The Best Easy Chocolate Cake  – A foolproof delight for those spontaneous dessert cravings or last-minute guest arrivals!

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour — unbleached
1 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon table salt
1/2 cup Dutch-process cocoa powder
2 ounces bittersweet chocolate — chopped fine
1 cup hot coffee [I used decaf espresso]
2/3 cup mayonnaise
1 large egg
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Powdered sugar for the top (optional)

Directions:
 Position oven rack in the middle and preheat to 350°F. Prepare an 8-inch square baking dish with nonstick spray.
 Mix flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl.
 Combine cocoa and chocolate in another bowl. Pour hot coffee over it and whisk until smooth. Cool slightly.
 Blend in mayonnaise, egg, and vanilla until smooth and the chocolate is melted.
 Fold the chocolate mixture into the dry ingredients until just combined.
 Transfer the batter to the prepared pan, smoothing the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a skewer comes out with a few crumbs.
 Cool the cake in the pan on a wire rack for 1-2 hours. Serve directly from the pan or turn out onto a platter and dust with powdered sugar if desired.

Enjoy this rich, moist cake that comes together in no time, perfect for any celebration or a cozy night in!