Ellen'S Chocolate Cake
Ellen's Chocolate Cake features rich cocoa flavor with moist, tender crumb, perfect for celebrations or everyday indulgence, appealing to chocolate lovers of all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sift together the sugar and flour.
- In a pan, bring to a rapid boil the cocoa, shortening, water, and butter or margarine.
- Add the boiling mixture to the dry ingredients and mix well.
- Combine soda, buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla, then add to the batter.
- Pour the batter into a greased and floured 10 x 15-inch pan.
- Bake at 400°F for 15 to 20 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using dark cocoa powder instead of regular cocoa. If you don't have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by mixing 1/2 cup of milk with 1/2 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. It's also important to sift the dry ingredients to ensure a light and fluffy cake. To enhance the chocolate experience, serve this cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delightful chocolate cake with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of chocolate ganache for an elegant touch. It pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. Consider adding fresh berries on the side for a pop of color and a refreshing contrast to the rich chocolate flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze it for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, let it come to room temperature or warm it slightly in the microwave for a few seconds.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ellen'S Chocolate Cake contains roughly 351 calories, with 6g protein, 45g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (18% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (16% of the Daily Value), and iron (14% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 5g 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 oil instead of shortening in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute oil for shortening in a 1:1 ratio. However, this may slightly alter the texture of the cake, making it a bit denser. Use a neutral oil to ensure it doesn't affect the chocolate flavor.
What can I do if I don't have eggs?
If you're looking for an egg substitute, you can use unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana. Use 1/4 cup of either per egg. This will keep the cake moist and add a hint of natural sweetness without altering the chocolate flavor significantly.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
To check if your cake is done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is ready. Keep an eye on the baking time; it typically takes between 15 to 20 minutes at 400°F.
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).