This chocolate bar cake recipe brings together familiar pantry staples and a generous boost of melted and chopped chocolate bars to create a rich treat that feels both comforting and exciting.
I developed this chocolate bar cake recipe for home bakers who enjoy exploring flavors, testing ideas and sharing sweet creations with family or friends.
Chocolate cakes have long held a place in home baking traditions, and this version follows that path while adding a modern touch through espresso powder and chocolate bar pieces.
Now I present the steps for making this cake in an easy way along with serving ideas, tips, health benefits, extra delicious methods, variations, storage guidance and answers to common concerns.
Why My Recipe Works
This chocolate bar cake recipe relies on simple techniques that bring out deep flavor and a moist, tender crumb. Espresso powder lifts the chocolate notes, creating a richer result without turning the cake bitter.
Boiling water thins the batter just enough to keep the texture soft after baking. The balance of baking powder and baking soda gives steady rise, while oil keeps the cake moist longer than butter-based versions.
Chocolate bars stirred into the batter melt into pockets of sweetness that enhance the overall taste. Together these choices create a reliable cake that feels indulgent, rich and enjoyable for many palates.
How To Prepare Chocolate Bar Cake Recipe?
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour
Course: Dessert
Difficulty: Easy
Cuisine: American-style home baking
Yield: 12 servings

Kitchen Utensils Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
- 9×13 Baking pan
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
- 2 chocolate bars, chopped
- 1 teaspoon espresso powder (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup milk
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1½ teaspoons baking soda
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup boiling water
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
How To Make Chocolate Bar Cake Recipe
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment if you prefer easy removal.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, espresso powder, salt, baking powder, and baking soda until evenly mixed.
3. In another bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until smooth and thick.
4. Slowly pour in the boiling water while stirring. The batter will thin out—this is normal and gives the cake its moist texture.
5. Add the chopped chocolate bars to the batter and gently fold them in so they’re spread throughout.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in the pan before slicing.
Notes: Espresso powder deepens the chocolate flavor but won’t make the cake taste like coffee. You can use milk, dark, or a mix of chocolate bars depending on how rich you want the cake.
Nutrition Facts Of Chocolate Bar Cake Recipe
| Nutrition | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 380 |
| Fat | 14g |
| Carbohydrates | 60g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Sodium | 330mg |
| Sugar | 42g |
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This chocolate bar cake recipe delivers a rich chocolate flavor that is both deep and comforting. The espresso powder enhances the chocolate without adding a coffee taste, while the chocolate bars create pockets of gooey sweetness throughout.
The texture is soft, moist, and tender, making each slice enjoyable on its own or paired with ice cream or fruit. It is simple to make with common ingredients and comes together quickly, yet gives a bakery-quality result.
The chocolate bar cake recipe allows creativity, letting you experiment with different chocolate bars or toppings for added indulgence.
Serving Suggestions
This chocolate bar cake recipe can be enjoyed on its own as a rich dessert or paired with a variety of accompaniments. Serve warm slices with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for a decadent treat.
Fresh berries or sliced bananas add a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chocolate bar cake recipe. Lightly dusted powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate enhances presentation and flavor.
For gatherings, cut into small squares and serve on a platter with coffee or tea. Whipped cream or a simple chocolate ganache on top elevates it for celebrations and special occasions.
Health Benefits
This chocolate bar cake recipe, while a treat, has some positive aspects when enjoyed in moderation. Dark chocolate used in the bars can provide antioxidants that support heart health and improve mood.
Eggs and milk contribute protein and essential vitamins such as B12 and calcium. Using vegetable oil instead of butter adds healthy unsaturated fats, which can be gentler on cholesterol levels.
The espresso powder adds flavor without extra sugar or calories. Portion control allows this cake to be a satisfying dessert that delivers pleasure and small nutritional benefits alongside indulgence.
Expert Baking Tips
1. Always spoon flour into the measuring cup and level it off rather than scooping directly from the bag. Too much flour can make the cake dense.
2. Cold eggs or milk can cause the batter to curdle or bake unevenly. Let them sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes before mixing for a smoother, more uniform batter.
3. Mix until ingredients are just combined. Over mixing develops gluten in the flour, which makes the cake tough. Fold in chocolate bars slowly so they stay distributed without breaking up too much.
4. Pour boiling water gradually while stirring. This thins the batter and helps dissolve the chocolate slightly, giving a moist texture. Do not rush this step, as careful incorporation ensures an even rise.
5. Use a toothpick or skewer in the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is ready. Remove immediately to prevent over baking, which dries the edges.
Best Variations Of Chocolate Bar Cake
1. Nutty Chocolate Bar Cake: Fold in ½ cup chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds for added crunch and a toasty flavor that complements the melted chocolate pieces.
2. Mocha Chocolate Cake: Increase the espresso powder to 2 teaspoons and add 1 tablespoon instant coffee granules for a deeper coffee-chocolate taste.
3. Berry Chocolate Cake: Gently fold in 1 cup of fresh or frozen raspberries, cherries, or blueberries for bursts of tartness that balance the sweetness.
4. Peanut Butter Swirl Cake: Dollop ½ cup creamy peanut butter over the batter and swirl lightly with a knife before baking for a rich chocolate-peanut flavor.
5. Spiced Chocolate Cake: Add ½ teaspoon cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon nutmeg, or a pinch of cayenne to the dry ingredients to give a warm, aromatic twist to the classic chocolate cake.
Extra Delicious Methods
➤ Chocolate Ganache Drizzle: Melt ½ cup of chocolate with ¼ cup cream and pour over the cooled cake. This adds a glossy, rich layer that intensifies the chocolate flavor.
➤ Caramel Layer: Spread a thin layer of soft caramel sauce between cake layers or on top. The sweet, buttery caramel pairs beautifully with the chocolate chunks.
➤ Toasted Coconut Topping: Sprinkle ½ cup shredded coconut over the batter before baking or on top after frosting. Toasted coconut adds texture and a subtle nutty sweetness.
➤ Chocolate Chips or Chunks Mix-In: Add an extra ½ cup of chocolate chips or chunks into the batter along with the chocolate bars for pockets of melty chocolate throughout the cake.
➤ Fruity Glaze: Make a simple glaze from pureed berries or orange juice with a little powdered sugar and drizzle over the cake. This adds brightness and a fresh contrast to the rich chocolate.
Storage Instructions
Allow the chocolate bar cake recipe to cool completely before storing. Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain moisture and freshness.
For longer storage, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 1 week. To store even longer, freeze the cake in a sealed freezer-safe container or wrapped in foil for up to 2 months.
Thaw frozen chocolate bar cake recipe at room temperature before serving. Reheat slices slightly for a soft, just-baked texture.
FAQs For Chocolate Bar Cake Recipe
Can I use any type of chocolate bars?
Yes, milk, dark, or a mix of chocolate bars can be used depending on your preference. Adjust sugar slightly if using very sweet chocolate.
Can I make this cake in a different pan size?
Yes, a 9×9-inch pan or two smaller round pans can work. Baking time may need adjustment; check doneness with a toothpick.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures 1:1. Texture may be slightly different but still delicious.
Can I add frosting or glaze?
Yes, chocolate ganache, caramel, or cream cheese frosting complement this cake beautifully. Apply after the cake has fully cooled.
How can I keep the cake moist longer?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate. Adding a thin layer of simple syrup before frosting also helps maintain moisture.
Conclusion
This chocolate bar cake recipe is truly delicious, and every time I make it, I enjoy the process and the result. I first tried this method to serve friends and family, and each time it has been a success.
The steps are easy to follow, and the cake always turns out moist, chocolaty, and full of flavor. I love how simple the method is, yet the result feels special.
Seeing everyone enjoy the cake makes it even more satisfying. I hope you try this chocolate bar cake recipe using my easy method, and I am sure you will enjoy it as much as I do.
More Chocolate Cake Recipes You’ll Love
Moist Chocolate Angel Food Cake
Black Bean Chocolate Cake Recipe – Moist And Healthy
Chocolate And Coconut Cake [Soft And Fluffy]
Chocolate Raspberry Mousse Cake Recipe
Healthy Chocolate Courgette Cake Recipe

Chocolate Bar Cake Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
- 9×13 Baking pan
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
- 2 chocolate bars chopped
- 1 teaspoon espresso powder homemade or store-bought
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup milk
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1½ teaspoons baking soda
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup boiling water
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment if you prefer easy removal.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, espresso powder, salt, baking powder, and baking soda until evenly mixed.
- In another bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until smooth and thick.
- Slowly pour in the boiling water while stirring. The batter will thin out—this is normal and gives the cake its moist texture.
- Add the chopped chocolate bars to the batter and gently fold them in so they’re spread throughout.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in the pan before slicing.
Notes
Nutrition Facts Of Chocolate Bar Cake Recipe
Calories: 380 | Fat: 14g | Carbohydrates: 60g | Protein: 4g | Sodium: 330mg | Sugar: 42g
Hi! I’m Sophia, your trusted cake guide with years of hands-on baking experience. I’m passionate about creating delicious and wholesome cakes that bring happiness to every occasion and home. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned baker, I’m here to share tips, recipes, and inspiration to make your baking journey enjoyable and rewarding. From classic flavors to healthy twists, my goal is to help you discover the joy of baking and sharing beautiful cakes with family and friends.