Indulge in the sinfully rich and decadent world of Devils Food Cake with my irresistible recipe. This old-fashioned delight is a chocolate lover’s dream, boasting intense richness and a dense, moist texture that’s sure to captivate your taste buds. Drenched in luscious chocolate frosting, this classic treat is a must-try for any dessert enthusiast.
My Easy Devils Food Cake Recipe, a cherished heirloom from my late Mom, promises a light, moist, and intensely chocolatey experience. Whether you opt for a traditional layer cake or delectable cupcakes, this foolproof recipe guarantees a delightful outcome every time. By using top-quality, room temperature ingredients, like fresh butter, eggs, and premium cocoa powder, you’ll elevate this cake to perfection.
Ingredients for Devil’s Food Cake
Creating a super chocolaty and moist Devil’s Food Cake requires the perfect blend of high-quality ingredients to bring out the rich flavors. Below are the essential components needed to make this decadent dessert.
Cake Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa (Dutch-processed)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon table salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup prepared coffee
- 90g heavy whipping cream
- 165g unsalted butter
- 3/4 teaspoon espresso powder
- 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
- 315g bittersweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
Necessary Equipment
Baking Tools
- Electric or stand mixer
- Mixing Bowls
- 9-inch round cake pans
- Parchment paper
- Spatula for frosting
- Cake decorating turntable
- Offset spatula for smoothing frosting
- Piping bags and tips for decorative piping
- Cake stand for presentation
Directions to Make Devil’s Food Cake
Creating a decadent Devil’s Food Cake involves multiple steps to achieve its rich and moist texture. Here’s a detailed guide on how to make this irresistible chocolate dessert:
Preparing the Cake Batter
To begin making Devil’s Food Cake, it’s crucial to prepare a velvety batter that will result in a moist and flavorful cake. Follow these steps to ensure your cake turns out perfectly:
- In a large bowl, sift together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder.
- Whisk together 1 cup of Dutch-processed cocoa powder and 1/2 cup of vegetable oil in a medium bowl.
- Cream 1/2 cup of unsalted butter in the bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment. Add the cocoa powder mixture to the butter along with 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar and 1/2 cup of packed light brown sugar. Beat on medium speed until the mixture is very light and fluffy.
- With the mixer running, add 3 large eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Use a spatula to scrape the bottom and sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing.
- Add one-third of the flour mixture to the cake batter and mix just enough to combine.
- Gradually add 1/2 cup of sour cream, mixing just enough to combine.
- Repeat the process by adding another one-third of the flour mixture, then the remaining sour cream, and finally the rest of the flour mixture.
- Carefully pour in 1 cup of hot coffee and stir until just combined.
- Divide the batter equally between the prepared cake pans.
Baking the Cake Layers
Once the batter is ready, it’s time to bake the cake layers to perfection. Follow these steps for a successful baking process:
- Bake the filled cake pans in a preheated oven at 350°F for 40 to 45 minutes.
- Check the cakes after 30 minutes by performing the toothpick test. If the toothpick comes out clean, the cakes are ready; otherwise, continue baking and checking every 5 minutes.
- Once baked, allow the cakes to cool in their pans for 5 minutes. Then, turn them out onto a cooling rack, remove the parchment paper, and let them cool completely.
- Carefully invert the cakes and remove the parchment paper.
- Let the cakes finish cooling on a wire rack to ensure they are tender and delicate.
- The cooled cake layers are now ready to be assembled with delicious chocolate frosting for a heavenly Devil’s Food Cake treat.
How to Make the Frosting
Ingredients and Tools
To make the decadent chocolate fudge frosting for this Devil’s Food Cake recipe, you will need the following ingredients and tools:
- 90g Heavy whipping cream
- 165g unsalted butter
- ¾ tsp espresso powder
- ⅛ tsp kosher salt
- 315g bittersweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
- 225g powdered sugar, sifted if lumpy
- Smooth and Creamy Butter: Add the butter to a large mixer bowl, and beat until smooth and creamy.
- Incorporate Chocolate: Add the melted chocolate in three parts, mixing well after each addition to avoid chocolate chunks.
- Combine Cocoa and Sugar: Add the cocoa powder and about half of the powdered sugar, mixing until well combined.
- Add Flavor and Mix: Add the salt and half of the heavy cream, mixing until a smooth consistency is achieved.
- Achieve Desired Texture: Gradually add the remaining powdered sugar, adjusting the consistency, and adding the rest of the heavy cream as needed until you reach the perfect frosting texture.
Remember, this luscious chocolate frosting will take your Devil’s Food Cake to a whole new level of deliciousness when mixed to perfection and spread generously over the rich chocolate layers.
Assembling the Cake
Assembling the Devil’s Food Cake is where the magic happens, bringing together the rich layers of chocolate goodness and decadent frosting. Follow these steps to create a show-stopping dessert for any occasion.
Layering the Cake
- Prepare Cake Layers: After baking and cooling the cake layers, use a serrated knife to level off any domes on top, ensuring even layers for stacking.
- Building the Cake: Start by placing one cake layer on a cake plate or stand. Spread a generous amount of delicious chocolate frosting, about 1/2 cup, evenly over the layer. Repeat this process with each layer, finishing with the final layer on top.
Frosting the Cake
- Coating the Cake: Spread the remaining frosting over the top and sides of the cake using an offset spatula for a smooth finish.
- Whipping the Frosting: For a glossy, spreadable frosting, refrigerate the frosting for 45 minutes until firm. Then, whip it using electric beaters just before frosting the cake, creating a shiny and luscious texture.
- Designing the Cake: Use an offset spatula to create decorative designs on the sides of the cake for a professional touch.
- Final Touch: Sprinkle additional chopped chocolate around the edges of the cake to enhance its appearance and add a delightful crunch.
- Storing the Cake: Once assembled, the Devil’s Food Cake can be stored at room temperature for up to 5 days, allowing the flavors to meld together for a truly irresistible treat.
Storage and Serving Suggestions
How to Store
After indulging in this delicious Devil’s Food Cake, you’ll want to know the best way to store it for later enjoyment. Simply place the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days to maintain its freshness. If you need to keep it longer, you can freeze the cake layers before frosting them. Ensure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing for up to 3 months. Remember to thaw the cake layers in the fridge before proceeding with frosting.
Best Serving Practices
For the best serving experience, let the Devil’s Food Cake slices come to room temperature before serving to enhance their flavor. Pair each slice with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful treat. Additionally, consider adding a sprinkle of cocoa powder or grated chocolate on top for an extra touch of decadence. Enjoy the rich, moist cake with a hot cup of coffee or a tall glass of cold milk for a complete and satisfying dessert experience.
Alternative Variations
Cupcake Version
For a fun twist on the classic Devil’s Food Cake, you can easily adapt the recipe to make delicious devil’s food cupcakes. Simply pour the batter into cupcake liners instead of cake pans and adjust the baking time accordingly. Once baked and cooled, top these rich chocolate cupcakes with your favorite frosting for a delightful handheld treat.
Vegan and Gluten-Free Options
To cater to different dietary preferences, you can make vegan and gluten-free versions of Devil’s Food Cake. Replace dairy milk with almond or soy milk, use a plant-based butter substitute, and opt for gluten-free flour blend or almond flour instead of all-purpose flour. With these simple swaps, everyone can enjoy a moist and decadent slice of devil’s food cake, regardless of dietary restrictions.
Conclusion
Creating Devil’s Food Cake is not just about following a recipe; it’s about capturing the essence of indulgence and nostalgia in every bite. By using top-notch ingredients and following the step-by-step instructions, you can craft a decadent treat that honors tradition while also allowing for creative twists. Whether you opt for the classic layer cake or experiment with cupcakes, there’s a devil’s food dessert for every occasion. Remember to savor each slice at room temperature and consider accompanying it with complementary toppings like whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream. With the flexibility to cater to various dietary needs, from vegan to gluten-free, Devil’s Food Cake remains a versatile and timeless delight that brings joy to all who partake.