Whole Wheat Chocolate Cake

Prep: 15 min Cook: 60 min Cuisine: American

A hearty whole wheat chocolate cake with rich cocoa flavor, perfect for health-conscious dessert lovers seeking a moist, wholesome treat suitable for any occasion.

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Ingredients

  • 3 c. whole wheat flour
  • 2 c. sugar
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1/3 c. cocoa
  • 3 tsp. soda
  • 1 tsp. baking powder
  • 1 c. oil
  • 2 c. milk
  • 2 tsp. vanilla
  • 2 Tbsp. vinegar
  • 1 1/3 c. hot water

Instructions

  1. Mix all ingredients except water in a large bowl.
  2. Add hot water to the mixture and stir until well combined.
  3. Pour the batter into a 12-inch Dutch oven.
  4. Bake in the Dutch oven for 1 hour with 12 coals on top and 7 coals on the bottom.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter texture, consider sifting the whole wheat flour and cocoa powder before mixing. If you need a dairy-free option, substitute the milk with almond milk or oat milk. You can also reduce the sugar slightly if you prefer a less sweet cake. Adding a dash of espresso powder can enhance the chocolate flavor, making it even richer.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the whole wheat chocolate cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast. It pairs beautifully with Vickie'S Apple Cake for a dessert spread. Consider adding fresh berries on the side for a refreshing touch alongside your slice.

Storage & Reheating

Once cooled, store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate the cake for up to a week. To reheat, slice and warm individual pieces in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, or enjoy it at room temperature for the best texture.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Whole Wheat Chocolate Cake contains roughly 2327 calories, with 22g protein, 90g carbohydrates, and 209g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (146% of the Daily Value), iron (107% of the Daily Value), and potassium (68% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2287mg per serving (99% of the Daily Value).

2327 kcal 100% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 21.8g 44% DV
Total Fat 208.9g 100% DV
Carbs 90.3g 33% DV
Fiber 41g 100% DV
Sugar 21.4g 43% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2287.5mg 99% DV
Potassium 3172.8mg 68% DV
Cholesterol 0.4mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 5.3mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 0.9mg 1% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 463.4mg 36% DV
Iron 19.3mg 100% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber
Contains Milk 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 all-purpose flour instead of whole wheat flour?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour; however, your cake will have a different texture and flavor. Whole wheat flour adds a nuttier taste and denser texture, while all-purpose flour will yield a lighter cake. If using all-purpose flour, you may need to adjust the liquid slightly.

How can I make this cake gluten-free?

To make a gluten-free version, substitute the whole wheat flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check that your baking powder and other ingredients are also gluten-free. You might need to add a bit of xanthan gum to help with the structure.

What can I add to enhance the flavor of the cake?

You can enhance the flavor by adding chocolate chips or nuts such as walnuts or pecans to the batter. A teaspoon of instant coffee or espresso powder can also intensify the chocolate flavor. For a twist, try incorporating a teaspoon of orange zest for a refreshing citrus note.

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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