Mother'S Fluffy Chocolate Cake

Prep: 20 min Cook: 35 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

A light and fluffy chocolate cake with rich cocoa flavor, perfect for family gatherings and celebrations, offering moist layers and a classic taste appeal.

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Ingredients

  • 3 cups brown sugar
  • 1 cup shortening
  • 3 eggs
  • 3/4 cup cocoa
  • 3 cups flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 1/2 cups cold water

Instructions

  1. Cream together brown sugar and shortening.
  2. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  3. Mix cocoa with enough water to form a paste.
  4. Add cocoa paste to the mixture.
  5. Mix in flour, baking soda, and cold water alternately until well combined.
  6. Pour batter into a greased and floured pan.
  7. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C).
  8. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes for a 13 x 9-inch pan, or 50 to 55 minutes if using a different pan size.
  9. Allow to cool before frosting or serving.

Tips & Substitutions

For an even fluffier cake, ensure your eggs are at room temperature before adding them to the mixture. If you don’t have shortening, you can substitute it with an equal amount of unsalted butter for a richer flavor. Be careful not to overmix the batter after adding flour, as this can lead to a denser cake. For a fun twist, try adding chocolate chips for extra texture.

Serving Suggestions

This fluffy chocolate cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful dessert. For a festive touch, top with chocolate ganache or your favorite frosting. Serve alongside fresh berries or a scoop of sorbet for a refreshing contrast. It also makes a wonderful base for layered cakes or a birthday celebration.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover chocolate cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it, and it will last for about a week. To reheat, place a slice in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds until warm, or enjoy it cold for a fudgy treat.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Mother'S Fluffy Chocolate Cake contains roughly 838 calories, with 7g protein, 53g carbohydrates, and 68g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (42% of the Daily Value) and iron (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. It also contributes 12g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

838 kcal 42% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 7.2g 14% DV
Total Fat 68.2g 87% DV
Carbs 52.6g 19% DV
Fiber 11.8g 42% DV
Sugar 19.9g 40% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 458.3mg 20% DV
Potassium 893.9mg 19% DV
Cholesterol 32.3mg 11% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 7.9mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 0.1mg
Calcium 129.8mg 10% DV
Iron 5.1mg 28% DV
Diet fit High-fiber
Contains 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 a different type of sugar instead of brown sugar?

Yes, you can substitute granulated sugar for brown sugar, but keep in mind that the flavor and moisture level may change. Brown sugar adds a rich, caramel flavor and moisture that is hard to replicate, so consider using light brown sugar for a similar effect.

What can I use if I don't have cocoa powder?

If you don't have cocoa powder on hand, you can use carob powder as a substitute, but the flavor will differ. Another option is to use a combination of melted unsweetened chocolate and sugar; for every 3 tablespoons of cocoa, replace it with 1 ounce of melted chocolate and reduce the sugar in the recipe by 1 tablespoon.

How do I know when the cake is done baking?

To check if your cake is done, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just 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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