Grandma Neuenfeldt'S Cocoa Fudge Cake

Prep: 15 min Cook: 35 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

Grandma Neuenfeldt's Cocoa Fudge Cake is a rich, moist chocolate dessert with a tender crumb, perfect for family gatherings or special occasions. Its deep cocoa flavor combined with a creamy frosting makes it a timeless classic that appeals to chocolate lovers of all ages.

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Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups sifted flour
  • 1 1/4 cups sugar
  • 1 teaspoon soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup cocoa
  • 1/2 cup Crisco
  • 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 2 eggs

Instructions

  1. Sift dry ingredients into a bowl.
  2. Add Crisco, buttermilk, and vanilla to the dry ingredients.
  3. Beat with a mixer for 2 minutes.
  4. Add eggs and beat for 2 more minutes.
  5. Pour the batter into prepared pans.
  6. Bake at 350°F for 35 to 40 minutes.
  7. Frost with chocolate frosting after baking.

Tips & Substitutions

To ensure a light and fluffy cake, make sure to sift the flour and cocoa thoroughly before mixing. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make your own by adding a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to regular milk and letting it sit for a few minutes. For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate taste. This recipe pairs beautifully with Best Sugar Cookies for a delightful dessert spread.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this decadent cocoa fudge cake with a generous layer of chocolate frosting for an indulgent dessert. It pairs well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for added creaminess. For a festive touch, garnish with chocolate shavings or fresh berries. This cake also complements a cup of coffee or a glass of milk beautifully.

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, place a slice in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, just until warmed through, or enjoy it cold for a fudgy treat.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Grandma Neuenfeldt'S Cocoa Fudge Cake contains roughly 202 calories, with 5g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is a good source of iron (12% of the Daily Value), calcium (12% of the Daily Value), and protein (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 841mg per serving (37% of the Daily Value).

202 kcal 10% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 5.5g 11% DV
Total Fat 2.5g 3% DV
Carbs 39g 14% DV
Fiber 1.2g 4% DV
Sugar 1.6g 3% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 840.5mg 37% DV
Potassium 165.4mg 4% DV
Cholesterol 30.9mg 10% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 25.2mcg 3% DV
Vitamin C 0.3mg
Vitamin D 0.4mcg 2% DV
Calcium 159mg 12% DV
Iron 2.1mg 12% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains 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 substitute the Crisco with butter?

Yes, you can substitute Crisco with an equal amount of unsalted butter for a richer flavor. Just make sure to soften the butter before mixing to ensure a smooth batter. The texture may be slightly different, but it will still yield a delicious cake.

What type of chocolate frosting works best?

A classic buttercream chocolate frosting pairs exceptionally well with this cake. You can also try a cream cheese frosting for a tangy twist or even a ganache for an ultra-decadent topping. Choose your favorite based on the flavor profile you desire.

Can I make this cake in advance?

Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day or two in advance. Just let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator. Frost it just before serving to keep the frosting fresh and the cake moist.

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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