Best One-Bowl Chocolate Cake

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)*. Grease and lightly flour 2 (9 x 1 1/2-inch) round pans, or a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking pan, or line approximately 30 muffin cups with paper baking cups. Set aside.

Place all ingredients, except for the 1 cup boiling water , in a large mixing bowl and beat on slow just until ingredients are wet, increase speed to medium-high and beat for 2 minutes. Stir in the 1 cup boiling water, mixing well (batter will be thin). Pour batter into prepared pan(s).

Bake the 9-inch round cakes for 30 to 35 minutes, or until tested done**.

Bake a 13 x 9 x 2-inch cake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until tested done.

Bake cupcakes for 22 minutes, or until tested done.

Cool cake or cupcakes on a wire rack. (Cool the 9-inch cakes on wire racks for 10 to 15 minutes, then remove from pans and cool completely on wire racks.)

When cake is completely cool, frost as desired. (Cake in photograph is frosted with One-Pan Chocolate Frosting .)