Step 1

Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Line an 8 x 8 inch square baking pan with parchment paper.

Step 2

Add flour and cocoa powder to a large mixing bowl. Mix on low speed with a mixer until evenly combined and there are no clumps of flour or cocoa powder. Add in sugar and mix on low speed until combined. Pour in water and oil and mix batter (medium to high speed) until it is smooth. See notes if you wish to mix the batter by hand.

Step 3

Pour batter into the prepared cake pan. Bake for about 30 minutes or until cake is done and toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cake cool completely before frosting and cutting.