Are you ready to indulge in a truly decadent dessert? This Devil's Food Pound Cake recipe is the answer to your chocolate cravings. Forget dry, crumbly pound cakes – this recipe delivers a moist, intensely chocolatey cake that's surprisingly easy to make. Perfect for special occasions or a simple weeknight treat, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your recipe book. It's a classic elevated, ideal for both experienced bakers and those just starting their culinary adventures.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
- ¾ cup (60g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
- ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240ml) freshly brewed hot coffee
Instructions:
Getting Started:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan. This ensures your cake releases easily and prevents sticking.
Combining Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk thoroughly to prevent lumps and ensure even distribution of ingredients. This step is crucial for a light and fluffy cake.
Combining Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Again, ensure everything is well combined.
Bringing it Together:
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Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
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Gradually pour in the hot coffee while mixing on low speed. The coffee adds moisture and enhances the chocolate flavor.
Baking the Cake:
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Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly.
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Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it after 50 minutes, as oven temperatures can vary.
Cooling and Serving:
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Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the cake from becoming soggy.
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Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar or serve with your favorite whipped cream or ice cream.
Tips for the Best Devil's Food Pound Cake:
- Room temperature ingredients: Using room temperature eggs and buttermilk helps create a smoother batter.
- Don't overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
- Fresh baking powder and soda: Ensure your leavening agents are fresh for optimal rise.
- Let it cool completely: Allowing the cake to cool completely prevents it from crumbling when sliced.
Variations:
- Chocolate chips: Fold in ½ cup of chocolate chips for extra chocolate indulgence.
- Nuts: Add ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture and flavor.
- Citrus zest: A teaspoon of orange or lemon zest adds a bright, refreshing note.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Fat: Approximately 18-20g
- Sugar: Approximately 30-35g
This Devil's Food Pound Cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Its rich chocolate flavor and moist texture make it perfect for any occasion. Enjoy baking and savoring this delicious homemade treat! It's a wonderful example of delicious dishes you can make easily at home. This is one of the best recipes for a simple yet impressive dessert. This easy recipe is perfect for quick dinner ideas and healthy meals, especially if you control the added sugar and fat. It's a great addition to your homemade cooking repertoire.