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–+ servings
A Superior Devils Food Cake
This richly decadent Devil’s Food Cake recipe comes from a vintage collection and delivers a deep chocolate flavor with a moist, tender crumb. Soured milk and vinegar activate the baking soda to give the cake a soft rise, while melted chocolate and butter add depth and richness. Perfect for special occasions or casual comfort, this cake is known for its luxurious yet straightforward character. With simple ingredients and nostalgic charm, it's a chocolate lover’s dream and an enduring favorite across generations of bakers.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Cooling Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 55 minutes
Course Baked Goods, Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 267 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp vinegar
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 3 oz unsweetened chocolate (melted)
  • 1 cup sour milk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp vinegar or lemon juice)
  • 1½ cups sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup butter (softened)

Instructions
 

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
  • Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans or one 9x13-inch pan

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

  • In a bowl, beat together butter and sugar until light and fluffy
  • Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition
  • Stir in the melted chocolate

Step 3: Combine Sour Milk and Vinegar

  • In a small bowl, mix vinegar into the sour milk and let stand for a few minutes

Step 4: Dry Ingredients

  • In a separate bowl, sift together flour, salt, and baking soda

Step 5: Combine All

  • Alternately add dry ingredients and sour milk mixture to the chocolate mixture
  • Mix until smooth and well blended

Step 6: Bake

  • Pour batter evenly into prepared pan(s)
  • Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean

Step 7: Cool and Serve

  • Let cool in pans for 10 minutes
  • Transfer to wire racks to cool completely
  • Frost as desired

Tips

  • Substitute sour cream or buttermilk for sour milk if preferred
  • Add 1 tsp vanilla extract for added depth
  • Use Dutch-process cocoa for a darker cake if chocolate isn’t on hand
  • Top with chocolate ganache or cream cheese frosting
  • Make cupcakes by reducing bake time to 18–22 minutes

Nutrition

Calories: 267kcalCarbohydrates: 52gProtein: 5gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.03gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 198mgPotassium: 130mgFiber: 2gSugar: 30gVitamin A: 73IUVitamin C: 0.01mgCalcium: 61mgIron: 3mg
Keyword chocolate, classic, comfort food
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