Old Fashion Devil'S Food Cake

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

Old Fashioned Devil's Food Cake is a rich, moist chocolate dessert with a deep cocoa flavor, perfect for special occasions or everyday indulgence. Its tender crumb and luscious frosting make it a favorite among chocolate lovers and those seeking nostalgic comfort in every bite.

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Ingredients

  • 2 c. sugar
  • 2 c. vegetable oil
  • 1 c. milk
  • 1 1/4 c. all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 c. cocoa
  • 1 1/4 tsp. baking powder
  • 1 tsp. soda
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 tsp. vanilla
  • 1 c. boiling water

Instructions

  1. Heat oven to 350°F.
  2. Spray 2 round pans or a 13 x 9 x 2-inch oblong pan with Pam.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, mix all dry ingredients.
  4. Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla to the dry ingredients.
  5. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes.
  6. Remove beater.
  7. Stir in boiling water. Batter will be thin.
  8. Pour into prepared pans.
  9. Bake in round pans for 30 to 35 minutes or in an oblong pan for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  10. Cool for 10 minutes; remove from pan to a wire rack.
  11. Cool completely.
  12. Frost with frosting of your choice.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using dark cocoa powder instead of regular cocoa. If you're out of eggs, you can substitute each egg with 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce. Ensure that your baking powder is fresh for the best rise. To avoid overmixing, switch to a spatula when incorporating boiling water. This cake is perfect for layering; browse more American recipes for great frosting ideas.

Serving Suggestions

Serve slices of this decadent cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to enhance the chocolate flavor. It pairs beautifully with Grandma Merritt'S Famous Lemon Pound Cake for a delightful dessert spread. Fresh berries on the side can also add a nice tart contrast to the sweetness of the cake.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. To freeze, wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, microwave individual slices for 10-15 seconds until warm, or let them sit at room temperature for a bit.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Old Fashion Devil'S Food Cake contains roughly 228 calories, with 3g protein, 38g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (16% of the Daily Value) and calcium (13% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 848mg per serving (37% of the Daily Value).

228 kcal 11% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 3.3g 7% DV
Total Fat 2.7g 3% DV
Carbs 37.8g 14% DV
Fiber 2.2g 8% DV
Sugar 2.8g 6% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 848.1mg 37% DV
Potassium 295.1mg 6% DV
Cholesterol 65.9mg 22% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 25.8mcg 3% DV
Vitamin C 14.7mg 16% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 164.4mg 13% DV
Iron 1.2mg 7% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal 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 use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but it may alter the texture and make the cake denser. For best results, use half all-purpose and half whole wheat flour to maintain moisture and lightness.

What should I do if my cake is too dry?

If your cake turns out too dry, it could be due to overbaking. To prevent this, check for doneness a few minutes before the suggested time. If it’s already dry, serve with a generous layer of frosting or a drizzle of chocolate syrup to add moisture.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day in advance. Just let it cool completely, wrap it tightly, and store it at room temperature. Frost it just before serving to keep it fresh and visually appealing.

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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