Lottie'S Chocolate Cake
A rich, moist chocolate cake with deep cocoa flavor, perfect for celebrations or everyday indulgence, appealing to chocolate lovers of all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix shortening and sugar, then add eggs and salt.
- Pour boiling water over cocoa and mix well.
- Combine the cocoa mixture with the egg and sugar mixture.
- Add vanilla extract to the batter.
- Alternate adding flour and sour milk, along with baking soda, to the mixture.
- Pour the batter into a greased 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Bake in a 325°F (163°C) oven for 40 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer chocolate flavor, consider using dark cocoa powder instead of regular cocoa. If you don't have sour milk, mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. Ensure your oven is preheated to maintain consistent baking. For a unique twist, try adding a pinch of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate taste, similar to what you might find in American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Lottie’s Chocolate Cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience. It pairs beautifully with Grandma's Drippy Icing for an extra layer of sweetness. For a complete meal, consider pairing it with a light salad or serving it alongside a warm cup of coffee or tea.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you need to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. When reheating, cover with a damp paper towel and microwave for 10-15 seconds to keep it moist. Alternatively, you can serve it cold or at room temperature.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lottie'S Chocolate Cake contains roughly 673 calories, with 13g protein, 128g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (49% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (28% of the Daily Value), and iron (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 unsweetened applesauce instead of shortening?
Yes, you can substitute unsweetened applesauce for shortening to make the cake a bit healthier. Use a 1:1 ratio; just keep in mind that the texture may be slightly different, resulting in a moist cake. This substitution works well for those looking for vegetarian recipes.
What can I use instead of baking soda?
If you don't have baking soda, you can substitute it with baking powder. Use three times the amount of baking powder as baking soda (6 teaspoons of baking powder). However, keep in mind that this may alter the flavor and texture slightly, so ensure your cake is baked thoroughly.
How can I make this cake gluten-free?
To make Lottie’s Chocolate Cake gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check that the blend contains xanthan gum, which helps mimic the texture of gluten. This adjustment allows those with gluten sensitivities to enjoy a delicious slice without compromising taste.
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).