Great Chocolate Cake

Prep: 15 min Cook: 50 min Cuisine: American

A rich, moist chocolate cake with deep cocoa flavor, perfect for celebrations or everyday indulgence, topped with luscious chocolate icing and crunchy walnuts.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup Crisco
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 2 1/2 cups flour
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 3/4 cup canned cream
  • 2 tablespoons vinegar
  • 3/4 cup cocoa
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 3 eggs
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Mix all ingredients together until smooth.
  2. Pour batter into a greased tube pan.
  3. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 to 50 minutes.
  4. Allow to cool, then ice with chocolate icing and sprinkle with chopped walnuts.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter cake, consider substituting half of the Crisco with unsweetened applesauce or Greek yogurt. Ensure your baking soda is fresh for the best rise. If you want a richer flavor, add an extra tablespoon of cocoa powder. This cake is versatile; try adding a teaspoon of espresso powder for an enhanced chocolate flavor or a pinch of cinnamon for warmth.

Serving Suggestions

This chocolate cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For added texture, sprinkle it with chopped walnuts or serve alongside fresh berries. It also makes a delightful dessert for gatherings or celebrations, complementing other treats like Olivia'S Drop Sugar Cookies.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week. If you want to freeze it, wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Great Chocolate Cake contains roughly 424 calories, with 9g protein, 82g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (49% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (25% of the Daily Value), and iron (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1422mg per serving (62% of the Daily Value).

424 kcal 21% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 9.3g 19% DV
Total Fat 5.9g 8% DV
Carbs 81.8g 30% DV
Fiber 6.9g 25% DV
Sugar 11.1g 22% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1422.3mg 62% DV
Potassium 537.8mg 11% DV
Cholesterol 32.5mg 11% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 41.1mcg 5% DV
Vitamin C 43.9mg 49% DV
Calcium 110.9mg 9% DV
Iron 3.6mg 20% DV
Diet fit High-fiber 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 use a different type of fat instead of Crisco?

Yes, you can substitute Crisco with an equal amount of unsalted butter or coconut oil for a different flavor. However, using butter may result in a denser cake, while coconut oil will impart a subtle coconut flavor.

What can I use if I don't have canned cream?

If you don't have canned cream, you can replace it with heavy cream or whole milk mixed with a little bit of sour cream to achieve a similar richness. Alternatively, a non-dairy milk combined with a tablespoon of vinegar can also work.

How can I tell when the cake is done baking?

To check if the cake is done, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is ready. Be careful not to overbake, as this can lead to a dry texture.

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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