While I love crazy desserts as much as the next gal, sometimes simple is best. And this cake, which can be made in one bowl and only takes 30 minutes to bake, is proof. In fact, it’s my new go-to recipe. (And it has wine in it! Go figure.)
I’ve made this cake a few times and while I prefer it sans frosting, the original recipe calls for a whipped mascarpone topping which helps jazz it up a bit. However, I find it’s wonderful as-is with just a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top.
The perfect weeknight treat when spending hours in the kitchen just won’t do.
Red Wine Chocolate Cake
From Smitten Kitchen
What you need:
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 3/4 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar
- 1/4 cup white granulated sugar
- 1 large egg + 1 large egg yolk, at room temperature
- 3/4 cup red wine (it doesn’t matter what kind)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup + 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (I used 1/2 cup 100% whole wheat flour and 1/2 cup + 1 tablespoon all-purpose)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/8 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Powdered sugar for garnish (optional)
How you do it:
- Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Line the bottom of a 9-inch round cake pan with parchment, then grease the parchment and the sides of the pan with butter or cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter with an electric mixer until fluffy. Add the sugars and beat until incorporated. Add the wine and eggs and beat on slow speed until combined.
- Next, sift flour, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, salt and cinnamon into the same bowl as the wine mixture. Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture until two-thirds combined, then use a spatula to fold everything completely together.
- Put the batter into the prepared pan and smooth out the top. Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should be glossy on top.
- Allow the cake to cool for at least 30 minutes before turning out on a wire rack to cool completely. (Don’t forget to remove the parchment!) Serve topped with sifted powdered sugar.
Fresh & Foodie 
Wow! How decadent! And a perfect way to shake off these grey, wet days.
Love! Simple chocolate cakes are so yummy and pretty!
Come to mama! I saw this on Pinterest and drooled all over my keyboard. Perty. :-p I think you should re-name your food blog to Fresh and Boozy. :-p #justsayin Love it.
I’ve thought about it. 🙂
Wine and cake in one?!? Sounds like it will save me washing a glass
wine and chocolate in one go? of course you did!
Now I’m dying to know how the red wine tastes in combination with the chocolate here!
Oh my goodness this sounds absolutely divine! MUST try this.
I like a simple cake and this sounds like a winner. Thanks for sharing the recipe.
This Smitten Kitchen recipe is the first thing I tried to bake when I moved here to Quito (Ecuador) and it was a total flop!! NOT her fault (obviously), the altitude + gas stove made me way under-informed and unprepared. Yours, on the other hand, look totally perfect! So I am happy for you. Slightly bitter… but mostly happy. 😉
When I read the title of this recipe I pinched myself, certain that I was dreaming. Damn lady, this sounds too good to be true. And that I can make it in 30 minutes–bonus! Thanks!
yum! will have to try this! x
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