If you’re searching for a cake that’s impossibly moist, intensely chocolatey, and downright irresistible, look no further than the BEST Devil’s Food Cake. This is the kind of nostalgic, over-the-top treat that will have your friends begging for the recipe and your family reaching for seconds. With its decadent, cocoa-rich crumb and creamy, cloud-like frosting, each bite is a celebration of classic American baking at its finest. Let me show you exactly how to create this showstopping delight at home!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You may already have most of these simple ingredients in your pantry, but each one is essential to capturing the rich flavor, velvety texture, and deep color that makes the BEST Devil’s Food Cake truly special. Every ingredient has its perfect place, coming together for a cake that’s greater than the sum of its parts.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the perfect, tender crumb that supports this moist, chocolatey cake.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter and adds just the right structure for a light, fluffy interior.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Brings deep, dark chocolate flavor; for an even richer taste, use Dutch-processed cocoa.
- Baking soda: Works with the acidic ingredients to give the cake an impressive rise and soft texture.
- Baking powder: Adds additional lift so you get that gorgeous, tall layer cake.
- Salt: Enhances flavors and balances the sweetness so every chocolate note shines.
- Buttermilk (room temperature): The secret to tangy flavor and super-moist crumbs; room temp ensures it mixes evenly.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake unbelievably tender and moist, even days after baking.
- Large eggs (room temperature): Bind the batter and contribute to the cake’s rich flavor and structure.
- Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and aroma that elevate the chocolate beautifully.
- Hot coffee or hot water: Deepens the chocolate flavor and produces a smoother, silky batter; coffee intensifies without tasting like coffee.
- Unsalted butter (softened): The foundation of a creamy, dreamy frosting.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting to perfection and gives it that melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
- More unsweetened cocoa powder: Ensures the frosting is as chocolate-packed as the cake.
- Heavy cream: Creates a glossy, fluffy finish for the frosting; add a splash more if you like a lighter texture.
How to Make BEST Devil’s Food Cake
Step 1: Prep Your Pans and Oven
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab two 9-inch round cake pans and give them a thorough greasing, making sure to get into every corner. Dust with flour or line the pans with parchment paper for easy release—the last thing you want is all that chocolatey goodness sticking!
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This ensures all the leavening agents and chocolate are evenly dispersed, so every bite of your BEST Devil’s Food Cake is rich and wonderfully consistent.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Make a well in your dry ingredients, then pour in the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until the batter is smooth and glossy—no lumps! For best results, make sure all wet ingredients are at room temperature. This simple tip really helps the cake bake up evenly.
Step 4: Stir in the Hot Coffee
Now for the secret move: slowly stir the hot coffee (or water) into the batter. Don’t be alarmed when the mixture looks thin—that’s exactly what you want! The hot liquid intensifies the cocoa flavor, giving your cake that irresistible, melt-in-your-mouth texture that sets the BEST Devil’s Food Cake apart.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Divide the batter evenly between your prepared cake pans, smoothing the tops so they bake up level. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting onto wire racks to cool completely.
Step 6: Make the Frosting
While your cakes cool, beat softened butter in a large bowl until creamy and pale. Add powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and salt, mixing slowly at first, then beating until well combined. Drizzle in vanilla extract and heavy cream, then whip until your frosting is lush, fluffy, and ultra-spreadable. Add a little more cream if you’d like a softer finish.
Step 7: Frost and Assemble
Once completely cool, place one cake layer on your platter and generously spread with frosting. Top with the second layer and smother the entire cake with more frosting—sides and all. Take your time with this step: It’s half the fun! Your BEST Devil’s Food Cake is now ready for its shining moment.
How to Serve BEST Devil’s Food Cake
Garnishes
Dress up slices with delicate curls of chocolate, a sprinkle of cocoa powder, or a handful of fresh raspberries for a stunning pop of color. For extra flair, try a scatter of chocolate shavings or a gentle dusting of powdered sugar. Each garnish adds a special touch to this beloved classic.
Side Dishes
Sometimes, all you need is a cold glass of milk, but this cake also pairs beautifully with homemade whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Feeling a bit fancy? Serve with macerated berries or a drizzle of raspberry coulis for a sophisticated twist on the classic.
Creative Ways to Present
For birthday parties or gatherings, turn your BEST Devil’s Food Cake into impressive multi-layer minis by baking in small pans and stacking. You can even make it into cupcakes for easy, crowd-pleasing sharing. For the ultimate dessert, drizzle with a silky chocolate ganache or serve warm with a scoop of ice cream and a touch of sea salt.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your cake moist and fresh, cover any leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. After that, pop the cake in the fridge to extend its life. Let slices come to room temperature before enjoying for the best flavor and texture.
Freezing
BEST Devil’s Food Cake freezes like a dream! Wrap unfrosted cake layers tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. The frosting also freezes well when stored in an airtight container. Thaw cake layers and frosting overnight in the fridge, then bring to room temperature before assembling and serving.
Reheating
While this cake is marvelous cold or at room temp, you can gently warm individual slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to recreate that just-baked, melt-in-your-mouth magic. If refrigerated, always rest slices out of the fridge for about 30 minutes before serving.
FAQs
Can I use Dutch-processed cocoa powder?
Absolutely! Dutch-processed cocoa brings an even deeper chocolate flavor and darker color, making the BEST Devil’s Food Cake even more decadent. Just make sure your baking soda and baking powder are fresh for the best rise.
Do I have to use hot coffee, or can I use water?
You can use either! Hot coffee intensifies the chocolate flavor without making the cake taste like coffee. If you prefer, hot water works just fine and still creates a beautifully moist texture.
Can I make this devil’s food cake as cupcakes?
Yes, you can! Divide the batter evenly among lined cupcake pans and bake for about 18–22 minutes. You’ll get fluffy, chocolate-packed cupcakes with all the character of the BEST Devil’s Food Cake.
How do I keep my cake layers from sticking?
Always grease and flour your cake pans well, or line them with parchment rounds for extra confidence. Cooling the cakes for just 10 minutes before turning them out helps avoid breaking or sticking.
Can I make the frosting in advance?
Definitely! Frosting can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. Before using, bring it to room temperature and give it a quick whip so it’s perfectly smooth and creamy for your cake.
Final Thoughts
If you’re dreaming of a cake that brings joy with every slice, this truly is the BEST Devil’s Food Cake. It’s every bit as chocolatey, rich, and tender as a great chocolate cake should be. Give it a try, share it with the ones you love, and watch it become an all-time favorite in your kitchen too!
Print
BEST Devil’s Food Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich, decadent goodness of this BEST Devil’s Food Cake. A moist and intensely chocolatey cake paired with a creamy frosting, this recipe is a chocolate lover’s dream come true!
Ingredients
Cake:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot coffee or hot water
Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (more if needed)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare cake pans.
- Prepare batter: Combine dry ingredients, add wet ingredients, mix in coffee, and divide batter into pans.
- Bake: Bake for 30–35 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool on wire racks.
- Make frosting: Beat butter, add dry ingredients, mix in wet ingredients, and frost cakes.
Notes
- For richer flavor, use Dutch-processed cocoa powder.
- Pair with chocolate ganache for extra decadence.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 52 g
- Sodium: 440 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 72 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
