For many people, baking is the ultimate way to spend a peaceful afternoon. Throwing ingredients around to whip up something delicious that you can enjoy with your family and friends – what more could you want?

But let’s be real, no one enjoys the clean up! So if you want to avoid all the extra dishes while still creating a delightful dessert treat, you have to give this mouthwatering one-bowl chocolate cake a red hot go!

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cups self-raising flour
• 1/4 cup custard powder
• 2 tablespoons cocoa
• Pinch bicarbonate soda
• 1 cup caster sugar
• 125g butter, softened
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup icing sugar
• 2 tablespoons cocoa, extra
• 2 tablespoons butter, softened
• 1-2 tablespoons hot water
• Chocolate curls, for decoration

Method

1. Combine flour, custard powder, cocoa, bicarb, sugar, butter, milk, eggs and vanilla in a bowl and mix on medium speed for 8 minutes. Spoon into a greased and lined 20cm round cake pan.
2. Bake in a moderate oven 180C for 1 hour or until cooked when tested. Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes before turning out of pan to cool completely.
3. Sift together the icing sugar and extra cocoa. Stir in the butter and enough hot water to make a thick icing. Ice the cake and decorate with chocolate curls. Store in an airtight container until required.