Rich & Moist Devil’s Food Cake Recipe

Devil’s Food Cake Recipe – Few desserts evoke as much pure chocolate bliss as a classic devil’s food cake. Richer, darker, and more intensely flavored than a traditional chocolate cake, this decadent treat is designed for true chocolate lovers. Its deep cocoa flavor, velvety crumb, and moist texture make it a standout centerpiece for birthdays, celebrations, or anytime you crave something truly indulgent.

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Unlike light and airy cakes, a devil’s food cake is all about depth—dark cocoa, hot water or coffee to intensify flavor, fluffy layers, and a luscious frosting that binds everything together.

Recipe Overview

• Cuisine: American

• Course: Dessert

• Servings: 12

• Calories: Approx. 420 per slice

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Active Baking Time: 30–35 minutes

• Resting/Cooling Time: 1–2 hours

• Total Time: About 2 hours 30 minutes

Equipment Needed

• Two 9-inch round cake pans

• Parchment paper

• Large mixing bowls

• Electric mixer (hand or stand)

• Cooling rack

• Rubber spatula

• Fine mesh sieve

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Offset spatula (for frosting)

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar

• 1 cup brown sugar (packed)

• 1 ½ tsp baking powder

• 1 ½ tsp baking soda

• 1 tsp salt

Wet Ingredients

• 3 large eggs (room temperature)

• 1 cup buttermilk (room temperature)

• ½ cup vegetable oil

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 cup boiling water (or hot coffee for enhanced chocolate flavor)

Nutrition (Per Serving)

(Based on 12 servings)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cake Pans

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Grease two 9-inch cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.

3. Lightly dust with cocoa powder to prevent sticking.

This allows the cakes to release cleanly without pulling or tearing.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients

1. In a large bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

2. Whisk gently to combine and remove any lumps.

Sifting helps create a light, even crumb in the cake.

3. Combine Wet Ingredients

1. In a second bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth.

2. Mix in the buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract.

3. Beat until fully combined.

Buttermilk’s acidity helps create a tender, moist cake.

4. Blend Wet and Dry Mixtures

1. Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture.

2. Mix on medium speed until just combined—avoid overmixing.

At this stage, the batter will be thick and smooth.

5. Add the Boiling Water

1. Slowly pour in the boiling water (or coffee).

2. Mix on low speed until incorporated.

The batter will become thin—this is normal and essential for moisture.

6. Bake the Cakes

1. Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans.

2. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

3. Remove from the oven and allow to cool in the pans for 10–15 minutes.

4. Transfer cakes to a cooling rack to finish cooling completely.

Proper cooling ensures the cake layers don’t crumble when frosted.

7. Prepare the Chocolate Frosting

1. Beat softened butter until creamy.

2. Add powdered sugar and cocoa powder gradually.

3. Pour in heavy cream and vanilla extract.

4. Beat until fluffy, smooth, and spreadable.

5. Adjust consistency with more cream (to loosen) or more sugar (to thicken).

This frosting pairs perfectly with the deep flavor of devil’s food cake.

8. Assemble the Cake

1. Level the cake layers if necessary.

2. Place the first layer on a serving plate.

3. Spread a generous amount of frosting on top.

4. Add the second layer.

5. Frost the entire cake with a thin crumb coat.

6. Chill for 10–15 minutes.

7. Apply the final frosting layer smoothly using an offset spatula.

This creates a polished, bakery-quality finish.

Serving Suggestions

• Top with chocolate shavings

• Add berries for contrast

• Drizzle with chocolate ganache

• Serve with vanilla ice cream

• Decorate with whipped cream swirls

This cake shines on its own but pairs beautifully with complementary flavors.

Conclusion

A devil’s food cake is the ultimate celebration of chocolate—deep, moist, dark, and decadently satisfying. With its rich cocoa base, airy crumb, and luscious frosting, it’s no wonder this dessert remains a timeless favorite. Whether you’re baking for a birthday, a dinner party, or a cozy weekend treat, mastering this classic ensures you’ll always have a showstopping dessert ready for any occasion.