Easy Chocolate Cake Recipe for Kids

Ah, the sweet allure of chocolate cake – a timeless delight that transcends generations. Today, I bring you an easy chocolate cake recipe for kids that whispers to your inner child, a chocolatey dream that lingers in your memory like the echo of childhood laughter. This is no ordinary chocolate cake; it’s a decadent journey back to the simple joy of being a child. There is no question that this cake will make your inner child smile…. and if you have any kids around, they will also be smiling 🙂

Since we are all about tasty recollections….

One of the fondest memories from my childhood involves a super fun tradition at the school I attended. On each child’s birthday, we were asked to bring a cake, its frosting kept separate, and a side of sprinkles. The magic happened when we gathered with friends, spreading frosting on our cakes and decorating them with sprinkles. 

Sure, our creations might have looked like a colorful mess, but the joy was unparalleled. I vividly recall doing this on my birthday, and it brought me so much happiness. I must have been around 5 years old and I still remember it to this day….  I can’t imagine any child not finding it utterly fun to deck out a cake with sprinkles. If you’re doing this with your little one, let them have a blast – spreading frosting their way and sprinkling their creativity. It might not win any decorating awards, but the cake won’t last long, they’ll devour it regardless, and the memories will linger forever. So, don’t just make a cake. Make memories. Because, in the end, that’s what Tasty Recollections is all about.

Table of Contents

Ingredients

Notes about the ingredients

Directions

Equipment

How to Serve and Pairings:

Storage

Variations

And remember, This amazing chocolate cake isn’t just for special occasions – it’s for whenever you want to add a little sweetness to your day. Whether it’s a birthday bash, a playdate treat, or just a cozy night in, this recipe is your go-to for spreading joy with the magic of chocolate.

Recipe Highlights:

• Quick: 10 min prep, simple steps and much better than boxed chocolate cake. 
• Grocery friendly: No need for a fancy grocery run. You probably already have everything you need at home. Simple, right?
• Easy and Tidy: This chocolate cake won’t make your kitchen messy. All you need is one large bowl, one smaller bowl and one spatula or wooden spoon. No fancy equipment is needed. 
• Kid-Friendly Fun: No need for special gadgets. It’s so easy that your little ones can join in. It’s a fun kitchen activity that ends with a tasty treat.
• Parent Pro Tip: For the smallest chefs, maybe handle the hot water part yourself. But, other than that, let your child rock the rest of the steps. It’s a great way for them to be your kitchen assistant!

Why It’s Awesome:

This is the best chocolate cake recipe because you don’t need pro cooking skills or a big wallet. It’s simple. With just a few ingredients and a short prep time, you can turn an ordinary day into an extraordinary one with the smell of freshly baked chocolate in the air. I am sure this will be your go-to recipe whenever you want to make a chocolate cake for your family. It will be their favorite chocolate cake and your favorite since it is the easiest cake to make. 

When to Bake It:

• Birthday Celebrations: Make birthdays extra special with a delicious cake that beats any store-bought cake or boxed cake mix. 
• Playdate Hit: Impress young guests with a tasty surprise that’ll make you the coolest parent around.
• Comfort Snack: Sometimes, you just need a bit of sweetness to turn a regular day into something awesome. This cake has your back.

So, whether you’re making memories or just treating yourself to a chocolatey moment, this perfect chocolate cake recipe is your trusty sidekick. With minimal effort and maximum deliciousness, let the chocolate festivities begin!

Ingredients

Please note: missing from this picture are the frosting ingredients: cocoa powder, condensed milk, and whipping cream and sprinkles.

Dry Ingredients:

• 240 g all-purpose flour (2 cups)
• 30 g cocoa powder (1/3 cup)
• 5 g baking soda (1/2 teaspoon)
• 10 g baking powder (1 teaspoon)
• 400 g granulated sugar (2 cups)

Wet Ingredients:

• 180 g vegetable oil (1 cup)
• 220 g hot water (1 cup): Here it is important to note that hot water does not mean boiling water. 
• 150 g eggs (3 medium)

For the  Frosting:

• 300 g condensed milk (half a can)
• 150 g heavy cream (half a carton)
• 10 g cocoa powder (3 tablespoons)
• Milk chocolate or dark chocolate Sprinkles. This is to decorate the top of the cake and it is optional. **

Recipe Notes:

* For best results I recommend weighing all ingredients instead of using measuring cups/spoons. This will guarantee that your cake turns out just like mine. 

**Honestly, I think this cake looks great with sprinkles, but unfortunately, it’s really hard to find chocolate sprinkles that actually taste good. Most of them don’t have that real chocolate flavor… and what’s even worse, some just taste downright terrible. My suggestion? Skip anything that tastes awful in your cake – it’ll just bring down the whole delicious vibe.

The better move? Grate some real chocolate and grate it, or sprinkle some cocoa powder on top. You can also keep it simple and skip the sprinkles altogether. But, if you’re feeling adventurous, go on a little quest to find chocolate sprinkles that are made of the real deal chocolate. If you discover any hidden gems, definitely give me the heads-up!

Today, I used this brand, and I think it’s miles better than what I usually find at my local grocery store. Let me know if you find a chocolate sprinkle jackpot!

Directions:

For the Cake

For the Frosting:

Equipment:

• Large Mixing bowl
• Small Mixing bowl or Large measuring cup
• Whisk or spatula
• 9 X 13 rectangular baking pan
• Saucepan

How to Serve and Pairings:

I never take this cake out of the pan. I think just like my banana cake, this cake is so simple, so easy, that it just begs to just stay put. It’s like it’s vibe, do you know what I mean? Plus, it is also so incredibly fluffy I fear it will just crumble if I move it around too much. But, if you do want to serve it on a nice plate, I suggest cutting it into some playful squares for a casual gathering. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra touch of indulgence or a dollop of whipped cream for added elegance. And don’t forget the cup of hot coffee for yourself and maybe some hot chocolate for the kids!

Storage Instructions:

-Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week.

– You can also use plastic wrap, but it won’t protect your cake as well as an airtight container so it may get drier quicker than if you are using an airtight container. If you choose the plastic wrap rote I recommend sticking some toothpicks into your cake first so that it prevents the plastic wrap from clinging to your chocolate frosting. 

Variations:

• Incorporate a tablespoon of instant coffee powder and/or a tablespoon of vanilla extract for some extra flavor. 
• This super moist chocolate cake recipe is adapted from one of my favorite food blogs. You can see the original  recipe here. I just decreased the amount of sugar slightly and adapted some of the ingredients/quantities to make it work with the ingredients I have available to me here in Canada, since I don’t live in Brazil anymore. 

This is my go-to chocolate cake recipe for the whole family, I hope your family will enjoy it just as much.  Until next time!