Calling all chocolate lovers! National Devil’s Food Cake Day is here, and it’s time to indulge in one of the most decadent, rich, and delightful desserts ever created. Celebrated on May 19th each year, this day is dedicated to savouring Devil's Food Cake's deep, dark, and luscious flavours. In this blog post, we explore the history of this sinfully delicious treat, share a classic recipe, and offer some creative twists to elevate your celebration.
The Origins of Devil’s Food Cake:
Devil’s Food Cake, known for its rich chocolate flavour and moist texture, dates back to the early 20th century. Its name contrasts it with the lighter and more delicate Angel Food Cake, suggesting a cake that's irresistibly indulgent and a bit mischievous. Unlike regular chocolate cake, Devil’s Food Cake uses cocoa powder, which gives it a deeper color and more intense chocolate flavor, often complemented by the addition of coffee to enhance the chocolatey goodness.
Classic Devil’s Food Cake Recipe:
To celebrate National Devil’s Food Cake Day, why not bake your own cake from scratch? Here’s a classic recipe that’s sure to satisfy your chocolate cravings:
**Ingredients:**
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot water or hot coffee (for deeper flavor)
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another bowl, combine the sugar, buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat until well mixed.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Slowly stir in the hot water or coffee until the batter is smooth. The batter will be thin, but that’s okay.
6. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
**Frosting:**
For the ultimate Devil’s Food Cake experience, pair it with a rich chocolate buttercream frosting:
**Ingredients:**
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
**Instructions:**
1. Beat the butter until creamy.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, beating quickly until combined.
3. Add the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat on high speed until the frosting is fluffy and smooth.
4. Frost your cooled cake layers and enjoy!
Creative Twists:
While the classic Devil’s Food Cake is a treat on its own, here are a few creative twists to elevate your celebration:
1. **Filled Cake**: Add a layer of chocolate ganache, raspberry jam, or caramel between the cake layers for an extra surprise.
2. **Cupcakes**: Turn the recipe into cupcakes for easy sharing and individual servings.
3. **Vegan Version**: Substitute the buttermilk with almond milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar and use flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) instead of eggs.
4. **Gluten-Free Option**: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make the cake accessible for everyone.
National Devil’s Food Cake Day is the perfect excuse to indulge in the rich, chocolatey decadence of this classic dessert. Whether you bake a traditional cake or experiment with creative variations, take a moment to savour each delicious bite. Share the joy with family and friends, and celebrate the delightful decadence that is Devil’s Food Cake. Happy baking and happy National Devil’s Food Cake Day!