Liz'S Chocolate Cake
Liz's Chocolate Cake is a rich, moist dessert layered with intense cocoa flavor, perfect for celebrations or everyday indulgence. Its combination of chocolate, vanilla, and a moist crumb makes it a crowd-pleaser suited for family gatherings, birthdays, or special occasions. The recipe yields a luscious, multi-layered cake.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sift together the flour and sugar.
- Bring the butter-flavored shortening, margarine, cocoa, and water to a boil.
- Add the boiling mixture to the flour and sugar mixture and mix well.
- Add the buttermilk, baking soda, vanilla, and eggs to the batter and mix thoroughly.
- Pour the batter into prepared pans and bake at 350°F until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow cakes to cool before assembling into three layers.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using dark cocoa powder instead of regular cocoa. If you're out of buttermilk, substitute with milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Ensure the butter-flavored shortening is fully melted before adding to the dry ingredients to achieve a smooth batter. For a fun twist, you can add chocolate chips or nuts to the batter for added texture.
Serving Suggestions
This chocolate cake is perfect on its own, but you can elevate it with a dusting of powdered sugar or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a decadent treat, pair it with a rich chocolate ganache or serve alongside sautéed carrots for a surprising contrast. It also pairs beautifully with Loucile Piner's Carrot Cake for a delightful dessert buffet.
Storage & Reheating
Once the cake has cooled completely, wrap it in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze individual slices in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. To reheat, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Liz'S Chocolate Cake contains roughly 302 calories, with 5g protein, 40g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (16% of the Daily Value) and protein (10% 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 all-purpose flour instead of cake flour for this recipe?
Yes, all-purpose flour works well in this recipe and will give you a great texture. Just be sure to sift it with the sugar to incorporate air, which helps make the cake lighter. If you want a fluffier cake, consider using cake flour instead, as it has a lower protein content.
What can I do if my cake is too dry?
If your cake turns out dry, it may have been overbaked or not had enough moisture. To remedy this, you can brush the layers with a simple syrup made from equal parts sugar and water, or serve with a rich frosting to add moisture. Additionally, ensure you’re measuring ingredients accurately, especially flour.
Is it possible to make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake layers a day or two in advance. After cooling, wrap them tightly and store them in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld, and they can be frosted just before serving. Consider making the frosting ahead as well to save time on the day of 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).