Kansas Chocolate Cake
A rich, moist chocolate cake with a distinctive cocoa flavor, perfect for celebrations and chocolate lovers seeking a classic, indulgent dessert experience.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream sugar and shortening; add eggs.
- Sift flour, salt, soda, and cocoa together.
- Alternately add the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the creamed mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.
- Add hot coffee and vanilla; mix well.
- Divide batter into three layers and bake at 350°F until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using high-quality cocoa powder. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute it with a mixture of regular milk and a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Be sure to sift the dry ingredients thoroughly for a lighter cake. If you're short on time, make a single-layer cake instead of three layers.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Kansas Chocolate Cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. It pairs beautifully with Clubhouse Salad for a balanced meal. For a special occasion, top it with chocolate ganache or sprinkles to elevate its presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Kansas Chocolate 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, simply warm individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or enjoy it cold for a delightful treat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Kansas Chocolate Cake contains roughly 1259 calories, with 31g protein, 123g carbohydrates, and 63g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (125% of the Daily Value), iron (89% of the Daily Value), and potassium (64% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1416mg per serving (62% 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 fat instead of shortening?
Yes, you can replace shortening with unsalted butter or coconut oil for a different flavor profile. If using butter, ensure it's at room temperature for easy creaming with the sugar.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
The cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Be careful not to overbake, as this can lead to a dry cake.
Can I freeze the cake for later use?
Absolutely! Wrap the cooled cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
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).