Moist Never Fail Chocolate Cake

Prep: 10 min Cook: 30 min Cuisine: American

A moist, rich chocolate cake with deep cocoa flavor, perfect for satisfying chocolate cravings. Suitable for all occasions, especially when a quick, fail-proof dessert is needed.

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Ingredients

  • 1 egg
  • 1 cup cocoa
  • 1 1/2 cups flour
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup boiling water
  • 1/2 cup shortening
  • 1/2 cup sour milk
  • 1 tsp. vanilla

Instructions

  1. Put all ingredients into a bowl without mixing.
  2. Mix well until combined.
  3. Pour batter into a loaf pan.
  4. Bake in a moderate 350°F oven until done.

Tips & Substitutions

To ensure your chocolate cake stays moist, consider using high-quality cocoa powder and check the freshness of your baking soda. If you don't have sour milk, you can substitute it with regular milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. For a lighter texture, you can replace half of the shortening with unsweetened applesauce. If you want to enhance the chocolate flavor, add a pinch of espresso powder.

Serving Suggestions

This Moist Never Fail Chocolate Cake is delightful on its own but can be elevated with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of chocolate ganache. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a rich dessert. It pairs beautifully with Diane Rehm'S Sour Cream Coffee Cake for a dessert spread at gatherings or brunch.

Storage & Reheating

Once cooled, wrap the chocolate cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh. Store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze slices in an airtight container for up to three months. To reheat, simply microwave a slice for 10-15 seconds or warm it in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Moist Never Fail Chocolate Cake contains roughly 619 calories, with 15g protein, 113g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (55% of the Daily Value), iron (43% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (37% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1920mg per serving (83% of the Daily Value).

619 kcal 31% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 14.9g 30% DV
Total Fat 13.2g 17% DV
Carbs 112.5g 41% DV
Fiber 15.5g 55% DV
Sugar 0.8g 2% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1920.4mg 83% DV
Potassium 1354.1mg 29% DV
Cholesterol 154.8mg 52% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 37.8mcg 4% DV
Vitamin C 32.9mg 37% DV
Calcium 202.6mg 16% DV
Iron 7.7mg 43% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Low-fat
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

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?

Yes, you can use all-purpose flour in this recipe. While cake flour typically provides a softer texture, all-purpose flour will yield a delicious cake as well. Just ensure you measure it correctly to maintain the right balance of dry ingredients.

What can I use instead of shortening?

If you prefer not to use shortening, you can substitute it with an equal amount of unsalted butter or coconut oil. Both alternatives will add a rich flavor to the cake, though butter may create a slightly denser texture.

How do I know when the cake is done baking?

To check if the cake is done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is ready. If it has wet batter on it, continue baking for a few more minutes and check again.

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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