The Old-Fashioned Devil’s Food Cake is a timeless classic for chocolate lovers everywhere. Known for its rich, deep cocoa flavor and irresistibly moist texture, this cake is a staple at birthdays, holidays, and family gatherings. Made with simple pantry ingredients like flour, cocoa, buttermilk, and hot coffee, it delivers a decadent chocolate punch with every bite.
Easy enough for beginner bakers yet impressive enough for special occasions, this recipe guarantees a crowd-pleasing dessert every time. Whether you frost it with creamy chocolate buttercream or enjoy it plain, this devilishly delicious cake will quickly become your go-to homemade chocolate treat.
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What is Old-Fashioned Devil’s Food Cake?
Devil’s Food Cake… the name alone conjures up images of mischievous indulgence, doesn’t it? But why “Devil’s Food” instead of something angelic like “Chocolate Dream Cake”? Some say it’s because of its intensely rich, dark color – a stark contrast to the angelic lightness of white or yellow cake. Others whisper stories of rival bakers, one creating a “devilishly good” cake to outshine another’s.
Perhaps it’s simply because the flavors are so wickedly delicious that they almost feel forbidden! Is it truly a sin to enjoy a slice? Well, we don’t think so! After all, they say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach (and we think women’s too!), and this cake is a direct express lane. So, embrace your inner devil and bake up this incredibly tempting cake. You won’t regret it!
Key Ingredients for Old-Fashioned Devil’s Food Cake:
- All-Purpose Flour: 2 1/2 cups (300g) – Provides the structure for the cake.
- Granulated Sugar: 2 cups (400g) – Adds sweetness and tenderness.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: 1 cup (85g) – For that deep, devilish chocolate flavor. Dutch-processed cocoa powder will yield a darker, richer cake.
- Baking Soda: 1 teaspoon – Helps the cake rise and gives it a light, airy texture.
- Baking Powder: 1 teaspoon – Provides additional leavening for a perfect crumb.
- Salt: 1 teaspoon – Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
- Large Eggs: 2 – Bind the ingredients together and add richness.
- Buttermilk: 1 cup (240ml) – Adds a tangy flavor and keeps the cake moist. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to regular milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
- Vegetable Oil: 1/2 cup (120ml) – Contributes to the cake’s moistness.
- Hot Coffee: 1 cup (240ml) – Intensifies the chocolate flavor. Brew it strong!
- Vanilla Extract: 2 teaspoons – Enhances the overall flavor profile.
How to Make Old-Fashioned Devil’s Food Cake:
This Old-Fashioned Devil’s Food Cake is surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner bakers! The combination of simple ingredients and straightforward steps leads to a cake that is both delicious and satisfying. The rich chocolate flavor, coupled with its incredibly moist texture, makes it a crowd-pleaser every time. Expect a prep time of about 20 minutes and a bake time of around 30-35 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour (or line with parchment paper) two 9-inch round cake pans. This prevents the cake from sticking and ensures easy removal.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Whisking ensures that all the ingredients are evenly distributed and prevents lumps.
Add Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs, buttermilk, and vegetable oil to the dry ingredients. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes, or until well combined. The batter will be relatively thin.
Incorporate Hot Coffee: Carefully pour in the hot coffee and vanilla extract. Mix on low speed until just combined. The batter will be even thinner now. The hot coffee helps to bloom the cocoa powder, intensifying the chocolate flavor.
Divide Batter: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Use a kitchen scale for perfect accuracy.
Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Be careful not to overbake, as this can dry out the cake.
Cool: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling the cakes completely prevents them from crumbling when you frost them.
Frost: Once the cakes are completely cool, frost with your favorite frosting. Chocolate buttercream, whipped ganache, or even a simple dusting of powdered sugar are all great options.
Why You’ll Love This Old-Fashioned Devil’s Food Cake
This Old-Fashioned Devil’s Food Cake is seriously crave-worthy. Its deep, rich chocolate flavor paired with an incredibly moist crumb is the perfect dessert for any occasion. Plus, making it at home is much cheaper than buying a bakery cake! Top it with your favorite frosting, sprinkle some chocolate shavings, or add a dollop of fresh whipped cream for an extra special touch.
If you’re looking for something a little lighter, consider trying our classic chocolate cake recipe, which offers a more subtle chocolate flavor. But for a truly decadent experience, this Devil’s Food Cake is the way to go. Grab your apron and start baking! You won’t be disappointed.
What to Serve Old-Fashioned Devil’s Food Cake With:
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The classic pairing! The creamy vanilla complements the rich chocolate perfectly.
- Fresh Berries: The acidity of berries like raspberries, strawberries, or blackberries cuts through the richness of the cake.
- Coffee or Milk: A steaming cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk are the perfect accompaniments.
- Chocolate Shavings: Add a touch of elegance with chocolate shavings on top of the frosting.
- Peanut Butter Frosting: The salty sweetness of peanut butter frosting is a delightful counterpoint to the deep chocolatey flavor of the cake.
Top Tips for Perfecting Old-Fashioned Devil’s Food Cake:
- Use Good Quality Cocoa Powder: Dutch-processed cocoa powder provides a deeper, richer chocolate flavor and a darker color.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
- Measure Accurately: Baking is a science! Use measuring cups and spoons correctly for the best results.
- Let the Cakes Cool Completely: Frosting warm cakes can cause the frosting to melt and slide off.
- Don’t Open the Oven Door Too Often: Opening the oven door can cause the temperature to fluctuate, potentially affecting the cake’s rise.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
- Storing: Store frosted cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Unfrosted cake can be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and stored at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: To freeze the unfrosted cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before frosting. You can also freeze slices of frosted cake individually wrapped.
- Reheating: While not usually necessary, you can gently warm a slice of cake in the microwave (about 10-15 seconds) to enhance the moistness.
Final Thoughts:
This Old-Fashioned Devil’s Food Cake Recipe is a classic for a reason. Its incredible flavor, moist texture, and relatively simple preparation make it a winner every time. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving a sweet treat, this cake is sure to satisfy. So, go ahead and indulge in a slice of devilish delight!
Discover more here : The Ultimate Baking Hub: Classic & Seasonal Recipes for Home Bakers
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FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
While buttermilk is preferred for its tangy flavor and moistening properties, you can substitute it with regular milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar per cup. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
Can I use a different type of oil?
Yes, you can substitute vegetable oil with canola oil or any other neutral-flavored oil.
Old-Fashioned Devil’s Food Cake
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Old-Fashioned Devil’s Food Cake is rich, moist, and deeply chocolatey, with a light texture and irresistible flavor. Perfect for celebrations or whenever you crave a classic homemade chocolate cake.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups (300g) all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (85g) unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-processed preferred)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
- 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil
- 1 cup (240ml) hot coffee
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour or line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Add eggs, buttermilk, and vegetable oil. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes until combined.
- Carefully pour in hot coffee and vanilla extract. Mix on low until just combined.
- Divide batter evenly between prepared pans.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with moist crumbs.
- Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Frost with chocolate buttercream, whipped ganache, or dust with powdered sugar once fully cooled.
Notes
For best results, brew strong coffee to enhance the chocolate flavor. Be careful not to overbake, as this cake is meant to stay moist and tender.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 34g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 35mg