations.

The use of vegetable oil ensures the cake stays soft longer, while the rich cocoa powder delivers that deep chocolate flavor everyone craves.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, the straightforward steps and accessible ingredients make this recipe a reliable choice. Don’t forget to experiment with different frostings and toppings to make it your own.

For more delicious and wholesome recipes, check out A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion, Ancient Grains Vegetarian Recipes for Healthy Delicious Meals, and Best Vegetarian Recipes No Dairy for Delicious Meals.

Give this recipe a try today—you might just have found your new favorite chocolate cake!

📖 Recipe Card: Best Chocolate Cake with Vegetable Oil

Description: A moist and rich chocolate cake made with vegetable oil for extra softness. Perfect for any occasion and easy to prepare.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT35M
Total Time: PT50M

Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup boiling water

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
  3. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  4. Add eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla; beat on medium speed for 2 minutes.
  5. Stir in boiling water (batter will be thin).
  6. Pour batter evenly into prepared pans.
  7. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  8. Cool for 10 minutes; remove from pans to wire racks to cool completely.

Nutrition: Calories: 350 kcal | Protein: 5 g | Fat: 15 g | Carbs: 50 g

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Marta K

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