No Fail Chocolate Cake

Prep: 15 min Cook: 38 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

A rich, moist chocolate cake with a tender crumb and deep cocoa flavor, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings and suitable for all chocolate lovers.

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Ingredients

  • 1 2/3 cups flour
  • 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 1 1/4 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup cocoa powder
  • 1/2 cup shortening
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 eggs

Instructions

  1. Put all ingredients except eggs in a bowl and beat until creamy.
  2. Add eggs and continue beating until well mixed.
  3. Pour the batter into a baking pan.
  4. Bake in a 350°F oven for 38 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer chocolate flavor, consider substituting half of the cocoa powder with dark cocoa powder. You can also replace shortening with unsalted butter for a more traditional taste. If you want to reduce sugar, try using a sugar substitute that measures like sugar. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for a smoother batter.

Serving Suggestions

This chocolate cake pairs beautifully with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a delightful dessert. For an extra touch, drizzle with chocolate ganache or serve alongside fresh berries. It also goes well with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk, making it a perfect treat for gatherings or a cozy night in.

Storage & Reheating

Once cooled, store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, slice individual pieces and warm them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for a fresh taste.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of No Fail Chocolate Cake contains roughly 446 calories, with 9g protein, 57g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (46% of the Daily Value), iron (32% of the Daily Value), and potassium (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1102mg per serving (48% of the Daily Value).

446 kcal 22% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 8.7g 17% DV
Total Fat 9.2g 12% DV
Carbs 56.7g 21% DV
Fiber 12.8g 46% DV
Sugar 6.5g 13% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1102.1mg 48% DV
Potassium 1041.6mg 22% DV
Cholesterol 38.7mg 13% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 10.6mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 18.3mg 20% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 93.1mg 7% DV
Iron 5.7mg 32% 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 make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day in advance. Just let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it at room temperature. This will help the flavors to meld, enhancing the overall taste when served.

Can I substitute eggs in this recipe?

Yes, if you're looking for an egg substitute, you can use unsweetened applesauce or mashed bananas, using 1/4 cup for each egg. This will keep the moisture in the cake, but the texture may be slightly different. Make sure to adjust the sweetness if using fruit puree.

What can I do if my cake is too dense?

If your cake turns out too dense, it could be due to overmixing or too much flour. To avoid this next time, measure flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off. Also, mix just until combined to keep the cake light and fluffy.

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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