Devil's Food Cake Recipe

The Devil's Food Cake is an indulgent, rich, and decadent chocolate cake that is loved by many. Its origins can be traced back to the late 19th century in America. During this time, there was a shift in baking techniques and ingredients, with the introduction of new types of cocoa powder, as well as advancements in leavening agents like baking powder. These innovations paved the way for the creation of this dark and devilishly delicious chocolate cake.

Fun Fact: The term "Devil's Food Cake" is said to have been coined as a marketing gimmick to contrast with the popular "Angel Food Cake." While Angel Food Cake is known for its light and airy texture, Devil's Food Cake boasts a dense, moist, and fudgy crumb. The use of dark cocoa powder gives it a deep, almost black appearance, hence the "devilish" name.

Now, let's dive into the step-by-step recipe for making your own homemade Devil's Food Cake:

Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup of shortening
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup of cold water
- 2 cups of flour
- 2 teaspoons of Dr. Price's Baking Powder
- Whites of 3 eggs
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla or almond extract

For the frosting:
- Fresh strawberry icing or maple icing (refer to page 17 and 18 of your recipe book)

Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to a moderate temperature (around 350°F or 175°C) and grease two round layer cake tins.

2. In a mixing bowl, cream together the shortening and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process helps to incorporate air into the batter, resulting in a tender cake.

3. Slowly add the cold water to the creamed mixture, almost drop by drop, while continuously beating. This gradual addition of water helps to create a smooth and evenly mixed batter.

4. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour and Dr. Price's Baking Powder. Sifting helps to remove any lumps and aerate the flour, ensuring a light and tender texture.

5. Add the sifted dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, stirring gently until everything is well combined. Avoid overmixing, as it can lead to a tough cake.

6. Stir in the vanilla or almond extract, which adds a delightful flavor to the cake. You can choose the extract based on your preference.

7. In another bowl, beat the egg whites until they are stiff and dry. This means that the egg whites should form peaks that hold their shape when the beaters are lifted.

8. Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the cake batter. Folding helps to incorporate the egg whites without deflating them, maintaining the cake's soft and airy texture.

9. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake tins. Smooth the tops with a spatula to ensure even baking.

10. Place the cake tins in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The exact baking time may vary, so keep an eye on the cakes to prevent over-baking.

11. Once the cakes are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool in the tins for a few minutes. Then, transfer the cakes to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

12. While the cakes are cooling, prepare your choice of fresh strawberry icing or maple icing. These flavorful icings complement the rich chocolate flavor of the Devil's Food Cake perfectly.

13. Once the cakes are completely cooled, carefully place one layer onto a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of the chosen icing on top of the first layer.

14. Gently place the second layer on top of the icing, aligning it with the bottom layer.

15. Use the remaining icing to frost the sides and top of the cake. Feel free to get creative with your frosting technique, adding swirls or giving it a smooth finish.

16. Slice and serve your homemade Devil's Food Cake, savoring each bite of the decadently moist and chocolatey goodness.

Devil's Food Cake is perfect for any special occasion or simply as a delectable treat to satisfy your chocolate cravings. Its rich flavor and fudgy texture make it a crowd-pleaser.

Similar recipe dishes to explore include Black Forest Cake, which combines layers of chocolate cake with cherries and whipped cream, and Red Velvet Cake, a moist and velvety chocolate cake with a distinctive red color, usually paired with cream cheese frosting.

Enjoy the baking process and the indulgent delight that is Devil's Food Cake!