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–+ servings
Chocolate Nougat Cake
This Chocolate Nougat Cake is a nostalgic creation from the golden era of American home baking. With a soft and moist crumb enriched by cocoa and buttermilk, it's lightened with egg whites and deepened by chocolate and red food coloring, offering a visually rich and tender cake that’s a feast for both the eyes and palate. The inclusion of chopped nuts gives it a delightful texture and old-fashioned character. This is a cake you'd expect at a church supper or family gathering, proudly presented on a pedestal cake stand.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 305 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1½ cups sifted flour
  • 1½ cups sugar
  • 2½ tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ⅓ cup shortening
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 eggs
  • 2½ oz chocolate (melted)
  • ½ tsp red food coloring
  • ⅔ cup nuts (finely chopped)

Instructions
 

Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients

  • Sift together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients

  • Add shortening and milk to the dry mixture. Beat for 2 minutes on medium speed.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Chocolate

  • Add eggs, melted chocolate, and red food coloring. Beat an additional 2 minutes.

Step 4: Fold in Nuts

  • Stir in chopped nuts by hand until evenly incorporated.

Step 5: Bake

  • Pour batter into two greased and floured 8-inch round cake pans.
  • Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Cool in pans for 10 minutes before turning out onto wire racks to cool completely.

Tips

  • Toast the nuts lightly before folding in for deeper flavor.
  • Substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds if desired.
  • Use natural cocoa powder if replacing part of the chocolate for a deeper cocoa note.
  • Line cake pans with parchment for easier removal.
  • Let melted chocolate cool slightly before mixing to avoid curdling.
  • Add a pinch of salt to enhance chocolate flavor.
  • Frost with classic chocolate buttercream or marshmallow frosting for a true nougat effect.
  • This cake freezes well when unfrosted.
  • Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
  • Ideal as a make-ahead cake for gatherings.

Nutrition

Calories: 305kcalCarbohydrates: 43gProtein: 5gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 138mgPotassium: 128mgFiber: 1gSugar: 29gVitamin A: 75IUVitamin C: 0.05mgCalcium: 88mgIron: 1mg
Keyword chocolate dessert, holiday cake, homemade cake, layer cake, nougat style, retro recipe, vintage baking
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