The childhood chocolate cake is a classic, easy to make chocolate cake recipe for kids. It can be made with no equipment and also makes good cupcakes.
Another classic and simple recipe for kids is our Cinnamon Sugar Tea Cake.
Quick look at Thermomix Lamingtons
- ⏲️ 40 minutes total.
- 🛒 Ingredients: 8 simple ingredients.
- 🍽️ Makes: 1 round cake (about 12 serves).
- 🧑🍳 Difficulty: Super simple, one-bowl, kid-friendly recipe.
- 🗃️ Make ahead: Keep for up to 3 days.
I'm very big on Birthdays. For me (only me) it's more like a Birthday week than a Birth-DAY.
It means that I can have Birthday cake for multiple days.
One cake we've been having for as long as I can remember is the childhood chocolate cake.
I think my sister named this cake a few years back.
It's the first chocolate cake we ever made (a great recipe for kids to make) and was a regular feature in our childhood hence 'the childhood chocolate cake.'
The best thing was the week after a Birthday when we'd sometimes get a slice for morning tea in our school lunch boxes.
Why this recipe
- It's really simple - so simple kids can make it themselves (with a bit of help for the oven part).
- Delicious - I wouldn't share a recipe that wasn't!
- Freezable - this kids chocolate cake recipe freezes well for lunchboxes. It's best to wrap slices in plastic wrap and freeze individually.
- Regular ingredients - you probably have all the ingredients in your kitchen already.
- No special equipment - a mixer does make it easier but this can be a one bowl chocolate cake.
Jump to:
Recipe Ingredients
CAKE
- Butter - We use pure butter- the type you get in a block wrapped in foil. It can be stored on the kitchen bench unless it's really hot.
- Sugar - Caster sugar is best but you can use any sugar you have on hand.
- Vanilla - Pure vanilla extract is the preference over vanilla essence (which is thinned out with sugar syrup usually).
- Self-raising flour - Here's how to make your own self-raising flour from plain flour and baking powder.
ICING
- Icing sugar - also known as confectioner's or powdered sugar. You can buy it or make your own icing sugar.
To Make Into Cupcakes
You can use this classic chocolate cake recipe to make chocolate cupcakes. Divide the batter between a 12-hole, lined cupcake tin and bake for 12-15 minutes or until a cake tester comes out clean.
Chocolate Cake Options
For a richer cake, try my Rich Chocolate Mud Cake. For a different topping, try Chocolate Icing Made With Real Chocolate. If you're after a flourless option (without nuts!) try our Kidney Bean Chocolate Cake (don't be put off by the kidney beans - it's delicious & not at all beany).
Recipe
The childhood chocolate cake
Ingredients
Cake
- 2 tablespoon butter
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 free-range egg
- 1 cup self-raising flour sifted
- 3 tablespoon cocoa sifted
- ½ cup milk
Icing
- 1 cup icing confectioner's sugar
- 2 tablespoon cocoa
- 1 teaspoon butter
- Boiling water
- Sprinkles
Instructions
- Pre-heat the oven to 175C (380F) fan-forced and grease and line a 20cm (9") cake tin.
- In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the butter and sugar until creamy then add the vanilla.
- Scrape down the sides and mix in the egg.
- Add half the flour and cocoa and mix it through then add half the milk. Repeat with the rest.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a cake tester inserted in the middle comes out clean.
- Leave the cake to rest in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- To make the icing, combine all the ingredients and add a little extra water at a time until it is spreadable.
- Ice the cake then decorate with sprinkles.
My Kitchen Stories says
Your child will steal your every waking moment from now on Claire. You will love it and hate it in equal measure but you will never love anyone more. happy Birthday. x
Claire says
Very very true Tania!
Maureen | Orgasmic Chef says
Happy Birthday, Claire! This has been a magic year for you and it's only going to keep getting better and better. This is a lovely cake to celebrate a birthday!
Claire says
Thanks Maureen! It has been a wonderful year so far.
GourmetGetaways says
Motherhood is so like that... the things that were most important don't seem to rate. Enjoy your birthday, the cake looks so good! love the alphabet block in the background :)
Claire says
I never thought anyone could steal my Birthday from me but this little man has my heart and mind! :-)
Hotly Spiced says
The cake looks really good Claire. Congratulations on still having a birthday beginning with a two. How I wish! I hope you have a really lovely celebration up on the Sunshine Coast xx
Claire says
Thanks Charlie! Last 2 Birthday :-( I had a great time up the coast x
Kathy says
Thank you, best timing! It's my husbands birthday today and my almost 4 year old wants to make her Daddy a chocolate cake. Perfect recipe for her to do (most of) it herself! Cheers & Happy Birthday :)
Claire says
I hope everyone liked it Kathy. Glad I could help and thank you for the Birthday wishes!
Chris @ The Café Sucré Farine says
Claire, this looks wonderful. We have a similar cake that I told my kids they couldn't leave home without knowing how to make. It's an essential life skill, right?
Happy birthday sweet friend, hope it really special!
Claire says
It is most essential Chris! Thank you! x
Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella says
Happy Birthday for tomorrow Claire!!! And given how busy you've been lately I'm not surprised you almost forgot. I hope that it's a fantastic day!
Claire says
Thanks Lorraine! x