1-Start by pulling together all your ingredients on the counter. This first step, often called mise en place, helps everything go smoothly. Measure out 200 grams of flour, 100 grams of sugar, 2 large eggs, 50 grams of cocoa powder, 150 milliliters of milk, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and a pinch of salt. For those with dietary needs, like vegan preferences, you can swap eggs for flaxseed here to keep it simple.

2-Once you have your ingredients ready, combine the dry ones first. Mix the 200 grams of flour, 50 grams of cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and a pinch of salt in a large bowl until they’re well blended. In another bowl, beat the 2 large eggs with the 100 grams of sugar until it’s light and fluffy, then stir in the 150 milliliters of milk. If you’re adapting for gluten-free diets, use a gluten-free flour at this stage to ensure the batter mixes evenly.

3-Now, pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined don’t overmix, or your cake might turn out tough. This step is crucial for that perfect, airy texture in your chocolate cake. For low-calorie variations, you could reduce the sugar here, but make sure to taste as you go. Once mixed, pour the batter into a greased cake pan, ready for the oven.

4-Preheat your oven to 180 degrees Celsius and slide the pan in for about 30 minutes. Keep an eye on it; the cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This baking time works well for most home setups, but if you’re at high altitude, you might need to adjust by a few minutes. For travelers or seniors, this step is straightforward, and you can even adapt by using a microwave if an oven isn’t available.

5-After baking, let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This final step ensures the cake sets properly and is easy to slice. Add a dusting of powdered sugar or fresh fruit for serving, and it’s ready to enjoy. This chocolate cake stores well, so it’s perfect for meal prep among working professionals.