Black Midnight Devil'S Food
Rich, moist chocolate cake with deep cocoa flavor and a tender crumb, perfect for celebrations or chocolate lovers seeking a decadent dessert.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine cocoa and hot water or hot coffee in a bowl.
- Stir to dissolve completely.
- Cream shortening and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Alternately add dry ingredients and cocoa mixture to creamed mixture, beginning and ending with dry ingredients, mixing well after each addition.
- Pour batter into two greased 8-inch round cake pans or an 8-inch square pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 to 35 minutes for layers or 45 to 55 minutes for square, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool before frosting or serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using dark cocoa powder instead of regular cocoa. If you don't have shortening, you can substitute it with equal parts unsalted butter or coconut oil. Ensure that you sift the flour to avoid lumps and achieve a lighter cake texture. To enhance the chocolate flavor, try adding a teaspoon of instant coffee granules to the cocoa mixture.
Serving Suggestions
This Black Midnight Devil's Food cake is delightful on its own, but it can also be paired with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added richness. For a more decadent treat, frost it with Fluffy Frosting(Non-Cooked) or serve alongside Aunt Beulah'S Pecan Delight Pie for a varied dessert spread at your next gathering.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to keep it moist. It can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. For reheating, warm individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to enjoy a taste similar to freshly baked.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Black Midnight Devil'S Food contains roughly 259 calories, with 2g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is a good source of calcium (10% of the Daily Value).
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 flour for this recipe?
Yes, while all-purpose flour is recommended for the best texture, you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends or cake flour for a lighter cake. Just ensure that the substitutes are suitable for baking to maintain the recipe's integrity.
How can I tell when the cake is done baking?
To check if the cake is done, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it’s ready. Keep in mind that oven temperatures may vary, so start checking a few minutes before the suggested baking time.
What kind of frosting works best with this cake?
This cake pairs beautifully with a variety of frostings, but a rich chocolate ganache or a light cream cheese frosting enhances its flavors perfectly. You could also opt for a simple powdered sugar glaze for a less sweet option.
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).