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–+ servings
Quick Chocolate Cake
This "Quick Chocolate One-Egg Cake" is a charming example of Depression-era resourcefulness, designed to stretch pantry staples while still delivering rich chocolate flavor. It’s made with a single egg and pantry-friendly ingredients like cocoa, sugar, and flour, making it a practical choice for weeknight treats or frugal baking. The cake is moist and tender, with a soft crumb that pairs beautifully with a simple chocolate frosting or a dusting of powdered sugar. It’s a nostalgic favorite that still holds up as a reliable and delicious chocolate cake.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 10
Calories 178 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1⅓ cups sifted flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ⅔ cup sugar
  • 2 tbsp water
  • 5 tbsp semi-sweet cocoa (or unsweetened cocoa)
  • 4 tbsp shortening
  • 1 egg
  • ½ cup milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prep Dry Ingredients

  • Mix and sift flour, baking powder, and soda together. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook Cocoa Mixture

  • Cook 2 tbsp sugar, 3 tbsp water, and 5 tbsp cocoa for 1 minute over low heat, stirring constantly.

Step 3: Combine and Beat

  • Cream shortening and remaining sugar for 1 minute.
  • Add egg and beat until smooth.

Step 4: Combine with Dry Ingredients

  • Add sifted flour mixture to the creamed mixture.
  • Add chocolate mixture, milk and vanilla

Step 5: Bake

  • Pour into one 8-inch greased cake pan. Bake at 350°F (moderate oven) for 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  • Frost with Seven Minute Frosting.

Tips

  • Dust with powdered sugar instead of frosting for a simple finish
  • Add chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the batter
  • Substitute buttermilk for milk for extra tenderness
  • Serve warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream
  • Bake as cupcakes; reduce baking time to ~18 to 20 minutes
  • Add a pinch of cinnamon for a subtle warm spice note
  • Use brewed coffee instead of milk to deepen chocolate flavor
  • Frost with classic cocoa buttercream or chocolate glaze

Nutrition

Calories: 178kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 3gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 18mgSodium: 152mgPotassium: 80mgFiber: 1gSugar: 14gVitamin A: 44IUCalcium: 70mgIron: 1mg
Keyword chocolate cake, homemade dessert, one-egg cake, pantry dessert, quick cake, retro recipe, vintage baking
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