8-Layer Chocolate Cake

Prep: 20 min Cook: 30 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

A rich and indulgent 8-layer chocolate cake with moist layers and sweet frosting, perfect for celebrations and special occasions, appealing to chocolate lovers.

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Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup margarine
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 6 eggs
  • 1 cup milk
  • 3 cups self-rising flour
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla

Instructions

  1. Cream margarine, vegetable oil, and sugar until well combined.
  2. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
  3. Alternate adding milk and self-rising flour, beating at low speed until the batter is smooth.
  4. Stir in vanilla extract.
  5. Use 1 cup of batter for each of the 8 layers.
  6. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Tips & Substitutions

For the best texture, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before you start. If you don’t have self-rising flour, you can substitute with all-purpose flour and add 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder and a pinch of salt for each cup. Make sure to beat the batter gently to keep it airy, which is key for a light cake.

Serving Suggestions

This cake is perfect for celebrations and pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Consider serving it with a side of fresh berries for a delightful contrast. For an inspired pairing, browse more American recipes that complement rich desserts like this chocolate cake.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week, or freeze individual layers wrapped in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to three months. To reheat, let it come to room temperature or warm slightly in the oven.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of 8-Layer Chocolate Cake contains roughly 1032 calories, with 14g protein, 149g carbohydrates, and 39g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (47% of the Daily Value), calcium (40% of the Daily Value), and protein (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 663mg per serving (29% of the Daily Value).

1032 kcal 52% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 14.2g 28% DV
Total Fat 39g 50% DV
Carbs 148.8g 54% DV
Fiber 2g 7% DV
Sugar 43.4g 87% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 662.6mg 29% DV
Potassium 657.5mg 14% DV
Cholesterol 160.9mg 54% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 217.2mcg 24% DV
Vitamin C 19.6mg 22% DV
Vitamin D 1.5mcg 8% DV
Calcium 517.7mg 40% DV
Iron 8.4mg 47% DV
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of oil instead of vegetable oil?

Yes, you can substitute vegetable oil with canola oil or melted coconut oil. Both options will maintain the moisture and texture of the cake. Just make sure to use a neutral-flavored oil to avoid altering the cake's taste.

How can I make this cake more chocolatey?

To enhance the chocolate flavor, consider adding 1 cup of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients. You can also layer the cake with chocolate ganache or frosting between the layers for an extra chocolate punch.

What can I do if my cake layers are uneven?

If your cake layers turn out uneven, use a serrated knife to level them. Just carefully trim the tops of the cakes to create a flat surface before stacking. You can also use the excess cake scraps to make cake pops or trifle.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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