Instant Pot air fryer chocolate birthday cake, rich, moist and perfect for any celebration

Bring some magic to your next celebration with this rich and moist chocolate birthday cake. Baked to perfection in the Instant Pot air fryer, it delivers deep chocolate flavour, a soft crumb, and a beautiful topping of creamy frosting and colourful sprinkles. Perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or any special occasion.

Servings: 12
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 28 minutes
Total time: 43 minutes
Appliance: Air fryer

Ingredients

Cake

• 120 g plain flour
• 40 g cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ¾ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp sea salt
• 200 g brown sugar
• 1 tsp espresso powder
• 125 ml boiling water
• 130 g buttermilk
• 60 ml vegetable oil
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Icing

• 60 g butter
• 65 g cocoa powder
• 260 g icing sugar
• 100 ml milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp salt
• Sprinkles, to finish

Preparation method

Make the cake batter

• In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
• In another bowl, combine the brown sugar, espresso powder, and boiling water. Stir until the sugar has dissolved.
• Add the buttermilk, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract to the flour mixture. Mix until combined.
• Gradually pour in the espresso mixture and stir until just blended.
• Pour the batter into a baking paper–lined cake tin, spreading evenly.

Bake the cake

• Select Bake on your Instant Pot air fryer, set to 160°C for 28 minutes, and allow it to preheat.
• When prompted, place the cake tin into the basket and bake until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.
• Remove from the basket and let the cake cool completely before icing.

Make the icing

• Sift cocoa powder and icing sugar into a bowl.
• Add milk, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until smooth.
• Beat with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.

Assemble the cake

• Spread the icing evenly over the cooled cake.
• Finish with a generous layer of colourful sprinkles.

Notes

• This cake is very moist and keeps well for several days in an airtight container.
• Perfect for sending to school, the office, or serving at home for a festive touch.
• For extra indulgence, serve with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.