Devil's Food Flake is a rich, nostalgic chocolate dessert that blends dark, velvety chocolate with a uniquely fluffy texture from melted marshmallows. This mid-century recipe captures the charm of old-school baking with its simple ingredients and clever preparation method. The topping of whipped cream and chopped nuts brings a delightful contrast to the cake’s moist crumb. Beloved for its comforting flavor and easy-to-follow method, this dessert has long been a family favorite for gatherings and special occasions.
Ingredients
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 ½ cup water
- 12 marshmallows (quartered)
- 2 tbsp shortening
- ½ cup sugar (additional)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup flour
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 3 tbsp cocoa powder
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup chopped nuts
- whipped cream (for serving)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Chocolate Base
- Boil ½ cup sugar and ½ cup water.
- Pour the mixture into a saucepan.
- Add 12 quartered marshmallows and melt together.
Step 2: Cream Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, cream together 2 tbsp shortening, ½ cup sugar, and 1 tsp vanilla.
Step 3: Sift and Combine Dry Ingredients
- Sift together 1 cup flour, ½ tsp salt, 1 tsp baking powder, and 3 tbsp cocoa powder.
Step 4: Mix Batter
- Alternate adding dry ingredients and ½ cup milk into the creamed mixture.
- Add the melted marshmallow mixture and stir well.
- Fold in ½ cup chopped nuts.
Step 5: Bake
- Pour into greased pan.
- Bake at 350°F for 35–45 minutes.
Step 6: Serve
- Serve with whipped cream if desired.
Tips
- Use butter instead of shortening for a richer flavor.
- Add ½ teaspoon espresso powder to deepen the chocolate taste.
- Substitute walnuts, pecans, or omit nuts for a smoother texture.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth.
- Replace marshmallows with mini marshmallows for easier layering.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- Add ¼ cup chocolate chips to the batter for extra decadence.
- Stir in shredded coconut for a “Rocky Road” twist.
- For a lighter version, use evaporated milk instead of whole milk.
- Bake in individual ramekins for single-serve portions.
Nutrition
Calories: 366kcalCarbohydrates: 65gProtein: 4gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 3mgSodium: 124mgPotassium: 124mgFiber: 2gSugar: 43gVitamin A: 35IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 110mgIron: 2mg
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