Dishwater Cake
A moist, rich chocolate cake with deep cocoa flavor and a unique water-based batter, perfect for chocolate lovers and suitable for casual gatherings or dessert occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Beat sugar, shortening, and eggs together until well combined.
- Add soda to buttermilk or sour milk and mix.
- Sift together flour, cocoa, and salt.
- Add the dry mixture alternately with the buttermilk to the creamed mixture, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in boiling water and vanilla until smooth.
- Pour batter into a well-greased 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Bake in a 350°F oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using dark cocoa instead of regular cocoa powder. If you don't have buttermilk, mix 1/2 cup of milk with a teaspoon of vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes. Make sure to grease your pan well to prevent sticking, or use parchment paper for easy removal. This cake can be topped with a simple chocolate glaze or dusted with powdered sugar for added sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Dishwater Cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top for a delightful treat. It’s perfect alongside a cup of coffee or tea. Consider pairing it with a fruit salad for a fresh contrast. For a themed dessert table, include this cake with other American recipes like Flameless Cookies to impress your guests.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Dishwater 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, slice and microwave for about 15-20 seconds until warm, or enjoy it cold, as the flavors deepen over time. This cake also pairs beautifully with Linda'S Easy Peach Cobbler for a delightful dessert spread.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Dishwater Cake contains roughly 391 calories, with 10g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (52% of the Daily Value), iron (36% of the Daily Value), and potassium (24% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 15g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 milk in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute regular milk for buttermilk or sour milk if needed. Just add a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to the milk and let it sit for a few minutes to curdle slightly. This will give you a similar tangy flavor and help achieve that desired texture in the cake.
What should I do if my cake sinks in the middle?
If your cake sinks, it might be due to underbaking or too much liquid in the batter. Ensure that you measure your ingredients accurately and bake the cake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to avoid collapsing.
Can I freeze Dishwater Cake?
Absolutely! You can freeze the cake for up to three months. Make sure to let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. To thaw, simply place it in the refrigerator overnight or let it sit at room temperature for a couple of hours 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).