Our Favorite Devil'S Food Cake
Rich and moist devil's food cake with deep chocolate flavor, perfect for celebrations or satisfying chocolate cravings. Suitable for all chocolate lovers seeking indulgence.
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar ⓘ
- 3/4 cup lightly packed brown sugar ⓘ
- 1/4 pound (1/2 cup) soft butter or margarine ⓘ
- 3 ounces unsweetened chocolate, melted ⓘ
- 3 egg yolks ⓘ
- 1/4 cup water ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract ⓘ
- 2 cups sifted cake flour ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 1 cup milk ⓘ
- 3 egg whites ⓘ
Instructions
- Cream sugars and butter until light and fluffy.
- Add melted chocolate and mix well.
- Beat egg yolks; add water and vanilla extract, then blend into the mixture.
- Gradually add the yolk mixture to the chocolate mixture, beating until combined.
- Sift together cake flour, salt, and baking soda.
- Alternately add the flour mixture and milk to the batter, blending well after each addition.
- Beat egg whites until stiff peaks form, but not dry.
- Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the batter.
- Pour the batter into two greased and floured 9-inch round cake pans or one greased and floured 13 x 9 x 2-inch pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 to 35 minutes, or until the cake springs back when lightly touched.
- Turn out onto a cooling rack and let cool.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra moist cake, consider adding a tablespoon of coffee to the batter to enhance the chocolate flavor. If you don't have cake flour, you can substitute with all-purpose flour by removing 1 tablespoon per cup and adding cornstarch. Make sure your eggs are at room temperature for better volume when beating the egg whites.
Serving Suggestions
This Devil's Food Cake pairs beautifully with a rich chocolate ganache or a light whipped cream frosting. Serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience. For a festive touch, consider garnishing with fresh berries or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate it for a longer shelf life, but allow it to come to room temperature before serving. To reheat, place slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or enjoy it cold for a different texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Our Favorite Devil'S Food Cake contains roughly 355 calories, with 11g protein, 38g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (22% of the Daily Value) and iron (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1061mg per serving (46% 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 substitutions for the sugars in this recipe?
Yes, you can use coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like stevia for the granulated sugar, keeping in mind that it may alter the texture slightly. If you're using a sugar substitute, check the conversion ratio to ensure the sweetness is equivalent.
What type of chocolate should I use for melting?
Unsweetened chocolate is best for this recipe, as it provides a rich base flavor. If you prefer a sweeter cake, you can substitute with semi-sweet chocolate, but reduce the sugar slightly to balance the sweetness.
How can I ensure my cake rises properly?
Make sure your baking soda is fresh, as expired leavening agents can prevent the cake from rising. Additionally, avoid overmixing the batter after adding the flour, as this can lead to a dense cake. Follow the baking times closely for best results.
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).