If you’re craving a rich and irresistible dessert, devil’s food cake should top your list. This legendary recipe has a deep chocolate flavor, a tender crumb, and an indulgent texture that melts in your mouth.
If you’re baking for a celebration or treating yourself to something decadent, this cake delivers in every way.
A Brief History of Devil’s Food Cake
Dating back to the late 19th century, devil’s food cake has always been synonymous with indulgence. Early recipes featured a chocolate paste made from milk and sugar, boiled down to form a thick, fudgy layer.
By the early 20th century, the introduction of cocoa powder and modern baking techniques turned this humble dessert into a cultural icon.Today, it remains a favorite among chocolate lovers worldwide.
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This particular recipe elevates the classic devil’s food cake with a one-bowl approach, making it simple yet irresistibly luxurious.
It’s layered with milk chocolate frosting and enhanced with variations like cherry juice or toasted marshmallow, ensuring there’s a version of this dessert to suit everyone’s tastes.
What Makes This Cake Stand Out
The secret to the perfect devil’s food cake lies in its ingredients and technique. Here’s why this recipe is a must-try:
- Intense Chocolate Flavor: Using both cocoa powder and finely chopped chocolate ensures a deep, rich taste.
- Unique Additions: Brewed coffee adds a slight bitterness that intensifies the chocolate, while brown sugar lends a butterscotch-like depth
- Easy Preparation: This is a one-bowl recipe, meaning less cleanup without sacrificing quality. Simply stir the ingredients together, and you’re on your way to chocolate heaven.
Paired with a velvety milk chocolate frosting, this cake is a true celebration of chocolate in every form .
Creative Variations to Try
One of the joys of baking is putting your personal twist on recipes. With devil’s food cake, the possibilities are endless. Here are some exciting variations to inspire your next baking session:
- Chocolate Cherry Delight: Swap out the coffee for tart cherry juice to brighten the cake’s flavor. Pair it with cherry almond buttercream for a summery dessert
- Devil’s Food Cupcakes: Transform this recipe into individual portions. Bake in lined cupcake pans for about 15 minutes, and enjoy bite-sized treats perfect for gatherings.
- German Chocolate Twist: Layer the cake with a gooey mixture of coconut, pecans, and dulce de leche for a rustic and chewy variation.
No matter which route you take, this cake will become a staple in your collection of go-to dessert recipes.
Tips for Perfect Results
To ensure your devil’s food cake turns out beautifully every time, keep these tips in mind:
- Use Room-Temperature Ingredients: This helps the batter mix evenly and creates a smoother texture.
- Don’t Skip the Coffee: Even if you’re not a coffee drinker, it enhances the chocolate flavor without tasting like coffee.
- Cool Completely Before Frosting: Allow the cakes to cool fully before applying the frosting to prevent melting or sliding.
For those with dietary restrictions, the recipe is highly adaptable. Substitute gluten-free flours, or experiment with vegan-friendly alternatives to enjoy a guilt-free version of this classic dessert.
Storage & Serving Suggestions
Once frosted, this cake can be stored at room temperature under a cake dome for up to 24 hours. For longer storage, wrap slices individually and keep them at room temperature for up to four days.
Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent touch.
Why You Should Make Devil’s Food Cake Today
Dessert recipes come and go, but devil’s food cake stands the test of time. Its rich history, unbeatable flavor, and easy adaptability make it a must-have in your baking repertoire.
So, gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and get ready to enjoy one of the most decadent cakes ever created. Your taste buds will thank you,
One-Bowl Devil’s Food Layer Cake Recipe with Milk Chocolate Frosting
Equipment
- 3 8-by-3-inch round cake pans
- Parchment paper
- Large mixing bowl
- Saucepan
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups unsalted butter 3 sticks
- 1 ½ cups black coffee or black tea
- 1 cup Dutch-process cocoa powder
- 1 ¼ cup finely chopped dark chocolate about 72%
- 2 cups packed light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 6 large eggs
- 3 tablespoons egg yolks from about 3 large eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking soda
- 1 recipe Milk Chocolate Frosting
- Optional: 1 cup Oreo crumbs
Instructions
- Prepare Oven & Pans: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line three 8-by-3-inch cake pans with parchment and grease them well. If you don’t have three pans, bake in batches.
- Melt Butter & Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large saucepan, heat the butter and coffee over low heat until melted. Remove from heat and whisk the cocoa powder and chopped chocolate until smooth. Stir in the brown sugar, vanilla extract, and salt.
- Incorporate Eggs & Dry Ingredients: Whisk the eggs into the mixture. Gradually sift in the flour and baking soda, mixing gently until fully combined.
- Divide & Bake: Evenly distribute the batter between prepared pans. Bake for approximately 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few crumbs. Cool completely before frosting.
- Frost & Assemble: Once cooled, trim the cake layers to remove any doming. Place one layer on a serving plate, spread with frosting, and repeat for the second and third layers. Coat the cake sides and top with remaining frosting. Optionally, garnish with Oreo crumbs.
- Storage: Keep the frosted cake at room temperature for up to 24 hours under a cake dome. Wrapped slices can last an additional 4 days.
Notes
- Frosting must be used immediately after preparation.
- Ensure cakes are fully cooled before frosting to avoid melting.
Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.