Cousin Bubba'S Favorite Chocolate Cake
A rich, moist chocolate cake with deep cocoa flavor, perfect for family gatherings or special occasions, appealing to chocolate lovers of all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place in a large mixing bowl the flour, sugar, and salt.
- In a saucepan, combine the butter, water, vegetable shortening, and cocoa.
- Bring the mixture to a boil and pour it over the flour mixture.
- Mix well until combined.
- In another bowl, beat the eggs and stir in the soda, buttermilk, and vanilla.
- Add the egg mixture to the flour and cocoa mixture and stir well.
- Pour the batter into a greased and floured 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes.
- Test doneness with a toothpick inserted in the center; if it comes out clean, the cake is done.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the batter. If you don't have buttermilk, you can substitute it with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Ensure the water and butter mixture is boiling before adding it to the flour for the best texture. This cake is great for gatherings, and you can even frost it with a simple chocolate icing.
Serving Suggestions
This chocolate cake is delicious on its own, but serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream elevates the experience. It pairs beautifully with Mom's Favorite Chocolate Cake for a dessert table. You can also sprinkle some powdered sugar on top for an elegant touch or serve it alongside fresh berries for a burst of flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any 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. To reheat, microwave individual slices for about 10-15 seconds or warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cousin Bubba'S Favorite Chocolate Cake contains roughly 540 calories, with 6g protein, 38g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (32% of the Daily Value) and iron (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 633mg per serving (28% 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 cake a day in advance. Just ensure it's cooled completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap. This helps maintain its moisture. You can frost it the next day when you're ready to serve.
What can I use instead of vegetable shortening?
If you don't have vegetable shortening, you can substitute it with an equal amount of unsalted butter for a richer flavor. Alternatively, coconut oil or margarine can work, but they may slightly alter the taste and texture.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the batter?
Absolutely! Adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans, or even chocolate chips, can enhance the texture and flavor of the cake. Just fold them into the batter before pouring it into the pan.
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).