Traditional Devil's Food Cake

User Reviews

4.4

69 reviews
Good
  • Prep Time

    15 mins

  • Cook Time

    40 mins

  • Additional Time

    35 mins

  • Total Time

    1 hr 30 mins

  • Servings

    12 to 16 servings

  • Calories

    428 kcal

  • Course

    Dessert

  • Cuisine

    American

Traditional Devil's Food Cake

Traditional Devil's Food Cake is a rich, moist chocolate layer cake made with unsweetened cocoa and hot coffee, which intensifies the chocolate flavor. The batter includes butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla, sour cream, and leavening agents, resulting in a tender crumb and deep chocolate taste. This cake is baked in two round pans and typically frosted with a classic 7 Minute Frosting or another preferred frosting. It's a satisfying dessert for those who appreciate a classic chocolate cake with a balanced texture and flavor.

Description

Traditional Devil's Food Cake combines the richness of cocoa powder with the depth of hot coffee to enhance the chocolate experience. The recipe begins by creaming butter and sugar, then incorporating eggs and vanilla. Cocoa powder mixed with brewed coffee is folded into the batter along with flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and sour cream, which contribute moisture and tenderness. Baking the batter in two 9-inch round pans creates layers that can be frosted according to preference.

The cake's texture is moist and soft, with a sufficient crumb structure to hold up well to frosting. The use of sour cream adds subtle acidity, which balances the sweetness and enriches texture. The 7 Minute Frosting recommended is light and sweet, complementing the dense cake layers without overwhelming them.

This cake suits occasions where a classic chocolate dessert is desired. It pairs well with coffee or milk and can be served at gatherings or as a special treat. The recipe includes baking times and temperature to ensure even cooking and optimal cake rise.

Notes mention nutritional values based on one serving but do not provide additional preparation tips. To get the best results, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature and carefully monitor baking time to avoid dryness.

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Ingredients

Servings
  • cups unsalted butter at room temperature
  • cups granulated sugar
  • 4 egg at room temperature, extra-large
  • 4 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • ¾ cup cocoa powder unsweetened
  • ¾ cup coffee hot brewed
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 7 Minute Frosting double batch, or your favorite frosting

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease two 9x2-inch round cake pans, line the bottoms with parchment paper, grease the parchment and flour the pans. Set aside.
  2. In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  3. Using an electric mixer, cream the butter and sugar on medium speed for 3 minutes, until light and fluffy. On low speed, add the eggs, on at a time. Add the vanilla and beat until well mixed, scraping down the bowl with a rubber spatula.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder and hot coffee until smooth.
  5. With the mixer on low, add the chocolate mixture to the batter.
  6. Still with the mixer on low, slowly add half of the flour mixture to the batter, then all of the sour cream, then the remaining flour mixture, mixing each addition until combined. With a rubber spatula, fold the batter until it is well mixed.
  7. Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Col in the pans for 30 minutes, then turn the cakes out onto a wire rack and cool completely.
  8. Slice each cake layer in half horizontally. Place the bottom of the first cake, cut side up, on a flat serving plate and spread 1 cup of frosting on the top. Place the top of the first cake, cut side down, on top and spread another 1 cup of frosting on top. Next, place the top layer of the second cake on top, cut side up, and frost with another 1 cup of frosting. Finally, place the bottom layer of the second cake, bottom side up (so the top of the cake is flat). Frost the top and sides of the cake. The cake can be stored, covered, for up to 3 days. If you use the 7 Minute Frosting or a meringue buttercream, the cake should be refrigerated; bring to room temperature prior to serving. If you use any other type of frosting (a traditional vanilla, chocolate, cream cheese, etc.), the cake can be stored at room temperature.

Notes

  • Use room temperature ingredients for better batter consistency.
  • Prepare pans properly with parchment paper and flour to prevent sticking.
  • Monitor baking time closely starting at 30 minutes to avoid overbaking.
  • Allow cake layers to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Calories 428kcal (21%) Carbohydrates 53g (18%) Protein 5g (10%) Fat 22g (34%) Saturated Fat 13g (65%) Cholesterol 94mg (31%) Sodium 329mg (14%) Potassium 157mg (3%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 32g (64%) Vitamin A 680IU (14%) Vitamin C 0.2mg (0%) Calcium 47mg (5%) Iron 1.9mg (11%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 12to 16 servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 428 kcal

% Daily Value*

Calories 428kcal 21%
Carbohydrates 53g 18%
Protein 5g 10%
Fat 22g 34%
Saturated Fat 13g 65%
Cholesterol 94mg 31%
Sodium 329mg 14%
Potassium 157mg 3%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 32g 64%
Vitamin A 680IU 14%
Vitamin C 0.2mg 0%
Calcium 47mg 5%
Iron 1.9mg 11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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4.4

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