A slice of 1 piece (1/10 1-layer, 8" or 9" dia) Chocolate Devil's Food or Fudge Cake without Icing, Coating or Filling (Home Recipe or Purchased) contains 246 calories. If you're looking for a delicious chocolate cake without the extra calories from icing or filling, this is the recipe for you.

This cake is rich in flavor and satisfying without the added sugars and fats found in traditional cake recipes. Made with cocoa powder, flour, sugar, eggs, and butter or oil, this cake is easy to make and perfect for any occasion.

In this article, we'll explore some tips for baking and serving this cake, as well as its nutritional value and potential health benefits.

Ingredients and Nutrition Facts

To make this cake, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 cup milk or buttermilk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Nutrition Facts (per 1-piece serving): calories: 246, Total Fat: 10g, Saturated Fat: 3.4g, Cholesterol: 35mg, Sodium: 240mg, Total Carbohydrates: 37g, Dietary Fiber: 2g, Sugars: 23g, Protein: 4g

Baking Instructions

To bake this cake, follow these simple steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. Grease and flour an 8 or 9 inch cake pan.
3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
4. Add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil or melted butter, and vanilla extract to the mixing bowl and stir until smooth.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
6. Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serving Suggestions

This cake is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a few toppings or accompaniments:

• Sprinkle powdered sugar over the top of the cake for a simple and elegant finish.
• Add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side of the cake for a rich and creamy dessert.
• Top with fresh berries or chocolate chips for some added texture and flavor.

Storage Tips

After baking, store this cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. You can also freeze this cake for up to 3 months by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil.

Health Benefits

While cake is not typically considered a health food, there are some potential health benefits to this recipe. Cocoa powder, a key ingredient, is rich in flavanols and antioxidants, which can help improve heart health and lower blood pressure. Additionally, this cake is lower in calories than many traditional cakes, making it a better option for those trying to watch their weight.

Calorie Control

If you are trying to cut calories, you can reduce the sugar content in this recipe by substituting a sugar substitute or reducing the amount of sugar by a third. You can also reduce the amount of oil or butter used, and use skim milk or a milk substitute instead of whole milk to lower the fat content.

Variations on Recipe

If you want to change up this recipe, there are a few variations you can try:

• Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to the batter for some added crunch.
• Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice to the dry ingredients for some added warmth and depth of flavor.
• Replace the cocoa powder with 3/4 cup of melted chocolate chips for an extra decadent cake.

Different Icing and Coating Options

While this cake is delicious without icing or coating, you can certainly add your own personal touch with the following options:

• Frost the cake with your favorite icing, such as chocolate, vanilla, or cream cheese frosting.
• Add a chocolate or caramel glaze to the top of the cake for some added shine and decadence.
• Dust the cake with powdered sugar or cocoa powder for a simple and elegant finish.

Occasions to Serve the Cake

This cake is perfect for any occasion, including:

• Birthday parties
• Family dinners
• Holiday gatherings
• Office parties
• Potlucks

Comparison with Other Cakes

Compared to other cakes, this recipe is lower in calories and fat due to the lack of icing and filling. However, it is still rich in flavor and satisfying, making it a great alternative to more decadent cake recipes.