May 19th, 2026

National Devil's Food Cake Day

Welcome to National Devil's Food Cake Day, a day dedicated to indulging in the most decadent, sinfully rich chocolate cake known to humanity. If you're a fan of moist, fluffy, and chocolatey goodness, this is your day! Devil's food cake is basically chocolate cake’s more intense cousin—darker, richer, and always ready to party. So grab a fork (or just use your hands, we won't judge), and dive into a slice. Whether you’re baking it from scratch or buying it from your favorite bakery, remember: calories don't count when it's a holiday!

Written by: Oliver Wren Oliver Wren - (updated: May 18th, 2025 at 9:25AM)

National Devils Food Cake Day: A Celebration of the Sinfully SweetNationalDevilsFoodCakeDay

What is National Devils Food Cake Day?

National Devils Food Cake Day is a day dedicated to celebrating the irresistibly rich and velvety goodness of devils food cake. This beloved dessert is renowned for its dark, mocha-flavored cake layers, enveloped in creamy chocolate frosting, and finished with a delicate dusting of powdered sugar. It's a day to revel in this decadent treat, experiment with new flavor twists, and share sumptuous slices with friends and family.

The Origins of Devils Food Cake

The mysterious origins of devils food cake add to its allure. While its exact birthplace remains a subject of debate, it is widely believed to have emerged in the United States during the late 19th or early 20th century. One intriguing tale suggests that a talented chef at the prestigious Delaware Hotel in Chicago concocted this rich, mocha-infused cake to dazzle a visiting dignitary, sparking a culinary sensation.

What Makes Devils Food Cake So Special?

What distinguishes devils food cake from its confectionery counterparts? It all starts with the cake's profound, rich flavor, often achieved through the use of high-quality cocoa powder or the subtle enhancement of espresso powder. The velvety chocolate frosting provides a luscious contrast to the dense, mocha-flavored cake. And, of course, the pièce de résistance is the presentation – a gentle sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance to this indulgent treat.

How to Celebrate National Devils Food Cake Day

Wondering how to make the most of National Devils Food Cake Day? Here are some delightful suggestions:

The Art of Devils Food Cake

Devils food cake transcends the realm of mere dessert; it is an art form. From achieving the perfect balance of flavors to mastering the elegant presentation, every element of devils food cake demands precision and creativity. Whether you're an experienced baker or a novice, National Devils Food Cake Day provides the perfect opportunity to experiment and push the boundaries of this timeless dessert.

So, why resist? Indulge in the rich, velvety goodness of devils food cake. After all, it's National Devils Food Cake Day – the perfect excuse to let your cake passion run wild!

Happy National Devils Food Cake Day!

In conclusion, National Devils Food Cake Day is a delightful celebration of all things sweet and sinful. It's a day to savor the rich flavors and elegant presentation of devils food cake. Whether you're a chocolate connoisseur or simply a lover of all things sweet, this holiday offers the perfect opportunity to indulge in this decadent treat. So, go ahead, grab a slice, and savor the sinful delight of devils food cake!

Updated on May 18th, 2025 by Oliver Wren:

In some regions, devils food cake is often paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, adding a touch of coolness to the richness of the cake. This contrast of temperatures and textures adds an extra layer of complexity to the dessert, making it even more indulgent.

Interestingly, the popularity of devils food cake has led to the creation of various spin-offs, such as devil's food cheesecake, devil's food brownies, and even devil's food-flavored coffee creamer. These creative twists on the original recipe are a testament to the versatility and enduring appeal of devils food cake, and offer a new way to experience the classic dessert.

For those looking to make their devils food cake even more special, a sprinkle of edible gold dust or shaved chocolate on top can add an extra touch of luxury and sophistication. This small detail can elevate the humble devils food cake to a show-stopping centerpiece for any celebration or gathering.

Recipe for National Devil's Food Cake Day

Celebrate National Devils Food Cake Day with this decadent and rich chocolate cake recipe. This devilish delight is a twist on the classic, with the addition of espresso powder and a hint of orange liqueur. The cake layers are moist and velvety, sandwiched together with a creamy chocolate frosting and topped with a sprinkle of powdered sugar. Gather with friends and family to indulge in this sinful treat and make it a day to remember!



Nutrition Facts
Calories350 calories
Total Fat20g
Total Carbohydrate45g
Protein5g

Cook Time: 2 hours 15 minutes

Cooking Method: Baking

Category: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 servings

Suitable For Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

NationalLobsterThermidorDay recipe

Materials

Steps

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, espresso powder, baking powder, and salt.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, oil, and orange liqueur (if using).
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, whisking until smooth.
  5. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
  6. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of each cake comes out clean.
  7. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
  8. To make the frosting, melt the chocolate chips in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval until smooth.
  9. Beat the softened butter until light and fluffy, then gradually add the melted chocolate and confectioners' sugar, beating until smooth and creamy.
  10. Assemble the cake by spreading a layer of frosting on top of each cake layer, then stacking them on top of each other.
  11. Dust the top of the cake with confectioners' sugar and serve.
Timeline
1913
Devils Food Cake Invented
A chef at the famed Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City invents devils food cake.
1920
Recipe Published
The original recipe for devils food cake is published in a cookbook, making it widely available.
1950
Cake Mixes Introduced
Pre-made cake mixes make it easy for home bakers to create devils food cake at home.
1980
Chocolate Cake Revival
The resurgence of chocolate cakes in popularity helps to revive interest in devils food cake.
2012
National Day Established
National Devils Food Cake Day is officially established to celebrate this decadent dessert.
National Devil's Food Cake Day

National Devil's Food Cake Day Quiz

What is the primary flavor profile associated with Devil's Food Cake?

Score: 0/5
FAQ
What is the origin of Devils Food Cake?
Devils Food Cake originated in the late 19th century as a richer, moister alternative to traditional chocolate cake.
What are some popular variations of Devils Food Cake?
Some popular variations of Devils Food Cake include adding nuts, using different types of chocolate, and topping with creative frostings.
What makes Devils Food Cake so decadent?
Devils Food Cake is known for its richness and decadence due to the high amount of sugar, fat, and high-quality chocolate used in its recipe.
How can I make a vegan Devils Food Cake?
To make a vegan Devils Food Cake, replace eggs with flaxseed or applesauce, use plant-based milk, and choose vegan-friendly chocolate.
What are some creative ways to serve Devils Food Cake?
Devils Food Cake can be served with a scoop of ice cream, topped with fresh fruit, or even used as a base for a cake tower or trifle.
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