Easy Chocolate Cake Recipe For Kids
Rated 5.0 stars by 1 users
Category
Baking for Children
Servings
10
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
35 minutes
Calories
235
Baking is a fantastic way to spend quality time with kids, and what better treat to make than a rich, chocolatey cake? 🍫✨
This easy chocolate cake recipe is perfect for little hands to help with—no electric mixer needed, just simple ingredients and a bit of mixing magic! 🥄
Kids will love measuring, stirring, and, of course, decorating their masterpiece with sprinkles, chocolate chips, or a dusting of powdered sugar. 🎉
Plus, the end result is a soft, moist cake that’s just as fun to eat as it is to make!
So grab your aprons, roll up your sleeves, and let’s get baking!
🍰👩🍳
Ingredients
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1 and ½ cups (about 190g) all-purpose flour
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1 cup (200g) white granulated sugar
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¼ cup (25g) unsweetened cocoa powder
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1 teaspoon baking soda
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½ teaspoon salt
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 tablespoon white vinegar or lemon juice
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⅓ cup (80ml) vegetable oil (or melted butter)
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1 cup (240ml) warm water or milk
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Simple chocolate icing (mix a little cocoa powder, powdered sugar, and milk)
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Sprinkles
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Chocolate chips
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8-inch (20cm) square baking pan
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Mixing bowl
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Whisk or spoon
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Measuring cups and spoons
Optional toppings:
Equipment
Directions
Preheat and Prep:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
Lightly grease an 8-inch square baking pan with a bit of oil or line it with baking parchment.
Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, add the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
Stir well until everything is evenly mixed and there are no lumps.
Add the Wet Ingredients:
Make a small well in the centre of the dry ingredients.
Pour in the vanilla extract, vinegar (or lemon juice), and vegetable oil.
Pour the warm water or milk over the top.
Mix Gently:
Using a whisk or a spoon, stir the ingredients just until the batter is smooth and no dry patches remain.
The batter might look a bit thin—that’s perfectly normal.
Pour and Bake:
Carefully pour the chocolate batter into the prepared baking pan.
Place the pan into the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean.
Cool and Decorate:
Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan on a wire rack.
Once it’s cool, kids can help spread a simple chocolate icing on top, then add colourful sprinkles, chocolate smarties, chocolate chips, or even a dusting of powdered sugar.
Tips for Kids: Measuring
Have kids practice measuring ingredients.
Show them how to level off dry ingredients for accuracy.
Tips for Kids: Mixing
Stir gently until everything is combined.
Over-mixing isn’t necessary.
Tips for Kids: Safety: Grown-ups should handle the oven steps.
Kids can do the mixing and decorating parts.
Tips for Kids: Fun Add-Ins:
Encourage them to personalize the cake by adding a handful of chocolate chips or their favourite candy pieces to the batter.
This easy chocolate cake recipe produces a moist and yummy treat perfect for a weekend baking project with kids.
It’s simple enough for little bakers to follow along—and they’ll love tasting their delicious homemade creation!
Recipe Notes
If you have any questions about this simple children's chocolate cake recipe, please post a comment below and we will get back to you.
Servings:The recipe typically yields about 10 delicious slices of cake.
Calories per slice: 235 calories.
Remember:Please tag #whitakerschocolates with photos of your child's homemade chocolate cake.
Chocolate Cake Storage Tips
Short-Term Storage (1-2 Days)
Room Temperature: If unfrosted, store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Frosted Cake: If decorated with icing, store it in a covered cake stand or airtight container to prevent drying out.
Refrigerating (Up to 5 Days)
Wrap the cake tightly in cling film (plastic wrap) or foil to lock in moisture.
If already frosted, refrigerate the cake in a covered container to protect it from absorbing fridge odours.
Allow the cake to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving to soften up.
Freezing (Up to 3 Months)
Unfrosted Cake: Wrap the whole cake (or individual slices) in cling film, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container.
Frosted Cake: Place the cake in the freezer uncovered for about 1 hour to firm up the icing, then wrap it securely in cling film and foil.
Thawing: Defrost at room temperature for 2-3 hours or overnight in the fridge before serving.
Extra Tips
✅ Slice before freezing for easy single-serving portions.
✅ Place a sheet of baking parchment between cake layers to prevent sticking.
✅ Avoid storing near strong-smelling foods like onions or garlic, as cake can absorb odours.
Follow these storage tips, and your chocolate cake will stay fresh and tasty for days! 🍰😊
The Benefits of Baking for Children
Educational Benefits
📏 Math Skills – Measuring ingredients helps with counting, fractions, and basic arithmetic.
🧪 Science in Action – Watching ingredients change during mixing and baking introduces kids to basic chemistry.
🔤 Reading & Comprehension – Following a recipe improves reading skills and understanding instructions.
🧩 Problem-Solving – Learning to adjust if something goes wrong teaches kids how to think critically.
Motor Skills & Coordination
✋ Fine Motor Skills – Stirring, pouring, and decorating strengthen hand-eye coordination.
💪 Gross Motor Skills – Kneading dough and rolling out pastry help with overall motor development.
✍️ Hand Strength – Using spoons, whisks, and piping bags improves grip and muscle control.
Creativity & Self-Expression
🎨 Decorating Fun – Kids can unleash their creativity with sprinkles, icing, and toppings.
🍪 Customising Recipes – Choosing flavours, colours, and add-ins makes the experience unique.
🌟 Confidence Booster – Seeing their creation come to life gives a sense of achievement.
Life Skills & Independence
🍽️ Basic Cooking Skills – Learning to mix, measure, and bake sets the foundation for future cooking.
🕰️ Time Management – Understanding baking times and waiting teaches patience and planning.
🔄 Following Instructions – Learning to stick to a process is a valuable lifelong skill.
🧹 Cleaning Up – Baking encourages responsibility by teaching kids to clean as they go.
Social & Emotional Benefits
❤️ Bonding Time – Baking together creates wonderful family memories.
😊 Emotional Well-being – Engaging in hands-on activities can be calming and boost mood.
👭 Teamwork & Sharing – Taking turns and working together teaches cooperation and sharing.
👏 Sense of Accomplishment – Seeing a finished cake builds confidence and pride.
Encourages Healthy Eating Habits
🥕 Ingredient Awareness – Kids learn about different ingredients and their roles.
🌱 Trying New Foods – Making food themselves can encourage them to try new flavours.
🍫 Balanced Treats – Home baking allows control over sugar and portion sizes.
Sensory Exploration
👃 Smells & Aromas – The scent of chocolate cake baking is a treat for the senses!
🤲 Textures & Tactile Play – Feeling different textures like flour, batter, and dough is a great sensory experience.
👅 Taste & Flavours – Learning how ingredients mix and change helps develop taste buds.
Teaches Patience & Focus
⏳ Waiting for the Cake to Bake – A great way to learn delayed gratification.
👀 Careful Attention – Following each step properly teaches focus and precision.
Baking is so much more than just making treats—it’s a full learning experience packed with fun, creativity, and valuable skills!
🎂👩🍳✨
