Never-Fail Devil Cake

Prep: 15 min Cook: 35 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

A rich, moist chocolate cake with a deep cocoa flavor and tender crumb, perfect for celebrations or satisfying a chocolate craving. Suitable for all chocolate lovers.

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Ingredients

  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup cocoa
  • 1 cup shortening (Crisco)
  • 3 cups flour
  • 1 cup sour milk or buttermilk
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1 cup hot water

Instructions

  1. Place all ingredients in a bowl in the order given; do not mix initially. After all ingredients have been added, beat well until smooth.
  2. Pour the batter into a greased and floured 9 x 13-inch pan.
  3. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using Dutch-processed cocoa instead of regular cocoa powder. If you don't have sour milk, you can make your own by adding a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to regular milk and letting it sit for a few minutes. Make sure to beat the batter until smooth to ensure a fluffy cake texture. For a fun twist, try adding chocolate chips or nuts for extra flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This Never-Fail Devil Cake is perfect on its own, but you can elevate it by serving with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert. It pairs beautifully with Tasty Berries for a refreshing contrast. Consider serving it alongside a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy treat that everyone will enjoy.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, simply slice a piece and microwave it for about 15-20 seconds, or until warmed through, ensuring it remains moist and delicious.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Never-Fail Devil Cake contains roughly 930 calories, with 9g protein, 64g carbohydrates, and 66g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (31% of the Daily Value) and iron (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. It also contributes 9g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

930 kcal 47% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 9.3g 19% DV
Total Fat 66.5g 85% DV
Carbs 64.3g 23% DV
Fiber 8.7g 31% DV
Sugar 2.9g 6% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 292.6mg 13% DV
Potassium 731.6mg 16% DV
Cholesterol 51.6mg 17% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 12.6mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 7.3mg 8% DV
Calcium 83.1mg 6% DV
Iron 5.3mg 29% DV
Diet fit High-fiber
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 oil instead of shortening in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute an equal amount of vegetable oil for shortening. However, using shortening will give the cake a slightly different texture, making it more tender. If you opt for oil, choose a light flavor to avoid overpowering the chocolate.

What can I use if I don’t have buttermilk?

If you don't have buttermilk, you can easily make a substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it thickens slightly. This will work well in the recipe and maintain the cake's moisture.

How can I tell 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 just a few moist crumbs, the cake is ready. If it comes out with wet batter, 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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