Nellie'S Favorite Chocolate Cake
Nellie's Favorite Chocolate Cake offers a rich, moist, and decadent chocolate flavor with a tender crumb, perfect for celebrations or any occasion needing a delicious dessert.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix together sugar and eggs.
- Add vanilla extract and sour cream; mix well.
- Combine flour, baking soda, and salt; gradually add to the wet mixture.
- Add cocoa powder, hot water, and melted butter; mix until smooth.
- Pour batter into greased and floured 8-inch cake pans.
- Bake at 350°F for 35 to 40 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow cakes to cool before frosting and assembling.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra moist cake, consider using buttermilk instead of sour cream. You can also substitute half of the melted butter with applesauce for a lighter version. When combining dry ingredients, sift them together to avoid lumps. Ensure your eggs are at room temperature for better incorporation. For a richer flavor, try adding a teaspoon of instant coffee to the cocoa.
Serving Suggestions
This cake is delightful on its own but can be elevated with a rich chocolate ganache or a simple dusting of powdered sugar. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or alongside a fruit compote for a refreshing contrast. It pairs beautifully with Banana Chocolate Pudding for a dessert spread that will impress guests.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate for up to a week. To freeze, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then store in a freezer bag for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Nellie'S Favorite Chocolate Cake contains roughly 375 calories, with 6g protein, 49g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (13% of the Daily Value), calcium (13% of the Daily Value), and protein (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 981mg per serving (43% 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 a different type of flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour for a healthier option, but the texture may be slightly denser. If gluten-free is preferred, opt for a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, making sure it contains xanthan gum to help with structure.
What can I do if my cake sinks in the middle?
A sinking cake can be due to underbaking or too much moisture. Ensure that your oven temperature is accurate and avoid opening the oven door too early. If the recipe is followed closely, adjusting baking time may help; try baking a few extra minutes.
How can I make this cake chocolate-flavored without cocoa powder?
You can substitute cocoa powder with melted chocolate; use about 4 ounces of semi-sweet chocolate for the cocoa amount in the recipe. Just melt it and combine it with the wet ingredients for a rich chocolate flavor.
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).