Devil's Food Cake with Divinity Frosting

Devil's Food Cake with Divinity Frosting Recipe - A Heavenly American Dessert

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 12

Introduction

Devil's Food Cake with Divinity Frosting is a decadent and rich dessert that is sure to satisfy any chocolate lover's cravings. The moist and fluffy cake paired with the light and fluffy divinity frosting creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

History

Devil's Food Cake is a classic American dessert that dates back to the early 20th century. It is believed to have originated as a variation of the traditional chocolate cake, with the addition of extra cocoa powder to give it a darker and richer flavor. The name "Devil's Food" is said to have been coined as a marketing ploy to make the cake sound more indulgent and sinful.

Ingredients

Cake

2 cups sifted cake flour
1 tsp baking soda
0.5 cup butter
2 cups sifted brown sugar
2 unbeaten eggs
6 squares melted unsweetened chocolate
1.25 cups sweet milk
1 tsp vanilla

Divinity frosting

3 cups sugar
1 tsp light corn syrup
1.33 cups boiling water
4 stiffly beaten egg whites
1 tsp vanilla

How to prepare

Cake

Sift the flour once and then measure it.
Add soda and sift together three times.
Thoroughly cream the butter.
Gradually add sugar and cream together until light and fluffy, then add eggs one at a time and beat well.
Add chocolate and beat well.
Add flour alternately with milk, a small amount at a time, then beat after each addition until smooth.
Add vanilla, then bake in 3 greased layer pans at 325°F for 30 minutes.
Cool and spread frosting between layers and on top and sides of the cake.

Divinity frosting

Combine sugar, corn syrup, and water, then place over low flame and stir constantly until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture boils.
Continue cooking until a small amount of syrup forms a soft ball in cold water.
Pour the syrup in a fine stream over the egg whites, beating constantly, then add vanilla and continue beating until stiff enough to spread on the cake.

Variations

For a twist on the classic recipe, try adding a layer of raspberry jam between the cake layers before frosting.
You can also add chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the cake batter for added texture and flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to sift the flour multiple times to ensure a light and fluffy texture in the cake.

- Be sure to cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy to create a tender crumb in the cake.

- When making the divinity frosting, be sure to beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form to ensure a light and airy texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Devil's Food Cake with Divinity Frosting with a glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious and satisfying dessert.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to properly cream the butter and sugar together to create a light and fluffy cake.

- When making the divinity frosting, be sure to cook the sugar syrup to the correct temperature to achieve the desired consistency.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use all-purpose flour instead of cake flour in a pinch, but the texture of the cake may be slightly denser.

- If you don't have unsweetened chocolate on hand, you can use cocoa powder mixed with a little oil as a substitute.

Make Ahead Tips

You can bake the cake layers in advance and freeze them until ready to assemble and frost.

- The divinity frosting can be made a day ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Presentation Ideas

Decorate the top of the cake with chocolate shavings, fresh berries, or edible flowers for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Devil's Food Cake with Divinity Frosting pairs well with a cup of hot coffee or a glass of red wine for a sophisticated dessert experience.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

- The cake can also be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week, but be sure to bring it to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

- Cake: Approximately 250 calories per serving

- Divinity Frosting: Approximately 150 calories per serving

Carbohydrates

- Cake: Approximately 35g of carbohydrates per serving

- Divinity Frosting: Approximately 25g of carbohydrates per serving

Fats

- Cake: Approximately 12g of fats per serving

- Divinity Frosting: Approximately 0g of fats per serving

Proteins

- Cake: Approximately 3g of proteins per serving

- Divinity Frosting: Approximately 1g of proteins per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Cake: Contains small amounts of iron and calcium

- Divinity Frosting: Contains small amounts of calcium

Alergens

Contains eggs and dairy

Summary

Devil's Food Cake with Divinity Frosting is a rich and indulgent dessert that is high in carbohydrates and calories. It is best enjoyed in moderation as a special treat.

Summary

Devil's Food Cake with Divinity Frosting is a classic and indulgent dessert that is perfect for special occasions or as a sweet treat for any chocolate lover. The rich and moist cake paired with the light and fluffy divinity frosting creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures that is sure to impress your guests. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I can still remember the exact moment I discovered this recipe for Devil's Food Cake with Divinity Frosting. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Margaret's house for one of our weekly baking sessions. Margaret was known for her incredible baking skills, and I always looked forward to learning new recipes from her.

On this particular day, Margaret greeted me with a mischievous smile and a twinkle in her eye. "I have a special treat for you today, my dear," she said as she led me into her cozy kitchen. She rummaged through her collection of recipe cards and finally pulled out a worn, stained card with the words "Devil's Food Cake with Divinity Frosting" scrawled across the top.

I had never heard of such a cake before, but Margaret assured me that it was one of her most prized recipes. She explained that the rich, moist chocolate cake was paired with a fluffy, sweet divinity frosting that would melt in your mouth. I could hardly contain my excitement as we began gathering the ingredients and preheating the oven.

As we worked together to prepare the cake batter, Margaret shared the story behind the recipe. She explained that she had learned it from her own grandmother, who had passed down the recipe through generations. The cake was a family favorite, often served at special occasions and gatherings.

I listened intently as Margaret shared her memories of baking this cake with her grandmother as a young girl. She spoke fondly of the time spent in the kitchen, learning the secrets and techniques that made the cake so special. I could see the love and nostalgia in her eyes as she mixed the batter with expert precision.

Once the cake was in the oven, we turned our attention to the divinity frosting. Margaret explained that this was the most challenging part of the recipe, requiring patience and a keen eye for detail. The frosting was made with egg whites, sugar, and corn syrup, cooked to just the right temperature before being beaten into a fluffy, cloud-like texture.

I watched in awe as Margaret demonstrated the technique, carefully monitoring the thermometer and whisking the mixture until it reached the perfect consistency. The scent of vanilla and sugar filled the kitchen, creating an atmosphere of warmth and sweetness that enveloped us both.

As we waited for the cake to bake and the frosting to cool, Margaret regaled me with more stories of her grandmother and the traditions that surrounded this special recipe. She spoke of family gatherings and celebrations, where the Devil's Food Cake with Divinity Frosting was always the star of the show.

Finally, the moment of truth arrived. The cake was golden brown and springy to the touch, and the divinity frosting was light and fluffy, with a glossy sheen that promised a decadent indulgence. Margaret carefully spread the frosting over the cooled cake, creating swirls and peaks that looked almost too beautiful to eat.

We sat down at the kitchen table, our hands clasped in anticipation as we each took a bite of the cake. The rich, velvety chocolate melted on my tongue, while the sweet, airy frosting danced on my taste buds. The flavors melded together in a symphony of decadence, creating a dessert unlike any I had ever tasted before.

As we savored every bite, I felt a sense of connection to Margaret's grandmother and the generations of women who had cherished this recipe. I realized that food is more than just sustenance – it is a link to our past, a way to honor our heritage and traditions.

And so, as I sit here now, years later, with the recipe card for Devil's Food Cake with Divinity Frosting in my hand, I think of Margaret and her grandmother, and the bond that we shared over a simple cake. I am grateful for the memories and the stories that have been passed down to me, and I am inspired to continue the tradition of sharing this special recipe with those I love. For in the end, it is not just the food that nourishes us, but the love and history that it carries with it.