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Economy Devils Food Cake
Economy Devils Food Cake is a Depression-era dessert known for its rich cocoa flavor and cost-saving ingredients like lard or butter alternatives. This cake gained popularity for delivering decadent taste with economical pantry staples, making it a beloved treat for families on a budget. It's delightfully moist, chocolatey, and easy to bake, often served during holidays or special gatherings. Its simplicity, nostalgia, and practicality keep it cherished among vintage recipe enthusiasts.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 16
Calories 395 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups sugar
  • ½ cup lard ( or butter)
  • 2 eggs
  • ½ cup McNess Cocoa (or regular unsweetened cocoa)
  • 1 cup sweet milk (whole milk)
  • 1 tsp baking soda (level)
  • 2 cups flour
  • 2 tsp McNess Vanilla (or regular vanilla extract)

Instructions
 

Step 1: Cream Sugar & Fat

  • Cream sugar and lard (or butter) together.
  • Add eggs and beat well.

Step 2: Dissolve Cocoa

  • Dissolve cocoa in ½ cup hot water.
  • Beat to a smooth paste and add to creamed mixture.

Step 3: Add Milk & Vanilla

  • Add sweet milk and vanilla to the mixture.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

  • Sift 1 level tsp soda with 2 cups flour three times.
  • Add the flour mixture to the wet mixture and beat well.

Step 5: Bake

  • Pour batter into greased and floured cake pans.
  • Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  • Cool before frosting.

Tips

  • Substitute butter for lard if you prefer a richer flavor.
  • Add ½ teaspoon salt to enhance chocolate depth (not listed in original recipe).
  • Frost with classic chocolate buttercream for an authentic vintage presentation.
  • Swap sweet milk for buttermilk and reduce soda slightly for a tangier crumb.
  • Prepare in two pans for thicker layers instead of three.
  • Add ½ teaspoon instant coffee to intensify chocolate flavor.
  • Sift flour an additional time for extra-light texture (aligns with the handwritten instruction to sift flour “3 times”).
  • Fold in mini chocolate chips to modernize the recipe while keeping its vintage charm.
  • Use high-quality cocoa for best color and richness.

Nutrition

Calories: 395kcalCarbohydrates: 58gProtein: 4gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 55mgSodium: 210mgPotassium: 170mgFiber: 1.5gSugar: 42gVitamin A: 350IUCalcium: 55mgIron: 1.5mg
Keyword bundt cake, chocolate, chocolate cake, comfort food, depression era, family recipes, heirloom recipe, homemade, old-fashioned baking, retro baking, vintahe
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