It’s that time of the year again when we begin to think about the upcoming holidays. And, of course, that means visions of delectable foods we might prepare start to dance in our heads! Some of mine take a good bit of preparation. But some are super easy to make! What I am sharing today is in the “super easy to make” category. It, like all the rest, has passed the taste-test of family and friends.
This dessert is called a cake but its texture is somewhat between a brownie and a cake. And you can have it ready in practically no time at all! This Magic Chocolate Cake has no eggs or dairy. And you can even mix it right in the baking/serving pan, if you wish. I first encountered it in The Peaceful Palate by Jennifer Raymond.
Dry Ingredients for the cake
- 1 ½ cups all purpose (plain) flour
- ¾ cup sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda (not baking powder)
- 1 1/3 cups cocoa powder
Liquid ingredients for the cake
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/3 cup canola oil
- 1 tablespoon white distilled or apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup cold water
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Combine flour, sugar, salt, baking soda, and cocoa powder. Mix well before adding liquid ingredients.
- Add vanilla, canola oil, vinegar and water and mix well (with a fork, spoon, or whisk is fine—an electric mixer isn’t needed).
- Bake for 30 minutes (I use a 9-inch ungreased square or round aluminum baking pan) until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool completely before frosting with a Chocolate Cream Frosting like the one below. Or serve with a dusting of powdered sugar.
Ingredients for the frosting
- 2 tablespoons softened margarine (creamed, not melted)
- 2 cups powdered (confectioners’) sugar
- 1/3 cup cocoa
- ½ teaspoon vanilla
- 2-4 tablespoons water (as needed)
- Add sugar, cocoa, vanilla, and water to the softened margarine just a little at a time until frosting is of desired consistency—thick but spreadable.
Spread the frosting over the cooled Magic Chocolate Cake and serve from the pan. Makes nine delicious servings.
Nonny’s Favorite Holiday (Or Any Day) Recipes
Magic Chocolate Cake
Connie Carlisle Polley, 2022
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