Embrace the culinary treat that is National Devil’s Food Cake Day on May 19th, a yearly occasion designed specifically for those who adore the taste of rich, velvety chocolate. Devil’s Food Cake, known for its moist, airy texture coupled with deep chocolate flavor due to cocoa powder, offers a blissful contrast to its counterpart - the angel food cake.
The intense chocolate flavor and its dark, enticing color can make anyone give in to their sweet cravings. Enjoy this delightful day with a piece of this enticingly delicious cake.
History of National Devil's Food Cake
Devil’s Food Cake, a delectable, airy, and rich chocolate-layered cake, is celebrated annually in America on May 19th – known as National Devil’s Food Cake Day. Its name is believed to have been given as a humorous contrast to angel food cake, which is typically white or yellow in colour.
The oldest known recipe for this indulgent dessert dates back to 1902, found in an American cookbook called “Mrs. Rorer’s New Cook Book.” Interestingly, despite its early origins, devil’s food cake did not truly become widely popular until the 1920s and 1930s. This increased popularity was mainly driven by recipes for the cake featured in women’s magazines, like Good Housekeeping and Better Homes and Gardens.
The dessert’s fame continued to grow throughout the 20th century. Classic American cookbooks, such as “Joy of Cooking,” featured the recipe, further cementing its status in American culinary history. In addition, a number of creative variations arose, ranging from frosting made from marshmallow fluff, fillings with macaroon crunch, toppings with whipped cream, and substitutes for traditional chocolate with Dutch process cocoa.
Fast forward to our social-media age, the recognition of May 19th as National Devil’s Food Cake Day is quite new and mostly social media driven. With enthusiasts of the dessert often marking the occasion with shares of their homemade devil’s food cakes, continuing to affirm the cake’s lasting popularity and importance within American dessert culture.
National Devil's Food Cake Timeline
First Recognized Cake Recipe
The first recognized cake recipe comes from Amelia Simmons’ American Cookery, published in 1801.
First Published Recipe of Devil's Food Cake
The first known recipe was published in 1902 in an American cookbook titled - 'Mrs. Hill’s New Cook Book'.
Popularization Of Devil's Food Cake
By 1905, the Devil’s Food Cake recipe was published in several local American newspapers which helped in popularizing it.
Rising Popularity
Devil's Food Cake becomes a staple in many American homes and bakeries during the Roaring Twenties.
Inclusion in Betty Crocker Cookbook
The recipe for Devil's Food Cake is included in the Betty Crocker Cookbook, spreading its popularity nationwide.
Devil's Food Cake Today
Devil's Food Cake continues to be a popular choice for chocolate lovers around the world.
Ideas to Celebrate National Devil's Food Cake
Bake a Homemade Devil’s Food Cake
Kick off the celebration with a homemade devil’s food cake. Search for recipes online and choose one that aligns with your baking skill level. To make it more fun, you can even invite your friends or family to bake together.
Cake Decorating Contest
Host a cake decorating contest at home or online. Have everyone bake their own devil's food cake and set a time limit for them to decorate it. This will not only get everyone involved, but it will also be a lot of fun.
Try a New Recipe
If you're already familiar with baking Devil's Food Cake, National Devil's Food Cake Day is the perfect time to experiment with a new recipe. Whether it's a vegan version, a gluten-free one, or a unique twist like Devil's Food Cake with a cream cheese frosting, this is a great way to celebrate.
Dessert Potluck Party
Plan a dessert potluck party where the main requirement for attending is bringing a dish made with devil's food cake. This could be anything from cupcakes to parfaits and allows everyone to get creative.
Donate a Devil’s Food Cake
Celebrate the day by baking a devil's food cake and donating it to a local food bank or shelter. This way, you're not only acknowledging the day but also bringing a little joy to someone else.
Devil’s Food Cake and Wine Pairing
Invite a group of friends over for a devil's food cake and wine pairing. Research beforehand which wines pair best with the rich chocolate flavor of the cake, like robust reds or even some dessert wines.
7 Interesting Facts About Devil's Food Cake
Originated in the United States
Devil's Food Cake is a delicious dessert that originates from the United States. The first known printed reference was in 1902, and since then, it has become a favorite in American households.
Name Rivalry
The unique name 'Devil’s Food Cake' is believed to have been coined as a counterpart to the already existing 'Angel’s Food Cake'. The stark contrast between the dark, rich Devil's Food Cake and the light, fluffy Angel's Food Cake makes for an interesting dessert dichotomy.
Deep, Dark Chocolate
What separates Devil's Food Cake from regular chocolate cake is the inclusion of boiling water or coffee. This not only intensifies the chocolate flavor but gives the cake a super moist texture.
Cocoa vs Chocolate
Traditionally, Devil's Food Cake is made with cocoa, rather than chocolate. The acidity of natural cocoa powder contributes to the rich, dark color of the cake.
Baking Soda Use
Due to the naturally acidic properties of cocoa, it reacts with baking soda (an alkali) in the Devil's Food Cake recipe. This reaction results in the cake's famously moist texture and open crumb.
Versatile Frosting Pairings
While many people enjoy Devil's Food Cake with a classic chocolate frosting, it is also often paired with cream cheese frosting or a vanilla buttercream. The cake's rich, chocolate flavor complements a variety of toppings.
Famous in Pop Culture
Devil's Food Cake has been referenced in various forms of media, from literature to television shows. For instance, in the popular TV show 'Friends', the character Rachel mistakenly combines an English trifle and a Devil's Food Cake, creating a memorable comedic moment.
National Devil's Food Cake FAQs
Next National Devil's Food Cake Dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | May 19th | Friday |
| 2024 | May 19th | Sunday |
| 2025 | May 19th | Monday |
| 2026 | May 19th | Tuesday |
| 2027 | May 19th | Wednesday |
| What is the pattern? | Every May 19th | |
National Devil's Food Cake Word Search
- Chocolate
- Baking
- Cake
- Icing
- Butter
- Sugar