Three Hole Chocolate Cake
A moist, chocolatey cake with simple ingredients, perfect for a quick dessert or fun baking activity suitable for all skill levels.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put dry ingredients in a sifter and sift into an ungreased 10 x 7-inch pan.
- Make 3 holes in the dry mixture; in the first hole, pour in oil; in the second, pour in vinegar; in the third, pour in vanilla.
- Pour cold water over all the ingredients in the pan.
- Stir completely with a fork until well combined.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer chocolate flavor, consider using Dutch-processed cocoa instead of regular cocoa. If you're out of vinegar, lemon juice or apple cider vinegar can work as substitutes. For a gluten-free version, replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Ensure you sift the dry ingredients well to prevent clumps and achieve a lighter texture.
Serving Suggestions
This cake is delightful on its own but pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a festive touch, dust with powdered sugar or serve it alongside fresh berries. A slice of this cake also complements a cup of coffee or tea perfectly for an afternoon treat.
Storage & Reheating
Store 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 microwave a slice for about 15-20 seconds or warm it in an oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Three Hole Chocolate Cake contains roughly 439 calories, with 1g protein, 8g carbohydrates, and 45g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 965mg per serving (42% 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 make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cake stores well, making it perfect for preparing in advance. Just bake it, let it cool completely, and store it in an airtight container. You can frost it or serve it plain when you're ready to enjoy it.
Can I add other flavors to this cake?
Yes, you can enhance the flavor by adding a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the dry ingredients for a mocha twist. Alternatively, mix in some chocolate chips or nuts for extra texture and depth.
Is this cake suitable for special diets?
Yes, this recipe can easily be adapted for vegan recipes by using plant-based oil and ensuring the vinegar is suitable. It's a simple, dairy-free cake that can cater to various dietary needs without compromising flavor.
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).