Never Fail Cake
Never Fail Cake is a classic, moist chocolate cake known for its reliability and rich cocoa flavor. Perfect for any celebration or casual dessert, it offers a tender crumb with a deep chocolate taste that appeals to both kids and adults alike, making it a dependable favorite in any bakery or home kitchen.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream shortening with sugar.
- Add beaten eggs and cocoa; mix well.
- Alternately add sour milk or buttermilk and water with flour and soda.
- Beat 150 strokes.
- Add 3 tablespoons cold water and a pinch of salt.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the cocoa with dark chocolate powder. If you don't have sour milk or buttermilk, you can create a substitute by adding a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to regular milk. Make sure to cream the shortening and sugar thoroughly for a light texture. Beating the batter for the full 150 strokes ensures even distribution of ingredients.
Serving Suggestions
This cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For an added touch, dust the top with powdered sugar or drizzle with chocolate sauce. Enjoy it as a dessert after a hearty meal, or serve it alongside coffee for an afternoon treat. It complements American recipes perfectly, making it a versatile option for gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to extend its freshness, refrigerate it, where it can last up to a week. When ready to enjoy, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or microwave individual slices for 10-15 seconds to regain its moist texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Never Fail Cake contains roughly 1183 calories, with 24g protein, 202g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (56% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (49% of the Daily Value), and protein (48% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. It also contributes 11g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 regular milk instead of sour milk or buttermilk?
Yes, you can use regular milk by adding a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to it to mimic the acidity of buttermilk. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes before adding it to the recipe. This will help achieve the same tender and moist texture in your cake.
What can I do if my cake is too dry?
If your cake turns out dry, consider adding a simple syrup to moisten it. Mix equal parts water and sugar, heat until dissolved, and brush it over the cooled cake. You can also serve it with a sauce or ice cream to enhance moisture and flavor.
Can I freeze the Never Fail Cake?
Yes, you can freeze the cake to extend its shelf life. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to three months. To thaw, leave it in the refrigerator overnight or let it sit at room temperature for a few hours.
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).