Grandmother'S Chocolate Cake

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

Grandmother's Chocolate Cake is a moist, rich dessert with deep cocoa flavor and a tender crumb. Perfect for family gatherings or special occasions, it combines simple ingredients to create a nostalgic, comforting treat loved by chocolate enthusiasts of all ages.

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Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup baking cocoa
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugars.
  2. Add eggs, milk, and vanilla; beat well.
  3. Combine flour, cocoa, salt, baking powder, and soda.
  4. Add to creamed mixture and mix well.
  5. Stir in boiling water, mix until smooth.
  6. Pour into a greased and floured 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking pan.
  7. Bake at 350°F for 35 to 40 minutes or until cake tests done.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using dark cocoa powder instead of regular baking cocoa. You can substitute half of the butter with applesauce for a lighter version. Ensure your eggs are at room temperature for better incorporation. If you prefer a lower sugar option, you can reduce the sugar by 1/4 cup or use a sugar alternative. This cake can also be made in layers for a more elegant presentation, similar to Yummy Chocolate Cake.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this delicious chocolate cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. It pairs beautifully with a berry compote or fresh fruit for a refreshing contrast. For a special occasion, top it with chocolate ganache or a dusting of powdered sugar. This cake is perfect for birthdays or family gatherings, much like Grandma'S Cutout Cookies.

Storage & Reheating

To store leftovers, cover the cooled cake with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It can be kept at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, slice the cake and warm it gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a low oven until just warmed through, ensuring it stays moist.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Grandmother'S Chocolate Cake contains roughly 438 calories, with 4g protein, 97g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is a good source of calcium (13% of the Daily Value) and iron (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 465mg per serving (20% of the Daily Value).

438 kcal 22% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 3.8g 8% DV
Total Fat 2.9g 4% DV
Carbs 96.8g 35% DV
Fiber 0.8g 3% DV
Sugar 60.6g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 464.9mg 20% DV
Potassium 213.3mg 5% DV
Cholesterol 56.5mg 19% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 23mcg 3% DV
Vitamin C 0.3mg
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 171.2mg 13% DV
Iron 1.8mg 10% DV
Diet fit 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 make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake a day in advance. Just allow it to cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. This allows the flavors to meld and often makes the cake even more delicious. Just remember to bring it to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

How can I make this cake gluten-free?

To make a gluten-free version of this cake, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Make sure the baking powder and baking soda you use are also gluten-free. Be aware that the texture may differ slightly, but it should still be delicious and moist.

What can I add to enhance the chocolate flavor?

To intensify the chocolate flavor, consider adding 1/2 cup of chocolate chips or finely chopped dark chocolate to the batter before baking. Additionally, incorporating a teaspoon of espresso powder can enhance the chocolate taste without adding a coffee flavor. These enhancements will elevate your Grandmother's Chocolate Cake to new heights.

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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