Cocoa Pan Cake

Cook: 45 min Cuisine: American

A rich, moist chocolate cake with a deep cocoa flavor, perfect for chocolate lovers and suitable for casual gatherings or dessert occasions.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 5 Tbsp. cocoa
  • 5 Tbsp. hot water
  • 1/2 cup oleo
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/8 tsp. salt
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 2 cups flour
  • 1 1/2 tsp. vanilla
  • 1 1/2 tsp. vanilla

Instructions

  1. Let the cocoa and hot water stand for a few minutes.
  2. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  3. Pour the batter into a greased 9 x 13 x 2-inch pan.
  4. Bake for 45 minutes.
  5. Ice the cake while hot.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, try using dark cocoa instead of regular cocoa powder. If you don't have oleo, you can substitute it with unsalted butter or margarine. Make sure to sift the flour to avoid lumps in your batter. If you're short on time, consider preparing the batter in advance and refrigerating it until you're ready to bake. This cocoa pan cake pairs beautifully with Forrest'S Favorite Vanilla Cupcakes for a delightful dessert spread.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the cocoa pan cake warm or at room temperature, topped with a rich chocolate frosting or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. This cake also pairs well with fresh berries or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside Cheesy Apple Crisps for a sweet and savory balance.

Storage & Reheating

To store leftovers, wrap the cooled cake in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh. It can be kept at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, place the wrapped cake in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze it for up to three months. When reheating, microwave individual slices for about 10-15 seconds for a warm treat.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Cocoa Pan Cake contains roughly 901 calories, with 26g protein, 114g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (151% of the Daily Value), iron (111% of the Daily Value), and potassium (70% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1309mg per serving (57% of the Daily Value).

901 kcal 45% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 25.5g 51% DV
Total Fat 30.6g 39% DV
Carbs 114.1g 41% DV
Fiber 42.3g 100% DV
Sugar 6.6g 13% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1308.9mg 57% DV
Potassium 3274.4mg 70% DV
Cholesterol 64.6mg 22% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 19.3mcg 2% DV
Vitamin C 7.2mg 8% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 488.3mg 38% DV
Iron 20mg 100% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber
Contains Milk 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 flour for this cake?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with cake flour for a lighter texture. If you need a gluten-free option, try a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just be aware that the texture may vary slightly, so adjust your baking time as needed.

What can I use instead of eggs in this recipe?

If you need an egg substitute, you can use 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or a mashed banana for each egg. Alternatively, a flax egg made by mixing one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water can also work well in this recipe.

How can I make the cake more chocolatey?

For an extra chocolatey flavor, add chocolate chips to the batter before baking. You can also increase the cocoa powder to 6 tablespoons or add a layer of chocolate ganache on top after baking. This will enhance the rich chocolate experience of your cocoa pan cake.

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 →