Sinful Indulgence: Devil’s Food Chocolate Cake Recipes from The Great British Bake Off to Nigella Lawson

Dive into chocolate heaven with this exquisite cake, a dream come true for chocolate enthusiasts. This decadent delight delivers an intense cocoa essence, wrapped in luxurious chocolate buttercream frosting—a treat fit for any celebration.

For those craving a chocolate cake that’s fudgier, moister, and richer, this cake hits the mark perfectly. Its velvety texture promises an indulgent experience with every bite, offering a dense yet tender sensation that’s undeniably tempting. 

Needed Ingredients for this Chocolate Cake Recipe 

Butter

Soften the butter to room temperature, ensuring it’s pliable enough to leave a dent when pressed. Be mindful of warmer environments to prevent the butter from turning greasy. Choose unsalted butter for consistency, as salt levels can differ in various brands of salted butter.

Cocoa Powder

Dutch-process cocoa powder, treated with alkali, diminishes acidity, delivering the cake its characteristic deep color and indulgent chocolate essence.

Oil

Combining both butter and oil results in an exceptionally moist cake texture.

Brown Sugar

The presence of brown sugar elevates the cake’s flavor and moisture quotient simultaneously.

Coffee

Using coffee won’t alter the cake’s taste to coffee; rather, the addition of hot coffee intensifies the cake’s chocolate flavor.

Sour Cream

Ensure the use of full-fat sour cream; it contributes moisture to the cake, maintaining a tender crumb without thinning the cake mixture. Additionally, it aids in activating the baking soda for optimal rise.

Frosting

You’ve got options: either go for store-bought frosting or whip up my hassle-free chocolate buttercream frosting recipe, perfect for preparing in advance!

Perfect Filling and Frosting: How To Make This Recipe

• 1. Begin by combining the dry ingredients—flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt—by sifting them in a large bowl.

• 2. In another bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder and oil until achieving a smooth and glossy chocolate mixture.

• 3. Utilizing room temperature butter and sugar, cream the butter and sugar together in a stand mixer. Add the cocoa mixture along with the sugars, beating until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy.

• 4. Gradually add the eggs, one at a time, ensuring thorough integration into the batter. Remember to scrape down the sides of the bowl during this process. Introduce the vanilla extract into the rich chocolate batter.

• 5. Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients (the flour mixture) into the batter, alternating with portions of milk and sour cream to maintain the cake’s moist crumb. It’s crucial to scrape down the bowl periodically to ensure thorough mixing.
• 6. Carefully whisk in the hot coffee until the cake batter achieves a smooth consistency

• 7. Pour the prepared batter into cake tins lined with parchment paper, ensuring they’re greased, and bake until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, let the cakes cool completely on a wire rack.

• 8. If desired, slice each cake layer in half horizontally to create four thin cake layers. Proceed to spread approximately ¾ cup of frosting between each layer, also frosting over the top and sides of the layer cake with the remaining frosting to cover the entire cake in rich chocolatey goodness.

Enjoy this delightful recipe and relish each indulgent slice of this intense chocolate-flavored treat!

FAQs: 

What’s the story behind its name? 

Its title emerged in the late 1900s due to its irresistibly delicious, dark, rich, and chocolatey characteristics! Being the complete opposite of the popular angel food cake, it became known as its chocolate equivalent, hence embracing the devilish association.

What sets this Cake apart from the Red Velvet Cake, and how does the inclusion of baking soda impact their distinct chocolate flavors?

The difference between this delicious Devil’s Food Cake and the Red Velvet Cake is minimal. According to some, the incorporation of baking soda in Devil’s Food Cake contributes to a heightened chocolate flavor in the cake.

What should I do if my cake has a slight dome?

 In case your cake forms a small raised area, you can eliminate it by carefully slicing it off with a serrated knife.

How does adding dark chocolate change the flavor of this recipe, and is it essential?

Absolutely, you have the option to include dark chocolate in this recipe, but it’s not a mandatory addition. Opting for 2 to 4 ounces of finely chopped dark chocolate can enhance the overall taste profile, although it’s entirely optional.

What’s the ideal way to freeze cake slices without the frosting sticking?

You can freeze the cake by slicing it, wrapping each piece in plastic wrap, generously frosting over the top, and then storing them in a freezer-safe container. When you want to serve it, bring the wrapped slices to room temperature. If concerned about frosting sticking, consider flash-freezing the cake slices.

Finally

This beloved cake is a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. With simple ingredients expertly blended to create a moist, rich cake, assembling and frosting each layer adds to its allure. Don’t forget to spread the remaining cake frosting generously over the top and sides of the cake for a decadent finish. Cut each cake layer carefully to build a stunning tiered creation. Using a cake stand ensures stability, while beating well guarantees that perfect, fluffy texture.

This recipe effortlessly transforms basic ingredients into an intense chocolate dessert, ensuring every slice delivers pure delight. Once baked, ensure the cake comes out clean when a skewer is inserted. If you’ve tried this recipe, feel free to rate the recipe and share your experience of creating this indulgent delight with others.