Ethel'S Black Magic Cake
A rich, moist chocolate cake with a unique twist using salad dressing for extra moisture and flavor, perfect for chocolate lovers and special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients and mix until well blended.
- Pour the batter into a greased 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes.
- Allow to cool and dust the top with powdered sugar or apply your favorite frosting.
Tips & Substitutions
For a denser cake, substitute half the flour with whole wheat flour. Use Granny'S Salad Dressing for a different flavor profile. Ensure your salad dressing is at room temperature for better mixing. If you want a richer chocolate taste, add an extra tablespoon of cocoa powder. Mixing well is key to a uniform texture, so be thorough when combining all ingredients.
Serving Suggestions
Dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar for a classic presentation, or frost it with your favorite chocolate or vanilla icing. Serve alongside fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast. This cake also pairs beautifully with Chill Fruit Salad, making it a perfect dessert for gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate it, where it can last up to a week. To reheat, place individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes until just warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ethel'S Black Magic Cake contains roughly 663 calories, with 14g protein, 64g carbohydrates, and 36g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (92% of the Daily Value), iron (54% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (54% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1543mg per serving (67% 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 use a different type of oil instead of salad dressing?
Yes, you can substitute the salad dressing with vegetable oil or melted coconut oil. This will change the flavor slightly, but it will still yield a moist cake. Just ensure your substitute is neutral so it doesn't overpower the chocolate flavor.
Is this cake suitable for vegans?
To make this cake vegan, simply replace the salad dressing with a plant-based alternative and ensure the cocoa is dairy-free. The recipe can easily be adapted to fit vegan recipes with these small changes while maintaining its deliciousness.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
You can check the doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is done. Keep an eye on the baking time, as ovens can vary, and you may need to adjust it slightly.
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).