Dark Chocolate Cake

Prep: 15 min Cook: 40 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

A rich, moist dark chocolate cake featuring deep cocoa flavors, perfect for celebrations or indulgent treats. Its intense chocolate taste and tender crumb make it suitable for chocolate lovers and special occasions alike, offering a satisfying dessert experience that pairs well with coffee or a glass of milk.

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Ingredients

  • 2 c. flour
  • 2 c. sugar
  • 3/4 c. cocoa
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 2 tsp. baking soda
  • 1 tsp. baking powder
  • 1 c. milk
  • 1 tsp. vanilla
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 c. cooking oil
  • 1 c. black coffee

Instructions

  1. Sift together flour, sugar, cocoa, salt, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside.
  2. Mix together oil, coffee, milk, eggs, and vanilla. Add this to the flour mixture and combine well.
  3. The batter will be thin.
  4. Grease and flour the baking pan.
  5. Bake at 375°F for 40 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using dark cocoa powder instead of regular cocoa. If you want a moister cake, you can substitute half of the cooking oil with unsweetened applesauce. Make sure to sift your dry ingredients together well to avoid clumps, and when mixing, don't overmix the batter to keep it light. For added texture, fold in chocolate chips or nuts.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the dark chocolate cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk. For a festive touch, consider drizzling chocolate ganache on top or dusting it with powdered sugar. This cake can also be served alongside Mounds Bars Balls for an indulgent dessert spread.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it fresh longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, place a slice in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Alternatively, warm it in the oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes for a freshly baked taste.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Dark Chocolate Cake contains roughly 369 calories, with 6g protein, 64g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (29% of the Daily Value), iron (22% of the Daily Value), and calcium (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1303mg per serving (57% of the Daily Value).

369 kcal 18% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 6.5g 13% DV
Total Fat 4.6g 6% DV
Carbs 63.5g 23% DV
Fiber 3.8g 14% DV
Sugar 16.7g 33% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1303.4mg 57% DV
Potassium 312.9mg 7% DV
Cholesterol 5mg 2% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 57.2mcg 6% DV
Vitamin C 26.4mg 29% DV
Vitamin D 0.5mcg 3% DV
Calcium 280.7mg 22% DV
Iron 4mg 22% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
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 different types of flour for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or whole wheat flour, but keep in mind that the texture may vary. For whole wheat flour, consider adding an extra tablespoon of milk to maintain moisture. Always check the package instructions for specific substitutes.

How do I know when the cake is done baking?

You can check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached, the cake is done. If the toothpick has wet batter, bake for a few more minutes and check again.

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 in plastic wrap. If you want to frost it, wait until just before serving to keep the frosting fresh. You can also freeze the cake for up to three months, just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

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).

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