Aunt Jill'S Chocolate Cake

Prep: 10 min Cook: 35 min Cuisine: American

A rich, moist chocolate cake with deep cocoa flavor, perfect for satisfying dessert cravings and suitable for gatherings or special occasions.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 6 tablespoons cocoa
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup oil
  • 2 tablespoons wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla
  • 2 cups cold water

Instructions

  1. Sift all dry ingredients together.
  2. Add oil, vinegar, vanilla, and 2 cups of cold water.
  3. Blend until well mixed.
  4. Pour the batter into a 9 x 12-inch glass baking dish.
  5. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35 to 40 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter cake, consider using cake flour instead of all-purpose flour. You can substitute the oil with unsweetened applesauce for a healthier version. If you prefer a richer chocolate flavor, increase the cocoa to 8 tablespoons. This recipe is naturally vegan, making it a great choice for those looking for vegan recipes. Be sure to sift the dry ingredients well to avoid clumps.

Serving Suggestions

This chocolate cake is delicious on its own but can be elevated with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of chocolate ganache. Serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent dessert. It pairs beautifully with Sweet Williams Homemade Lemonade for a refreshing contrast.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, simply microwave a slice for about 15-20 seconds, or warm it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes for a fresh-baked taste.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Aunt Jill'S Chocolate Cake contains roughly 1774 calories, with 4g protein, 32g carbohydrates, and 181g fat. It is a good source of iron (15% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (12% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2099mg per serving (91% of the Daily Value).

1774 kcal 89% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 4.4g 9% DV
Total Fat 181.3g 100% DV
Carbs 31.6g 11% DV
Fiber 3.3g 12% DV
Sugar 0.5g 1% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2099.5mg 91% DV
Potassium 238.4mg 5% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin C 8.8mg 10% DV
Calcium 29mg 2% DV
Iron 2.7mg 15% DV
Contains 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 make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend you choose is suitable for baking to ensure the texture remains light and fluffy. Adding a bit of xanthan gum can also help mimic the structure of traditional flour.

What can I use instead of wine vinegar?

If you don't have wine vinegar, you can substitute it with apple cider vinegar or lemon juice. Both options will provide the acidity needed for the cake without altering the flavor significantly, ensuring your cake remains delicious and moist.

How can I tell when the cake is done baking?

To check if the cake is done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is ready. Be careful not to overbake, as this can result in a dry texture.

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).

American recipes → Vegan recipes → Vegetarian recipes → All recipes →