Chocolate Feather Cake

Prep: 15 min Cook: 45 min Cuisine: American

A rich, moist chocolate cake with deep cocoa flavor, perfect for celebrations or casual gatherings, appealing to chocolate lovers of all ages.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 cup cocoa
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 3 cups flour
  • 2 teaspoons soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup shortening
  • 1 cup hot water
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla

Instructions

  1. Sift dry ingredients in a large bowl.
  2. Mix in eggs, shortening, hot water, buttermilk, and vanilla in the order given.
  3. Pour the batter into a prepared baking pan.
  4. Bake at 350°F for 45 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

To ensure a light and airy texture in your Chocolate Feather Cake, beat the eggs well before adding them to the mixture. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute it with milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. For a richer flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate. This cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Chocolate Feather Cake with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of chocolate ganache for an extra touch. It’s perfect alongside a cup of coffee or tea. For a delightful twist, pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a side of fresh berries to complement the rich chocolate flavor.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, it can be refrigerated for about a week. To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or briefly in the oven at 300°F until just warmed through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Chocolate Feather Cake contains roughly 1274 calories, with 23g protein, 145g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (100% of the Daily Value), iron (73% of the Daily Value), and potassium (49% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1176mg per serving (51% of the Daily Value).

1274 kcal 64% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 22.5g 45% DV
Total Fat 21.1g 27% DV
Carbs 144.7g 53% DV
Fiber 27.9g 100% DV
Sugar 26.8g 54% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1176.4mg 51% DV
Potassium 2286.9mg 49% DV
Cholesterol 14.3mg 5% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 41mcg 5% DV
Vitamin C 43.8mg 49% DV
Vitamin D 0.8mcg 4% DV
Calcium 229.5mg 18% DV
Iron 13.1mg 73% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber 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 a different type of fat instead of shortening?

Yes, you can substitute the shortening with an equal amount of unsalted butter or vegetable oil. If using butter, it will add a richer flavor, while oil will keep the cake moist. Just remember to melt the butter if you're using it directly in the batter.

What should I do if my cake sinks in the middle?

A sinking cake can result from underbaking or too much leavening agent. Make sure to measure your baking soda accurately and check the cake with a toothpick for doneness at the 45-minute mark. If it comes out clean, your cake is ready, so be cautious not to open the oven door too early while baking.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day in advance. Just let it cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap. Store it at room temperature. When ready to serve, you can frost it or enjoy it plain. This makes it perfect for preparing ahead for gatherings.

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 → Vegetarian recipes → Dairy recipes → All recipes →