One-Bowl Fudgy Chocolate Cake

Summer vacation is here, and it's a great chance to keep the kids busy in the kitchen. A fudgy chocolate cake, quick and easy, and all you need for it is one big bowl and a whisk: a fun recipe that kids will enjoy making and eating, and even decorating with the colorful sprinkles they love.

Ingredients for a 9-inch (22 cm) square pan

• 175 g all-purpose flour.
• 55 g cocoa powder.
• 120 g eggs (about 2 large eggs, without the shell).
• 120 ml hot water.
• 90 g melted butter.
• 120 ml milk.
• 170 g white sugar.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
• 8 g baking powder.
• ½ teaspoon baking soda.

For the chocolate glaze

• 120 g milk chocolate.
• 80 g butter.
• 10 g cocoa powder.
• 50 g sprinkles for decorating (use any kind and color you like).

Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 340°F (170°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk the cocoa and hot water until smooth (the hot water helps dissolve the cocoa and prevents lumps; it's best to do this part yourself, without the kids).
3. Add the eggs, melted butter and vanilla and whisk gently until the batter is even.
4. Add the milk and whisk, then add the sugar and whisk until combined.
5. Mix the flour with the baking powder and baking soda, pour into the batter and whisk until there are no lumps of flour and the batter is smooth and runny (be careful not to overmix, which can spoil the texture of the cake).
6. Line a square pan with parchment paper, pour in the batter and tap the pan lightly on the counter to release any air bubbles.
7. Bake for about 30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean.
8. Let the cake cool, and meanwhile make the chocolate glaze.
9. Melt the butter and chocolate in the microwave in short bursts (be careful not to burn them).
10. Add the cocoa and whisk well.
11. Pour over the cake and smooth with an offset spatula.
12. Chill for about 30 minutes, scatter the sprinkles on top and cut into squares.

Good to know

• You can add a few chocolate chips to the batter.
• If you use a bigger pan, double the quantities.
• You can also bake the cake as cupcakes, but the baking time will be shorter.
• You can poke small holes in the cake with a knife before you pour on the glaze.