Step 1

Preheat the oven to 360 degrees F and line an 8-inch or 9-inch springform pan or cake pan with parchment paper.

Step 2

Add the flour, sugar, cocoa powder and baking powder to a mixing bowl and stir well using a whisk until any clumps are out.

Step 3

In a separate bowl or measuring cup, combine the water, oil and vanilla extract.

Step 4

Pour the liquid into the bowl with the dry ingredients and stir everything together until combined. The batter will be very thick - this is normal!

Step 5

Transfer the batter to the prepared cake pan and smooth into an even layer.

Step 6

Bake on the center rack of the preheated oven 30 to 35 minutes, until the cake has risen substantially and has a nice firm crust on top.

Step 7

Allow cake to cool at least 20 minutes before releasing it from the mold. Sprinkle with powdered sugar, leave plain, or frost it with frosting of choice.