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–+ servings
Chocolate Mallow Devils Food Cake
Chocolate Mallow Devil’s Food Cake is a classic American chocolate cake known for its deep cocoa flavor and tender crumb. Devil’s food cakes rose to popularity in the early 20th century as a richer, darker counterpart to traditional chocolate cakes, made possible by the wider availability of cocoa and chemical leaveners like baking soda. This version combines cake flour for softness, cocoa for bold chocolate taste, and shortening for an exceptionally moist texture. The name “Mallow” hints at the light, fluffy quality of the finished cake, reminiscent of marshmallow-like tenderness. Baked at a moderate temperature, it delivers a nostalgic, bakery-style chocolate cake perfect for celebrations or simple family desserts, beloved for its simplicity and reliable, crowd-pleasing flavor.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 290 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 ½ cups cake flour
  • 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
  • ½ cup cocoa powder
  • 1 ¼ tsp baking soda
  • ¼ tsp cream of tartar
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ⅔ cup shortening (or Spry)
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 large eggs

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare oven and pan

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
  • Grease and flour cake pan(s)

Step 2: Combine dry ingredients

  • In a large bowl, whisk cake flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt

Step 3: Add shortening

  • Add shortening to dry mixture
  • Beat until mixture resembles coarse crumbs

Step 4: Add liquids

  • Add milk and vanilla to the bowl
  • Mix until smooth and well combined

Step 5: Add eggs

  • Add eggs one at a time
  • Beat until batter is smooth and creamy

Step 6: Bake

  • Pour batter into prepared pan(s)
  • Bake 30–40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean

Step 7: Cool

  • Cool cake in pan for 10 minutes
  • Remove to rack to cool completely before frosting or serving

Tips

  • Substitute buttermilk for milk for a tangier flavor
  • Add mini marshmallows between layers for “mallow” emphasis
  • Frost with classic chocolate buttercream or marshmallow frosting
  • Bake as cupcakes; adjust baking time to 18 to 22 minutes
  • Add ½ cup chocolate chips for extra richness
  • Use coffee instead of part of the milk to deepen chocolate flavor
  • Split into two layers for a filled celebration cake
  • Add a pinch of cinnamon for warm spice notes
  • Top with whipped cream for a lighter finish
  • Make it a poke cake with warm chocolate sauce

Nutrition

Calories: 290kcalCarbohydrates: 36gProtein: 5gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 35mgSodium: 240mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 2gSugar: 24gVitamin A: 150IUVitamin C: 0.5mgCalcium: 80mgIron: 2.2mg
Keyword chocolate cake, classic dessert, comfort food, holiday baking, homemade cake, nostalgic food, vintage baking
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