Black Midnight Devil'S Food Cake

Prep: 20 min Cook: 30 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

A rich, moist chocolate cake with deep cocoa flavor, perfect for celebrations or indulgent treats, topped with creamy icing and coconut for added sweetness.

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Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup margarine
  • 1 1/2 cups less 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 3 eggs
  • 3/4 cup cocoa
  • 1 3/4 cups hot coffee
  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 3/8 teaspoon baking powder

Instructions

  1. Cream margarine, sugar, and eggs.
  2. Add cocoa to the creamed mixture.
  3. Sift flour, salt, baking soda, and baking powder together.
  4. Add dry ingredients alternately with hot coffee, mixing as little as possible.
  5. Pour batter into a greased and cocoa-floured 9 x 13-inch pan.
  6. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30 to 35 minutes.
  7. Cool for 10 minutes in the pan on a rack.
  8. Turn out onto a rack to cool completely.
  9. Top with 7-Minute Icing and coconut or your favorite chocolate icing.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using dark cocoa powder instead of regular cocoa. If you don’t have margarine, unsalted butter can be substituted in equal amounts. When mixing the batter, be cautious not to overmix, as this can lead to a denser cake. Sifting the dry ingredients ensures a lighter texture, so don’t skip that step.

Serving Suggestions

This decadent cake pairs beautifully with 7-Minute Icing and shredded coconut or your favorite chocolate icing for an indulgent touch. Serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful contrast. It also complements coffee perfectly, making it an excellent choice for dessert or a special gathering.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, place individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Black Midnight Devil'S Food Cake contains roughly 269 calories, with 6g protein, 51g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is a good source of iron (15% of the Daily Value), protein (13% of the Daily Value), and calcium (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 686mg per serving (30% of the Daily Value).

269 kcal 13% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 6.4g 13% DV
Total Fat 4.2g 5% DV
Carbs 51.3g 19% DV
Fiber 2g 7% DV
Sugar 0.6g 1% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 686.3mg 30% DV
Potassium 191.4mg 4% DV
Cholesterol 46.1mg 15% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 24.5mcg 3% DV
Vitamin C 5.6mg 6% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg 1% DV
Calcium 144.5mg 11% DV
Iron 2.7mg 15% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
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 coffee substitutes in this recipe?

Yes, if you prefer not to use coffee, you can substitute it with hot water or milk. However, using coffee enhances the chocolate flavor, so opt for a strong brewed coffee for the best results. Keep in mind that using milk will result in a slightly different texture and taste.

Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! To make a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the blend contains xanthan gum or add it separately to help with the cake's structure. The baking time may vary slightly, so keep an eye on it as it bakes.

What kind of icing works best for this cake?

This cake is versatile and can be topped with various icings. While 7-Minute Icing adds a light, fluffy texture, a rich chocolate ganache or cream cheese frosting can also work wonderfully. For a tropical twist, consider pairing it with a coconut frosting to complement the chocolate flavor.

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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