Rich, moist and deeply chocolatey, devil's food cake is a dessert lover's dream. National Devil's Food Cake Day, on May 19, celebrates this classic American layer cake, which is darker and more intensely chocolate than ordinary chocolate cake. Often paired with fluffy white or chocolate frosting, it is a favorite for birthdays and celebrations.
History of National Devil's Food Cake Day
Devil's food cake appeared in American cookbooks around the turn of the 20th century. Its name is often explained as a contrast to angel food cake, the light, white sponge cake that became popular in the late 1800s. If angel food cake was heavenly, then a rich chocolate cake must be devilishly indulgent.
The cake's deep, reddish-dark color comes from cocoa powder and baking soda, which raise the batter's pH and darken the chocolate. Many recipes also use hot coffee or water to intensify the chocolate flavor. Some early devil's food cakes had a reddish tint, and the name may also refer to the 'deviled' foods that were spiced or rich.
Devil's food cake became a popular boxed cake mix flavor in the 20th century. Who started National Devil's Food Cake Day is not documented.
Why National Devil's Food Cake Day Matters
Devil's food cake is a classic American dessert that has been part of birthdays and family gatherings for more than a century.
Baking it also introduces interesting kitchen chemistry, like how baking soda changes color and texture.
Comparing devil's food cake and angel food cake is a fun way to explore how different ingredients and methods create completely different results.
Chocolate cake has also become the classic birthday cake for many families. A homemade layer cake, however imperfect, often means more than a store-bought one because of the time and care that go into it. Learning to bake one is a skill that lasts a lifetime and can be passed on to children and grandchildren.
How to Celebrate National Devil's Food Cake Day
- Bake a devil's food cake: use cocoa, baking soda and hot coffee.
- Make cupcakes: bake devil's food cupcakes for easy sharing.
- Try frostings: pair with seven-minute frosting or chocolate ganache.
- Compare cakes: bake devil's food and angel food side by side.
- Buy a slice: support a local bakery.
Celebrating at Work, School and Home
At work, a devil's food cake makes a great centerpiece for a team birthday or milestone celebration. In classrooms, baking classes can compare devil's food and angel food cakes and discuss the role of ingredients; science classes can explore how pH affects color. At home, families can bake a cake together, with children measuring and mixing; frosting and decorating are especially fun. Use decaf coffee or hot water if baking for children.
Fun Facts About National Devil's Food Cake Day
- Devil's food cake appeared around 1900.
- Its name contrasts with angel food cake.
- Baking soda darkens the cake's color.
National Devil's Food Cake Day FAQs
When is National Devil's Food Cake Day?
National Devil's Food Cake Day is May 19.
Why is it called devil's food cake?
It contrasts with light, white angel food cake.
How is it different from chocolate cake?
It's richer and darker, often using cocoa and baking soda.
Why do recipes use coffee?
Coffee enhances the chocolate flavor.