Black Cocoa Cake

Prep: 15 min Cook: 40 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

A rich, moist black cocoa cake with deep chocolate flavor, perfect for chocolate lovers and special occasions, featuring intense cocoa and smooth texture.

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Ingredients

  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1 cup oil
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 3/4 cup cocoa powder
  • 2 cups flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups boiling water

Instructions

  1. Mix sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla until well combined.
  2. Sift together flour, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.
  3. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing thoroughly.
  4. Slowly pour in boiling water, mixing continuously until smooth; batter will be thin.
  5. Pour batter into prepared layer pans or loaf pan.
  6. Bake at 350°F for about 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  7. Allow to cool before frosting or serving.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using high-quality dark chocolate cocoa powder. If you don’t have boiling water, hot coffee can enhance the chocolate taste. You can replace oil with melted butter for a denser crumb. Ensure your eggs are at room temperature for better incorporation. This recipe can also be made into cupcakes; just reduce baking time to about 20-25 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this decadent Black Cocoa Cake with a rich chocolate ganache or a light whipped cream frosting for contrast. It pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a side of fresh berries for a delightful balance. Consider serving it alongside a cup of coffee or tea for a perfect afternoon treat.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. To reheat, let thaw at room temperature, then warm individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Black Cocoa Cake contains roughly 548 calories, with 5g protein, 37g carbohydrates, and 41g fat. It is a good source of iron (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 997mg per serving (43% of the Daily Value).

548 kcal 27% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 4.7g 9% DV
Total Fat 40.7g 52% DV
Carbs 37.1g 13% DV
Fiber 2.3g 8% DV
Sugar 1.2g 2% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 996.8mg 43% DV
Potassium 128.1mg 3% DV
Cholesterol 1.1mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 0.3mcg
Vitamin C 7.3mg 8% DV
Calcium 14.1mg 1% DV
Iron 2.1mg 12% DV
Contains 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 regular cocoa powder instead of black cocoa powder?

Yes, you can substitute regular cocoa powder, but the cake will have a lighter color and a milder chocolate flavor. Black cocoa powder gives the cake its deep, dark color and intense chocolate taste, so if possible, try to use it for the best results.

What can I use instead of eggs in this recipe?

You can substitute each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or 1/4 cup of silken tofu blended until smooth. These options will keep the cake moist and help bind the ingredients together, making it a suitable choice for vegan diets.

How can I tell when the cake is done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is done. Keep in mind that baking times can vary based on your oven, so start checking a few minutes before the recommended time.

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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