Jamie Oliver’s Easy Chocolate Cake is a dependable go-to recipe for anyone who wants a rich, moist, chocolatey cake without complicated steps or speciality tools. It’s the kind of bake that works for birthdays, celebrations, or quiet weekend treats, giving you a soft crumb and deep cocoa flavour with very little effort.
This Jamie Oliver Easy Chocolate Cake serves 8–10 people and takes about 45–55 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect when you want something impressive yet simple to execute.

What Makes This Jamie Oliver Easy Chocolate Cake Worth Making

Minimal ingredients, maximum flavour – a few pantry staples transform into a beautifully rich cake.
Beginner-friendly method that avoids fussy steps, ideal for quick baking.
Moist and tender texture thanks to a balanced ratio of wet and dry ingredients.
Pairs well with many frostings, including buttercream, ganache, or whipped cream.
Reliable results every time, making it a great “no-fail” chocolate cake for any home baker.

What Is Jamie Oliver’s Easy Chocolate Cake?

Jamie Oliver’s Easy Chocolate Cake is a straightforward cocoa-based sponge made by mixing wet ingredients into dry ones, then baking until fluffy and set. It delivers a classic chocolate flavour, soft interior, and a simple finish that can be enjoyed plain or topped with your favourite icing.

Jamie Oliver Easy Chocolate Cake Ingredients List

200g plain flour
200g caster sugar
200g unsalted butter, softened
40g cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2–3 tablespoons milk (if needed)
A pinch of salt

How to Prepare Jamie Oliver’s Easy Chocolate Cake – Simple Steps

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Tin

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a round cake tin and line the base with baking paper. Preparing the tin properly ensures the cake releases cleanly once baked.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar Until Light

Beat the softened butter and caster sugar together until pale and fluffy. This step traps air in the mixture and helps the cake rise properly once in the oven.

Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well between each addition. Add the vanilla extract. If the mixture looks slightly curdled, don’t worry—the dry ingredients will correct the texture.

Step 4: Sift and Fold in the Dry Ingredients

Sift flour, cocoa, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, and salt into the bowl. Gently fold to combine. Add a splash of milk if the batter feels too thick; it should drop smoothly from a spoon.

Step 5: Bake Until Fluffy and Set

Pour the batter into the prepared tin. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the tin before transferring to a wire rack.

Step 6: Frost or Serve Plain

Top with chocolate buttercream, ganache, or dust with icing sugar. The cake is moist enough to serve plain with tea or coffee.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Jamie Oliver Chocolate Cake

Overmixing the batter can make the cake dense.
Using cold butter or eggs affects the texture and rise.
Baking too long and drying out the crumb.
Skipping tin-lining causes the cake to stick.
Using low-quality cocoa which reduces the richness.

Delicious Side Dishes to Serve With Jamie Oliver Chocolate Cake

Vanilla ice cream – Adds cool creaminess that contrasts with the warm cake.
Whipped cream – Light, airy, and perfect for balancing deep chocolate flavour.
Fresh berries – Bring brightness and natural sweetness.
Salted caramel sauce – Introduces a rich, silky finish.
Warm custard – A classic companion for soft, comforting desserts.

Expert Tips to Get Jamie Oliver Easy Chocolate Cake Just Right

Use room-temperature ingredients to help the batter blend smoothly.
Sift cocoa powder to avoid lumps and ensure even mixing.
Tap the tin gently before baking to remove excess air pockets.
Let the cake cool fully before frosting for a clean finish.
Choose high-quality cocoa for a richer, more intense flavour.

How to Add More Flavour to Chocolate Cake

Stir in espresso powder to deepen the chocolate taste.
Add orange zest for a citrus twist.
Fold in chocolate chips for extra richness.
Use brown sugar for a caramel-like undertone.
Top with toasted nuts for crunch and warmth.

How to Adjust This Cake for Kids

Reduce the cocoa slightly for a milder taste, and decorate with sprinkles, fruit, or a simple glaze. Cutting the cake into fun shapes also makes it more appealing for children.

Is Jamie Oliver’s Easy Chocolate Cake Gluten-Free?

Not as written, but you can replace the plain flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Ensure your cocoa, baking powder, and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Best Way to Store Chocolate Cake Leftovers

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If frosted, it can also be kept in the fridge. The cake stays moist and can even taste better the next day.

Best Ways to Reheat Chocolate Cake

Microwave: Heat for 10–15 seconds for a soft, just-baked feel.
Oven: Warm at 150°C for a few minutes to restore texture.
Steam: Gently reheat slices for extra moisture.

Nutritional Value (Per Serving)

Calories: ~340
Protein: 5g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fat: 18g
Fibre: 2g

Best Cocoa to Use for This Chocolate Cake

Unsweetened natural cocoa powder works best. It blends easily and provides a clean, strong chocolate flavour suitable for simple sponge cakes.

Can I Make This Chocolate Cake Without Butter?

Yes, you can substitute butter with neutral oil. The texture becomes slightly more moist and tender, making it a great option for quick baking.

FAQs

How do I make Jamie Oliver Easy Chocolate Cake extra moist?

For a moister chocolate cake, add 1–2 tablespoons of milk or a spoonful of yogurt to the batter. These ingredients increase moisture and help keep the crumb soft without changing the flavour.

Can I use cocoa powder instead of melted chocolate in this easy chocolate cake?

Yes. This recipe is designed specifically for cocoa powder. It blends easily with the dry ingredients and gives a rich chocolate flavour without needing melted chocolate.

Why did my chocolate cake sink in the middle?

A cake may sink if the oven door is opened too early, the batter is overmixed, or the baking powder is expired. Ensuring the correct oven temperature and gentle folding of the batter prevents this issue.

Can I make Jamie Oliver Easy Chocolate Cake without a mixer?

Yes, a whisk or wooden spoon works perfectly. This recipe mixes easily by hand as long as the butter is soft and the ingredients are at room temperature.

Final Words

Jamie Oliver’s Easy Chocolate Cake is a reliable, flavourful recipe that delivers great results with very little effort. With its moist crumb, rich cocoa taste, and flexible serving options, it’s a cake you can make confidently for any occasion.

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