This rich Devil’s Food Cake from Mrs. Grigsby captures the essence of classic American chocolate desserts. With a deep cocoa flavor balanced by tangy buttermilk and tenderized with shortening, it’s a time-tested favorite. The use of boiling water helps create a moist crumb, while the simple, no-frills approach reflects the practical home baking of mid-century kitchens. Perfect for birthdays, potlucks, or weeknight treats, this cake is both nostalgic and satisfying.
Ingredients
- ½ cup shortening
- 1 ¾ cups sugar
- 2 eggs
- 3 tbsp cocoa (heaping)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 ½ tsp baking soda
- 2 cups flour
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup boiling water
- 1 tsp vanilla
Instructions
Step 1: Cream Shortening
- Cream the shortening thoroughly.
Step 2: Combine Sugar and Cocoa
- Add sugar, salt, and cocoa to the shortening. Mix well.
Step 3: Add Eggs
- Beat thoroughly. Add eggs and beat mixture until fully combined.
Step 4: Dissolve Baking Soda
- Dissolve baking soda in ½ cup boiling water.
Step 5: Incorporate Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Pour the soda mixture into the batter. Add buttermilk.
Step 6: Add Flour
- Stir in the flour gradually, alternating with the buttermilk.
Step 7: Add Vanilla
- Stir in vanilla extract last.
Step 8: Bake the Cake
- Pour into greased cake pans. Start in a cold oven. Heat slowly to 350°F and bake for about 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Tips
- Add ½ cup strong brewed coffee instead of boiling water for deeper chocolate flavor.
- Replace shortening with butter for a richer, more modern taste.
- Fold in ½ cup chocolate chips for extra decadence.
- Use sour cream instead of buttermilk for a denser crumb.
- Frost with old-fashioned boiled icing or chocolate buttercream.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon for a vintage spice-cake twist.
- Bake as cupcakes; adjust bake time to ~18 to 20 minutes.
- Substitute part of the flour with cocoa for a darker cake.
- Serve with whipped cream for a light, classic pairing.
Nutrition
Calories: 283kcalCarbohydrates: 47gProtein: 2gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 184mgPotassium: 49mgFiber: 0.5gSugar: 31gVitamin A: 73IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 58mgIron: 1mg
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