Carnival Cake
A rich, chocolate-infused cake with a moist crumb and deep cocoa flavor, perfect for celebrations or indulgent desserts suited to all chocolate lovers.
Ingredients
- 2 c. all-purpose flour
- 1/2 c. packed dark brown sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 c. granulated sugar ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. baking powder ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 stick unsalted butter, softened ⓘ
- 1 1/4 c. milk ⓘ
- 3 large eggs ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. vanilla ⓘ
- 6 sq. semi-sweet chocolate, chopped ⓘ
- 1/4 c. vegetable shortening ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. baking soda ⓘ
Instructions
- Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 350°F.
- Lightly grease the bottoms of 2 (8-inch) round cake pans; line each with a round of waxed paper trimmed to fit and then grease the paper and the sides of the pan.
- Lightly flour the pans, tapping out the excess.
- In a large bowl, stir together the flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add the butter, vegetable shortening, milk, eggs, and vanilla; beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for 3 minutes, scraping the sides of the bowl occasionally to make a thick, fluffy batter.
- Stir in the chopped semi-sweet chocolate.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans, smoothing the tops.
- Drop each cake pan onto the work surface to level the batter and remove air bubbles.
- Bake for 35 to 45 minutes until the top springs back when lightly touched.
- Cool the cakes in the pans on racks.
- Run a knife around the edges and invert the layers, peeling off the waxed paper.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using light brown sugar instead of dark brown sugar. If you don't have vegetable shortening, you can replace it with an equal amount of unsalted butter. To ensure even baking, check your oven temperature with an oven thermometer; some ovens can be off by several degrees. Also, avoid overmixing the batter to keep the cake light and fluffy.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Carnival Cake plain, or top it with whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar for added sweetness. It pairs beautifully with Terri'S Chocolate-Caramel Cake for a delightful dessert spread. For a balanced meal, consider serving it alongside Cabbage Wedges(With Veggie Cheese Sauce) for a comforting finish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Carnival 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. To reheat, place a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes until just warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Carnival Cake contains roughly 913 calories, with 3g protein, 49g carbohydrates, and 79g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (20% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1108mg per serving (48% 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 make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cakes in advance. Once cooled, wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Just remember to let them come to room temperature before frosting.
What can I use instead of eggs?
For a vegan alternative, you can use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) for each egg. This will help maintain the moisture and structure of the cake.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
The cake is done when it springs back when lightly touched and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Keep an eye on it toward the end of baking, as oven temperatures can vary.
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).