Meme'S Chocolate Cake
A rich, moist chocolate cake with deep cocoa flavor, perfect for celebrations or dessert lovers seeking a decadent treat that pairs well with frosting or fresh berries.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat chocolate, water, and shortening until melted and glossy when beaten.
- Place the mixture in a mixing bowl.
- Add dry ingredients in order listed: sugar, salt, flour, baking soda.
- Add beaten eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition.
- Add sour milk and beat for 2 minutes.
- Pour the batter into greased pans.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 to 35 minutes, depending on pan size.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer chocolate flavor, consider using bittersweet chocolate instead of regular chocolate. If you don't have sour milk, you can make your own by adding a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to a cup of regular milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes. Make sure to sift the dry ingredients to avoid any lumps in the batter.
Serving Suggestions
This chocolate cake is delightful on its own, but you can elevate it with a dusting of powdered sugar or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It pairs beautifully with Mrs. Jessee'S Sweet Potatoes for a family gathering or potluck. Consider serving it alongside fresh berries for a refreshing contrast to the rich chocolate.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze slices wrapped in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to three months. To reheat, place slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or enjoy at room temperature.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Meme'S Chocolate Cake contains roughly 672 calories, with 5g protein, 62g carbohydrates, and 45g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (38% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1030mg per serving (45% 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 vegetable oil instead of shortening?
Yes, you can substitute vegetable oil for shortening in this recipe. Use about 3/4 cup of oil for every cup of shortening. Keep in mind that this may slightly alter the texture, making it a bit denser, but it will still yield a delicious cake.
What size pans should I use for baking this cake?
You can use two 9-inch round cake pans for a layered cake or a 13x9-inch pan for a single-layer cake. Adjust the baking time as needed, checking for doneness with a toothpick inserted in the center. If using smaller or larger pans, keep an eye on the baking time.
Can I add frosting to this cake?
Absolutely! This chocolate cake is perfect for frosting. A classic chocolate buttercream or cream cheese frosting pairs beautifully. For a lighter option, consider a whipped cream topping or a simple glaze. Just ensure the cake is completely cooled before adding any frosting.
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).