St. Louis Cake
A rich layered dessert featuring a chocolate topping, whipped cream, and cake base, perfect for indulgent celebrations or special occasions for chocolate lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put chocolate chips, sugar, water, and beaten egg yolks in the top of a double boiler.
- Stir over heat until thick and melted.
- Remove from heat and cool slightly.
- After it has cooled, fold in the stiffly beaten egg whites.
- Spread the chocolate mixture over slices of prepared yellow cake or pound cake.
- Top with whipped, sweetened heavy cream before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips instead of regular chocolate chips. If you're short on time, store-bought whipped cream can be used in place of homemade. Ensure the egg whites are beaten to stiff peaks for a light texture in the chocolate mixture. If you'd like to elevate the dessert further, try adding a splash of vanilla extract or espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This St. Louis Cake pairs beautifully with a side of fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added contrast. For a more decadent experience, drizzle some chocolate sauce over the whipped cream. It also makes a great finale to a casual dinner or a festive gathering. For more dessert inspiration, explore American recipes that highlight rich chocolate flavors.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftover St. Louis Cake, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 2-3 days. When ready to serve, you can enjoy it chilled or let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes for a softer texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of St. Louis Cake contains roughly 393 calories, with 17g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (35% of the Daily Value), iron (21% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and vitamin D. At about 393 calories per serving, it is a lighter, protein-rich choice.
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?
Yes, you can prepare the chocolate mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just remember to fold in the egg whites right before spreading it over the cake to maintain its airy texture. The whipped cream can also be made ahead and stored separately to keep it fresh.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
If you're looking for a lighter alternative, you can use half-and-half or a non-dairy whipped topping. However, keep in mind that the texture and richness will differ. For a vegan option, try using coconut cream whipped until fluffy, which adds a nice flavor.
How do I know when the chocolate mixture is thick enough?
The chocolate mixture is ready when it coats the back of a spoon and holds its shape without running off. It should be thick and slightly glossy. Make sure to stir continuously over the heat to prevent burning and ensure even consistency.
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).