Little Layer Chocolate Cake

Prep: 10 min Cook: 5 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

A rich, layered chocolate cake featuring moist layers and creamy vanilla pudding, perfect for celebrations and gatherings that require indulgent dessert options.

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Ingredients

  • 1 box Duncan Hines yellow cake mix
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 stick margarine
  • 1 1/2 cups milk
  • 1 family size box vanilla instant pudding

Instructions

  1. Mix all ingredients together until well combined.
  2. Put 2 to 3 heaping spoonfuls of batter into each greased 9-inch cake pan lined with wax paper.
  3. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes or until done, not brown.
  4. Allow to cool and assemble layers as desired.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the batter. If you're looking to make this a chocolate cake, you could substitute the yellow cake mix with a chocolate cake mix. Ensure to mix the ingredients thoroughly to avoid lumps. If using a different pudding flavor, adjust to your taste preference.

Serving Suggestions

This Little Layer Chocolate Cake is delightful on its own or can be served with a dollop of whipped cream and fresh berries. It pairs beautifully with Banana Cream Brownies for a dessert spread. Consider adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for an extra indulgence or serve with coffee for a perfect afternoon treat.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover cake layers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, place a slice in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, or enjoy it cold for a refreshing treat. To keep the layers moist, you can brush them with a simple syrup before storing.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Little Layer Chocolate Cake contains roughly 353 calories, with 2g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 26g fat.

353 kcal 18% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2g 4% DV
Total Fat 26.5g 34% DV
Carbs 22.9g 8% DV
Fiber 0g
Sugar 6.6g 13% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 297.3mg 13% DV
Potassium 141mg 3% DV
Cholesterol 44.5mg 15% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 28.5mcg 3% DV
Vitamin C 1.4mg 2% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg 1% DV
Calcium 83.5mg 6% DV
Iron 0.9mg 5% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal
Contains Milk Egg

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 brand of cake mix?

Yes, you can use any similar yellow cake mix brand. Just ensure it has comparable measurements and baking instructions, as this will help achieve the desired texture and flavor in your layers.

What can I use instead of margarine?

You can substitute margarine with an equal amount of unsalted butter or a plant-based butter alternative if you prefer a non-dairy option. This will enhance the flavor and richness of your cake layers.

How can I make this recipe more chocolatey?

To boost the chocolate flavor, replace the vanilla pudding with chocolate instant pudding and add cocoa powder to the batter. This enhances the chocolate experience and gives the cake a deeper flavor profile.

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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