The Ultimate Homemade Devil’s Food Cake: Rich Chocolate with Fluffy Marshmallow Frosting
Indulge in our exquisite Homemade Devil’s Food Cake recipe, a truly decadent experience far superior to any store-bought alternative. This deeply chocolatey, incredibly moist cake is perfectly complemented by a light and airy marshmallow frosting, promising a baking adventure that delights every palate.

Watch our step-by-step video guide on how to make this irresistible Devil’s Food Cake!
We are absolutely thrilled to share this exceptional homemade Devil’s Food Cake recipe with you today, complete with a comprehensive video tutorial to guide you through every delicious step. As dedicated home bakers with decades of personal and professional experience, we believe in creating recipes that are not only incredibly flavorful but also thoroughly tested, tasted, and perfected, ensuring your success in the kitchen.
In a culinary landscape increasingly saturated with quick, often untested and unreliable, AI-generated content, we stand firmly by the authenticity and proven quality of our recipes. Every creation shared here is a result of genuine passion, meticulous testing, and the discerning palate of a human baker. We pour our heart and soul into developing recipes that consistently deliver delicious, achievable results, empowering you to bake with confidence. Trust in real-world expertise and the joy of handcrafted baking, and steer clear of those questionable, untested online recipes!
For more expertly tested and perfectly crafted cake recipes, we invite you to explore our delightful collection, including our rich Cream Cheese Pound Cake, the comforting Old-Fashioned Gingerbread, and the zesty Key Lime Cake. Each one promises a truly rewarding baking experience.

Table of Contents
- What is Devil’s Food Cake? A Deep Dive into this Classic
- Why This is The Ultimate Devil’s Food Cake Recipe You’ll Ever Need
- What Does Devil’s Food Chocolate Cake Taste Like? A Symphony of Flavors
- Essential Ingredients for Your Homemade Devil’s Food Cake
- Special Equipment for Perfect Baking Success
- How to Make Homemade Devil’s Food Cake: Your Step-by-Step Guide
- How to Serve This Decadent Devil’s Food Cake
- Pro Baking Tips for Devil’s Food Cake Success
- Frequently Asked Questions About Devil’s Food Cake
- More Irresistible Cake Recipes to Elevate Your Baking
Jump to Recipe
What is Devil’s Food Cake? A Deep Dive into this Classic
Devil’s Food Cake is much more than just a generic chocolate cake; it represents a specific style of rich, moist, and intensely chocolatey indulgence. It’s often characterized by its strikingly dark color and a finer, more tender crumb compared to other chocolate cakes. The name itself, “Devil’s Food,” suggests its irresistible, almost sinful decadence and profound richness, distinguishing it from the lighter, more ethereal “Angel Food Cake.”
Historically, Devil’s Food Cake gained popularity in the United States during the early 20th century. Its signature darkness typically comes from the use of Dutch-processed cocoa powder, which is treated with an alkali to reduce its acidity. This process not only deepens the cocoa’s color to a rich, dark brown but also mellows its flavor, making it smoother and less bitter than natural cocoa. This results in a cake that is deeply flavored, yet wonderfully balanced.
Many of us hold fond memories of Devil’s Food Cake, perhaps from childhood birthday parties or as a special treat from the local grocery store bakery. It was often presented as a square cake, generously topped with a fluffy vanilla frosting and a scattering of chocolate cake crumbs. Our homemade recipe meticulously re-creates that beloved nostalgic experience, but elevates it dramatically. By using premium, wholesome ingredients, we deliver a Devil’s Food Cake that is unbelievably moist, profoundly chocolatey, and utterly free from the preservatives and artificial flavors found in store-bought versions. This isn’t just cake; it’s a taste of tradition, perfected for your home kitchen with an unparalleled flavor and texture.
Why This is The Ultimate Devil’s Food Cake Recipe You’ll Ever Need
Among the myriad of chocolate cake recipes available, this Devil’s Food Cake recipe truly stands out as a masterpiece. Here’s an in-depth look at why it’s destined to become your absolute favorite for deeply chocolatey indulgence:
- Unforgettable Flavor Profile: The heart of this cake lies in its exceptionally deep, dark, and intensely chocolatey flavor. This richness is carefully crafted to be profound and satisfying without being overwhelming. What truly sets it apart is the exquisite contrast provided by the light, sweet, and airy vanilla marshmallow frosting. This harmonious pairing creates a delightful interplay of robust cocoa and delicate sweetness, ensuring every bite is a balanced and blissful experience that tantalizes your taste buds.
- Pantry-Friendly Ingredients for Everyday Baking: We believe that extraordinary baking shouldn’t require extraordinary shopping lists. This recipe is thoughtfully designed to utilize common pantry staples that you likely already have on hand. From flours and sugars to cocoa and eggs, the accessibility of the ingredients makes this cake convenient for any spontaneous baking craving or planned celebration. Simplicity in components leads to sophisticated results in flavor.
- Effortless One-Bowl Preparation: We understand that a lengthy cleanup can detract from the joy of baking. That’s why this Devil’s Food Cake recipe is a dream for efficiency. It comes together quickly and easily, primarily in just one bowl for the cake batter itself. This minimizes dirty dishes and maximizes your enjoyment of the baking process, proving that achieving extraordinary results doesn’t always demand extraordinary effort.
- Remarkably Versatile for Any Occasion: While this recipe is perfectly suited for an 8×8-inch square pan, its adaptability is one of its most appealing features. You can effortlessly transform this versatile batter into a classic loaf cake for a comforting treat, an elegant two-layer cake perfect for special occasions, or even delightful individual cupcakes ideal for parties, bake sales, and children’s gatherings. Consult our comprehensive FAQ section below for specific guidance on adjusting the recipe for various pan sizes and formats, making it truly adaptable to your needs.
- Consistently Moist and Tender Texture: The hallmark of a truly exceptional Devil’s Food Cake is its moistness, and this recipe delivers a cake that is incredibly tender, rich, and never dry. Each slice offers a melt-in-your-mouth experience, characterized by a fine, even crumb that stays moist for days. This consistent moistness ensures a delightful mouthfeel that will have everyone reaching for a second slice.
What Does Devil’s Food Chocolate Cake Taste Like? A Symphony of Flavors
Prepare your palate for an experience that embodies the pinnacle of chocolate indulgence: a cake profoundly rich, with a deep, complex cocoa flavor that masterfully avoids being overly sweet. This Devil’s Food Chocolate Cake delivers precisely that—a robust, nuanced chocolate presence that is both comforting and luxurious. The distinct and sophisticated flavor profile is achieved through a carefully balanced blend of dark (Dutch-processed) and natural cocoa powders. This combination creates a layered chocolate experience that is intensely satisfying, offering a depth that resonates without any bitterness.
However, what truly elevates this cake into an unforgettable dessert is the exquisite contrast it meticulously offers. The dense, incredibly moist crumb of the dark chocolate cake finds its perfect counterpart in the cloud-like, airy sweetness of the homemade marshmallow frosting. This ethereal frosting, reminiscent of a delicate Italian meringue, boasts a sublime, melt-in-your-mouth texture. It provides a light, vanilla-infused counterpoint that brightens the rich chocolate, preventing the overall experience from being too heavy.
With every forkful, you’ll embark on a symphony of textures and flavors. The profound, slightly fudgy character of the cake seamlessly meets the ethereal, sweet embrace of the frosting. This creates an irresistible combination—a dance between deep cocoa notes and delicate vanilla sweetness—that impeccably defines the classic, decadent Devil’s Food experience. It’s a treat that truly satisfies every craving for a rich, yet balanced, chocolate dessert.
Essential Ingredients for Your Homemade Devil’s Food Cake

Crafting the perfect Devil’s Food Cake begins with selecting high-quality ingredients and understanding the role each plays in achieving that signature taste and texture. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of what you’ll need:
- Granulated Sugar: Beyond merely sweetening, sugar is a vital component that significantly contributes to the cake’s moistness and tenderness. It also provides essential structure to the batter and forms the foundational sweetness for the marshmallow frosting. While alternative 1:1 sweeteners can be used, granulated sugar is recommended for optimal texture and flavor development.
- All-Purpose Flour & Cake Flour: The strategic combination of these two flours is crucial for striking the perfect balance in your cake. All-purpose flour provides the necessary structure and robustness, while cake flour, with its lower protein content and finer grind, ensures an incredibly soft, delicate, and downy crumb. If you’re unfamiliar with cake flour, our comprehensive post “What is Cake Flour?” offers valuable insights.
- Cocoa Powders (Dark Dutch-Processed & Natural): To achieve the iconic midnight-dark color and a deep, complex chocolate flavor, we use a calculated blend of mostly dark (Dutch-processed) cocoa and a smaller proportion of natural cocoa powder. Dutch-processed cocoa delivers a smoother, less acidic, and profoundly rich chocolate taste, while natural cocoa adds a subtle fruity complexity, enhancing the overall depth without bitterness. This dual approach guarantees a truly luxurious chocolate experience.
- Leavening Agents (Baking Powder & Baking Soda): This powerful duo ensures your cake rises beautifully and evenly, contributing to a light and airy texture. Their combined action allows for the effective use of both types of cocoa powders without disrupting the cake’s pH balance, preventing any undesirable soapy flavors or unusual color changes. They react with the acids in the batter to create a perfectly leavened crumb.
- Kosher Salt: A seemingly small addition, salt is a baker’s indispensable secret weapon. It doesn’t just add a touch of salinity; it profoundly enhances and intensifies all the other flavors present, making the chocolate taste richer and the frosting sweeter. Kosher salt is preferred for its pure taste, as it lacks the additives found in iodized salt that can sometimes impart a metallic or bitter aftertaste.
- Unsalted Butter (Softened to Room Temperature): For a truly rich, flavorful, and satisfying cake, butter is paramount. Using unsalted butter grants you complete control over the precise salt content of your recipe. It is absolutely essential that the butter is softened to room temperature, which ensures smooth and complete emulsification with other ingredients, preventing lumps and resulting in a consistently smooth batter. If you need a shortcut, consult our guide on How to Soften Butter Quickly.
- Large Eggs (Room Temperature): Eggs are critical for both providing structure and contributing richness to the cake. Furthermore, separated egg whites form the vital base of our fluffy marshmallow frosting. Using room temperature eggs is crucial as they emulsify more effectively with other ingredients, leading to a smoother, more stable cake batter and a more voluminous meringue for the frosting. For the cake, a 1:1 plant-based substitute can be considered, but traditional egg whites are non-negotiable for the marshmallow frosting.
- Sour Cream: This ingredient is a secret weapon for achieving an incredibly moist and tender cake. Sour cream adds a delightful subtle tanginess, and its natural acidity plays a crucial role in activating the baking soda, which significantly contributes to a fine, tender crumb. If sour cream isn’t available, plain unsweetened yogurt or homemade buttermilk make excellent substitutes, ensuring the cake remains moist and full of flavor.
- Vanilla Extract: High-quality vanilla extract is an indispensable flavor enhancer. In the cake, it subtly balances the intense chocolate flavor, adding layers of warmth and complexity. In the marshmallow frosting, it is the key ingredient that truly makes it taste like authentic, dreamy marshmallow, elevating the overall sensory experience to perfection.
Special Equipment for Perfect Baking Success
Having the right tools at your disposal can dramatically enhance your baking experience and significantly impact the final outcome of your Devil’s Food Cake. Here’s a detailed list of essential equipment that will help you achieve perfection with ease and precision:
- Accurate Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precision is the cornerstone of successful baking. Accurate measurements ensure that the ratios of your ingredients are correct, leading to consistent and reliable results every single time. We highly recommend following our detailed guide on how to measure ingredients for the best practices, particularly for dry and liquid components.
- Large Mixing Bowls: You will need at least one spacious mixing bowl dedicated to combining your cake batter efficiently. Additionally, a separate, impeccably clean and grease-free bowl is essential for whipping the delicate marshmallow frosting. The ample space in these bowls prevents spills and allows for thorough, effortless mixing, ensuring homogeneity in both your batter and frosting.
- Electric Mixer (Stand or Handheld): A robust electric mixer is an invaluable tool for this recipe. It’s indispensable for creaming together the butter and sugar for the cake and, even more critically, for achieving the stiff, voluminous peaks required for the stable marshmallow frosting. A stand mixer offers the convenience of hands-free operation, while a handheld electric mixer provides portability and control for smaller batches.
- Heat-Resistant Silicone Spatula: This versatile tool is essential for thoroughly scraping down the sides and bottom of your mixing bowl. Its flexibility ensures that every last bit of batter and frosting is incorporated, preventing unmixed pockets and guaranteeing a uniform texture throughout your cake and frosting.
- Non-Stick Baking Spray: To ensure your cake releases effortlessly from the pan without sticking or tearing, a reliable non-stick baking spray is highly recommended. It creates a smooth, even coating that makes post-baking removal simple and clean.
- Parchment Paper: Lining your baking pan with parchment paper is a foolproof method for a completely clean cake release. It also creates handy “handles” that allow you to easily lift the cooled cake out of the pan and transfer it onto a wire rack or cutting board for frosting and serving, minimizing any risk of breakage.
- 8×8-inch Metal Baking Pan: This recipe is specifically developed and calibrated for an 8×8-inch metal baking pan. Metal pans are preferred because they conduct heat efficiently and evenly, which is crucial for achieving a consistently baked cake with a beautiful crumb structure. If you opt to use a glass or stoneware pan, be aware that these materials retain and distribute heat differently, and you may need to adjust the baking time slightly to compensate.
- Candy Thermometer (for Frosting): For the marshmallow frosting, a reliable candy thermometer is absolutely critical. Achieving the precise temperature (235°F / 113°C) for the sugar syrup is paramount. This exact temperature ensures that your frosting achieves the perfect, stable, and wonderfully fluffy consistency that defines marshmallow frosting. Without it, your frosting may end up too runny to hold its shape or too stiff and grainy.
How to Make Homemade Devil’s Food Cake: Your Step-by-Step Guide
Creating this irresistible Devil’s Food Cake is a surprisingly straightforward and rewarding process, meticulously broken down into five simple and manageable steps. Follow these detailed instructions carefully for a truly spectacular and perfectly baked result.
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace and Combine Dry Ingredients

Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature when your batter is ready. Next, prepare your 8×8-inch metal baking pan: lightly mist it with non-stick spray, then line it with parchment paper, allowing an overhang on two sides. These parchment “handles” will make removing the cooled cake incredibly easy. Additionally, lightly mist a small, oven-safe ramekin; this will hold a small portion of batter for your cake crumb garnish later.
In a large mixing bowl, combine all the dry ingredients for the cake: granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, cake flour, dark cocoa powder, natural cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and kosher salt. Use a whisk or a spoon to stir these dry components together thoroughly for about 30 seconds. This crucial step ensures that the leavening agents and flavors are evenly distributed throughout the mixture, preventing pockets of unmixed ingredients and guaranteeing a consistent rise and flavor in your finished cake.
Step 2: Work in the Softened Butter Until Crumbly
Now, add the softened unsalted butter to your bowl of dry ingredients. Using your electric mixer set to low speed, begin to beat the butter into the dry mixture. Continue mixing until the texture transforms from a dry powder into a fine, uniform mixture that resembles damp sand or delicate crumbs. This process, known as the reverse creaming method, coats the flour particles with fat before any liquid is added. This technique is key to creating an exceptionally tender, moist cake crumb and helps prevent the development of gluten, which can lead to a tougher cake. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure all components are thoroughly incorporated.
Step 3: Introduce the Liquid Ingredients for Richness and Structure

Crack your large eggs into a separate bowl first; this allows you to easily remove any shell fragments and ensures no spoiled eggs enter your batter. Add the eggs to the butter-flour mixture one at a time, beating on low speed after each addition. Allow each egg to be fully incorporated and emulsified into the batter before adding the next. This staged addition is crucial for creating a stable emulsion and a smooth, cohesive batter. After each egg, use a flexible silicone spatula to meticulously scrape down the bottom and sides of the mixing bowl, ensuring all ingredients are thoroughly blended and no dry pockets remain.
Next, pour in the sour cream and vanilla extract. Continue to mix on low speed until just combined. Again, scrape the bottom and sides of the bowl to be certain all ingredients are perfectly integrated. Finally, increase your mixer speed to medium and beat the batter for a further 1 to 1½ minutes. This step is vital for aerating the batter, which introduces air and builds the cake’s essential structure, contributing significantly to its light, fluffy, and tender texture. Avoid overmixing during this stage, as it can lead to a tougher cake.
Step 4: Bake Your Devil’s Food Cake to Perfection
Once your batter is prepared, transfer the majority of it to your prepared 8×8-inch square cake pan, spreading it evenly with your spatula. Now, take approximately 3 tablespoons of the remaining batter and spoon it into the lightly greased ramekin you prepared earlier. This small portion will be baked separately and then crumbled to create the delicious cake crumbs used for garnishing your finished masterpiece, adding an extra layer of chocolate flavor and delightful texture.
Carefully place both the main cake pan and the ramekin into your preheated oven. Bake the cake for approximately 30 minutes. The exact baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep a close eye on it. The cake is perfectly baked when it appears beautifully puffy, feels springy to the touch in the center, and a wooden toothpick or cake tester inserted into the thickest part comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs attached. It’s crucial to avoid overbaking, as this is the primary cause of dry cakes.
Once baked, promptly remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This cooling period is absolutely critical before you attempt to frost it, as frosting a warm cake will cause the delicate marshmallow frosting to melt and slide off, resulting in a runny mess. Patience here is key to a perfectly presented cake.
Step 5: Craft the Exquisite Fluffy Marshmallow Frosting

While your cake is gracefully baking and cooling, you can begin the delightful process of preparing the exquisite marshmallow frosting. In a large, impeccably clean, and grease-free mixing bowl (ensure no residual fat from previous baking as it will prevent egg whites from whipping), combine the large egg whites, cream of tartar, and kosher salt. Begin whipping these ingredients on medium speed until the mixture becomes wonderfully foamy. If you don’t have cream of tartar, don’t fret; a few drops of lemon juice or distilled white vinegar can serve as a suitable acidic substitute, helping to stabilize the egg whites for optimal whipping and volume.
Once the egg whites are foamy, gradually add half a cup of the granulated sugar into the whipping egg whites. It’s crucial to do this in a very slow and steady stream, adding about one teaspoon at a time. This slow, gradual addition allows the sugar granules ample time to dissolve properly, preventing the meringue from becoming grainy and ensuring it doesn’t deflate the delicate egg whites. Continue whipping until the meringue mixture is glossy and can hold stiff, defined peaks when the whisk is lifted.
Now, separately, in a small, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the remaining half cup of granulated sugar with the water. Place this pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar completely dissolves and the syrup begins to boil. Continue to cook the sugar syrup without stirring too much until it reaches precisely 235°F (113°C) on a reliable candy thermometer. This specific temperature is absolutely vital for the frosting to set up correctly, achieving its characteristic stable, shiny, and wonderfully fluffy marshmallow-like texture. Do not guess this temperature!
With your electric mixer still running on low speed (to prevent splattering and ensure even incorporation), slowly and steadily drizzle the hot sugar syrup into the meringue mixture. Aim for a thin, continuous stream, pouring it down the side of the bowl between the whisk and the bowl to ensure it mixes in gradually. Once all the hot syrup has been incorporated, increase the mixer speed to high and continue whipping the frosting vigorously. Whip until the frosting is very stiff, beautifully glossy, and holds its shape perfectly, feeling cool to the touch. Finally, whip in the vanilla extract for that authentic, dreamy marshmallow flavor. Your stunning, ethereal frosting is now ready to adorn your completely cooled Devil’s Food Cake!
How to Serve This Decadent Devil’s Food Cake
Once your homemade Devil’s Food Cake has completely cooled to room temperature and your marshmallow frosting has been whipped to perfection, it’s time for the final, most delightful touches. Begin by gently dolloping generous spoonfuls of the ethereal marshmallow frosting over the cooled cake. Using an offset spatula, the back of a spoon, or even a decorative piping bag, artfully spread and swirl the frosting into a beautiful pattern across the entire top surface of the cake. This creates a visually appealing and inviting finish that beckons indulgence with every glance.
Next, take the small portion of cake you baked in the ramekin and finely crumble it. Generously sprinkle these homemade chocolate cake crumbs all over the frosted surface. This step is not just for aesthetics; it adds an extra layer of profound chocolatey flavor, introduces a delightful textural contrast against the smooth frosting, and lends a professional, bakery-worthy appearance to your creation. The combination of the silky-smooth frosting and the crumbly chocolate topping is simply gorgeous and utterly irresistible.

This Devil’s Food Cake is truly versatile, making it perfect for various occasions. It can serve as a luxurious afternoon snack, a comforting treat to brighten your day, or a show-stopping dessert to elegantly conclude any meal, from casual family dinners to more formal gatherings. It is at its absolute best when served at room temperature; this allows the cake’s exquisite moistness and the frosting’s delicate, airy texture to truly shine, offering the most harmonious flavor and mouthfeel. However, if you have a preference for a firmer frosting, you can certainly chill the cake for a short period in the refrigerator before serving, though we recommend bringing it back closer to room temperature for the ultimate tasting experience.
Pro Baking Tips for Devil’s Food Cake Success
Achieving a bakery-quality Devil’s Food Cake in your own kitchen is entirely within reach, especially when you arm yourself with these expert tips. These insights will help you navigate common baking challenges and ensure your cake turns out perfectly moist, flavorful, and beautifully frosted every single time:
- Room Temperature Ingredients are Non-Negotiable: This is arguably the most fundamental and crucial tip for virtually any baking project, and especially for cakes. Ensure all your cold ingredients, particularly butter and eggs, are brought to true room temperature before you begin. This allows them to emulsify thoroughly and seamlessly with other ingredients, creating a smooth, homogenous, and stable batter completely free of lumps. Cold ingredients can cause the batter to curdle or become stiff, which ultimately leads to a denser, inconsistent, and potentially tough cake. Plan ahead by taking them out of the refrigerator at least one to two hours before you intend to start baking.
- Gluten-Free Adaptation Considerations: For those with gluten sensitivities or specific dietary preferences, this Devil’s Food Cake recipe can be successfully adapted. Simply swap in a high-quality, reputable cup-for-cup gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for both the all-purpose and cake flours specified in the recipe. For best results, ensure your chosen gluten-free blend already contains xanthan gum, or add a small amount (about ½ teaspoon per cup of flour) to aid in structure and texture. While the texture might vary ever so slightly from the traditional version, a deliciously moist and flavorful gluten-free chocolate cake is absolutely achievable.
- The Art of Egg Separation: When it comes to separating your egg yolks from the whites for the marshmallow frosting, exercise extreme caution and precision. Even a tiny, microscopic speck of egg yolk (which contains fat) in the egg whites can catastrophically prevent them from whipping up properly to stiff, voluminous peaks. It’s also paramount to ensure that your mixing bowl and whisk attachment are impeccably clean and completely grease-free before you start, as any residual fat can have the same detrimental effect. This meticulous attention to detail is vital for achieving a truly light, airy, and stable marshmallow frosting.
- Do Not Overmix the Batter: Once you’ve added the wet ingredients (eggs, sour cream, vanilla) and are in the process of aerating the batter (as described in Step 3), mix only until the ingredients are just combined and the batter appears smooth and uniform. Overmixing can cause the gluten in the flour to develop excessively, leading to a cake that is tough, chewy, and disappointingly dry. Stop mixing as soon as the batter looks homogenous and has achieved the desired aerated consistency. A light hand is key here.
- Patience is a Virtue (Especially with Cooling): Resist the irresistible urge to frost a warm or even slightly warm cake! Applying frosting to anything less than a completely cooled cake will inevitably cause your beautiful, delicate marshmallow frosting to melt, slide off, and turn into a runny, unappealing mess. Allow the cake to cool fully on a wire rack—this crucial step can take several hours, so plan accordingly—before applying any frosting. For the best and cleanest results, many bakers even prefer to make the cake the day before, cool it completely, and then chill it in the refrigerator overnight before frosting. This firms up the cake, making it much easier to handle and frost cleanly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Devil’s Food Cake
Absolutely! This versatile Devil’s Food Cake recipe adapts beautifully to various pan sizes, making it perfect for any occasion. While the recipe is formulated for an 8×8-inch square pan, you can effortlessly bake it in a standard-sized loaf pan for a taller, more rustic cake, though baking time will vary. For larger gatherings or celebrations, you can double the recipe to create a decadent 9×13-inch sheet cake. If you’re aiming for a show-stopping centerpiece, a doubled recipe will also yield a magnificent double-decker 8- or 9-inch diameter layer cake, or even an impressive triple-decker 6-inch diameter layer cake. For individual treats, doubling the recipe will typically produce approximately 24 standard-sized cupcakes. Remember to adjust baking times accordingly for different pan sizes; smaller portions like cupcakes will bake faster, while larger, thicker cakes will require more time. Always use the toothpick test to confirm doneness.
Yes, making this Devil’s Food Cake ahead of time is not only possible but often an excellent strategy, particularly if you want to ensure it’s perfectly cool before you begin frosting. We frequently recommend preparing the cake a day or even two days before you plan to serve it. Once baked and completely cooled to room temperature, wrap the unfrosted cake tightly in plastic wrap (or place it in an airtight container) and store it in the refrigerator. Chilling the cake overnight not only helps preserve its freshness and moistness but also makes it significantly easier to handle, level, and frost, allowing for cleaner lines and minimizing crumbling, leading to a much more professional finish.
Once frosted, this Devil’s Food Cake is perfectly fine to leave out at room temperature for a couple of hours if it’s covered to protect it from drying out. However, for longer storage and to best maintain its freshness, moistness, and the delicate integrity of the marshmallow frosting, it is highly recommended to refrigerate it. Cover the cake lightly with plastic wrap or, ideally, store it in an airtight cake container. When properly stored in the refrigerator, your homemade Devil’s Food Cake will remain wonderfully delicious for 5 to 7 days. If you wish to store it for an even longer period, the unfrosted cake freezes exceptionally well. Wrap it tightly first in plastic wrap, then again in aluminum foil, and it will last beautifully in the freezer for one to two months. Thaw frozen cake in the refrigerator before frosting and serving.
For this particular recipe, when baked in an 8×8-inch pan, we recommend cutting the cake into 9 equal, generous squares. Each square is considered one single serving, providing a satisfying portion of this rich dessert. The detailed nutritional information provided within the recipe card is calculated for 1/9th of the entire cake, and it comprehensively includes the delicious marshmallow frosting, giving you a clear and accurate picture of the portion size and its nutritional breakdown.

More Irresistible Cake Recipes to Elevate Your Baking
If you thoroughly enjoyed baking this Devil’s Food Cake and are eager to expand your repertoire, we invite you to explore more of our cherished cake recipes. Each of these recipes has been meticulously tested and perfected to ensure delightful results and a truly rewarding baking experience:
- Angel Food Cake: A classic, incredibly light, airy, and ethereal cake, perfect for a delicate dessert or when paired with fresh berries.
- Pumpkin Cake: A wonderfully moist and warmly spiced cake, rich with the flavors of autumn and ideal for seasonal celebrations.
- Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting: A vibrant, tender cake with its signature subtle tang, beautifully complemented by a luscious and creamy cream cheese frosting.
- Carrot Cake: A beloved classic, packed with flavorful grated carrots, warm spices, and often studded with nuts or raisins, all crowned with an indispensable rich cream cheese frosting.
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Devil’s Food Cake Recipe
Homemade Devil’s Food Cake Recipe: Tons better than anything you could buy! Moist & deeply chocolate-y, with a fluffy marshmallow frosting.
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Ingredients
For the Devil’s Food Cake
- 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (62.5 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup (31.25 g) cake flour
- 1/3 cup (28.67 g) dark cocoa powder
- 3 tablespoons (15 g) natural cocoa powder
- 3/4 teaspoon (3 g) baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon (2 g) baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon (1.5 g) kosher salt
- 1/2 cup (113.5 g) unsalted butter, softened, room temperature
- 2 (88 g) large eggs, room temperature
- 1/2 cup (115 g) sour cream*
- 1 teaspoon (4 g) vanilla extract
For the Marshmallow Frosting
- 3 (90 g) large egg whites, room temperature
- 1/4 teaspoon (0.75 g) cream of tartar**
- 1/8 teaspoon (0.75 g) kosher salt
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar, divided
- 1 teaspoon (4 g) vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup (78.86 g) water
Instructions
To Make the Devil’s Food Cake
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Lightly mist an 8×8-inch metal pan with non-stick spray and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides. Also, lightly mist a small oven-safe ramekin.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, cake flour, dark cocoa, natural cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir well to combine.
- Add the softened butter to the dry ingredients and mix on low speed until the mixture resembles damp sand (about 2 minutes).
- Stir in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated. Scrape the bottom and sides of the bowl with a silicone spatula after each addition.
- Add the sour cream and vanilla extract, scraping the bowl thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are well combined. Beat on medium speed for 1 to 1 1/2 minutes to aerate the batter and build the cake’s structure.
- Place approximately 3 tablespoons of batter into the prepared ramekin, and transfer the remaining batter to the prepared square cake pan.
- Bake for about 30 minutes, or until the cake is set and springs back in the center. A toothpick inserted into the thickest part should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool the cake completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.
To Make the Marshmallow Frosting
- In a large, clean mixing bowl, combine the egg whites, cream of tartar, and salt. Whip on medium speed until foamy.
- While continuing to whip, slowly add 1/2 cup of the granulated sugar in a very slow and steady stream (about 1 teaspoon at a time).
- Once all 1/2 cup of sugar has been added, continue to whip until the meringue holds stiff, glossy peaks.
- Whip in the vanilla extract. Keep the mixer on low speed while you prepare the hot sugar syrup.
- In a small pot, combine the remaining 1/2 cup of granulated sugar with the water.
- Heat the pot over medium heat and cook until the syrup boils and reaches 235°F (113°C) on a candy thermometer.
- With the mixer on low speed, slowly and steadily drizzle the hot sugar syrup into the meringue.
- When all the syrup has been added, turn the mixer up to high speed and whip until the frosting is very stiff, glossy, and holds its shape beautifully.
Watch our video tutorial for a visual guide on crafting this delicious Devil’s Food Cake!
Notes
- *Unsweetened plain yogurt or buttermilk can be substituted for sour cream.
- **A few drops of lemon juice or distilled white vinegar can be substituted for cream of tartar.
Nutrition Information
Serving: 0.11 cake, Calories: 337kcal, Carbohydrates: 50g, Protein: 5g, Fat: 15g, Saturated Fat: 8g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 4g, Trans Fat: 0.4g, Cholesterol: 71mg, Sodium: 196mg, Potassium: 183mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 40g, Vitamin A: 448IU, Vitamin C: 0.1mg, Calcium: 45mg, Iron: 1mg
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