Best 5 Poor Mans Chocolate Cake Recipes

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Introducing the delectable Poor Man's Chocolate Cake, a classic dessert that has stood the test of time. This humble yet irresistible cake is a testament to the power of simple ingredients combined to create something truly special. With its rich chocolate flavor, moist texture, and unassuming appearance, this cake is a true crowd-pleaser.

The recipe section of this article provides three variations of the Poor Man's Chocolate Cake, each with its own unique twist. The original recipe is a straightforward and easy-to-follow guide for creating a classic chocolate cake. For those who prefer a gluten-free option, there's a dedicated gluten-free recipe that delivers all the flavor without the gluten. And for those with a sweet tooth, the chocolate frosting recipe takes this cake to the next level of indulgence. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, these recipes are sure to satisfy your craving for a delicious and affordable chocolate cake.

Here are our top 5 tried and tested recipes!

CHOCOLATE POOR MAN'S CAKE



Chocolate Poor Man's Cake image

My mother made this cake for us when we were growing up, and it's a family favorite. It comes from WWII era, because she grew up during that time when things were rationed, and so they had to invent recipes that didn't use milk or eggs. This is a delicious cake, & the icing goes with it perfectly. It's a small cake, and bakes up...

Provided by Toni Fletcher

Categories     Chocolate

Time 1h

Number Of Ingredients 16

CHOCOLATE POOR MAN'S CAKE
1 1/2 c cake flour
1 c superfine baker's sugar
1/4 c cocoa powder, unsweetened
1/2 c vegetable oil
1 c water
1/4 Tbsp salt
1 Tbsp white vinegar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 chocolate poor man's cake icing
CHOCOLATE POOR MAN'S CAKE ICING
3/4 c superfine baker's sugar
1/4 c milk
1/2 c crisco or other shortening
3 tsp cocoa powder, unsweetened
1 tsp vanilla extract

Steps:

  • 1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
  • 2. Grease and flour an 8 x8 square cake pan(s). For layer cakes, double the recipe, and line the bottom of each pan with parchment paper. Then grease and flour it.
  • 3. Sift the flour sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt together.
  • 4. Next, add the oil, water, and vinegar.
  • 5. Mix together well with either an electric hand mixer (beaters) or a standing mixer, stopping occasionally to scrape the bottom of the bowl. The batter will be thin.
  • 6. Add the vanilla, and mix well until it is all incorporated into the batter.
  • 7. Pour the batter into the greased and floured pan(s). Tapping the pans lightly to release the air bubbles.
  • 8. Bake until done, about 40-45 minutes, or until cake tester comes out clean. If leaving it in the pan to frost, cool the cake completely. For layer cakes, cool completely, then turn out the layers onto a rack to drizzle icing over it.
  • 9. When cake has completely cooled, ice with the Poor Man's Cake Icing.
  • 10. For the icing, mix the sugar, milk, shortening, and cocoa powder together in a small saucepan.
  • 11. Heat over low heat to incorporate the ingredients, and melt the shortening.
  • 12. Once the shortening starts melting, use a spatula or a small whisk and constantly stir to avoid burning, until the mixture is liquid and all the ingredients are incorporated.
  • 13. When the edges of the saucepan start to bubble slightly, take the saucepan off the heat to a cool burner, and then add the vanilla. Mix together quickly, making sure the vanilla is evenly distributed. Icing will be thing and liquid.
  • 14. Pour the icing onto the cake in the pan to cover cake completely. Let icing cool, completely, and it will set. Then cut and serve. This cake goes well with vanilla ice cream.
  • 15. If frosting layers, dab a small amount of shortening on the cake rack so the cake will eventually slide off onto a platter. Place the cake rack over a jelly roll pan to catch the extra frosting. Cut off the top of the bottom layer if it domed slightly during baking, so that it is flat and even.
  • 16. Pour a small amount of icing sparingly onto the middle of the bottom layer first and using a knife, spread it evenly. Let it set for about 1 minute, then place the top layer on.
  • 17. Pour the rest of the icing over the top of the cake, using a knife to spread down the sides. Excess frosting will drip through the rack or jelly roll pan. Transfer cake immediately from the rack to a platter by sliding it carefully. Let frosting cool and set before slicing and serving.

POOR MAN'S CHOCOLATE CAKE



Poor Man's Chocolate Cake image

Make and share this Poor Man's Chocolate Cake recipe from Food.com.

Provided by janetgran51

Categories     Dessert

Time 1h

Yield 1 cake, 12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

3 cups flour
2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons cocoa
3/4 cup oil
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 tablespoons vinegar
2 cups cold water

Steps:

  • Mix all ingredients and pour in ungreased 9 X 13" pan. Bake 45 minutes at 350 degrees, until pick comes out clean. If desired, top with a swirl of whipped cream.

POOR MANS CAKE III



Poor Mans Cake III image

This recipe if from the l930's. My Grandmother gave it to my Mother and she gave it to me. Now I am a grandmother and passed it down to my kids. It's really good. You don't have to dirty your mixer for this one, just a big bowl.

Provided by Jill D

Categories     Desserts     Cakes     Fruitcake Recipes

Time 1h30m

Yield 24

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 cup packed brown sugar
2 cups raisins
2 cups water
¾ cup shortening
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon ground cloves
3 cups all-purpose flour

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) grease and flour a 9x13 inch pan.
  • In a saucepan mix brown sugar, raisins, water and shortening. Bring to a boil and boil 3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
  • In a large bowl, combine flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves. When raisin mixture is cool, add to dry ingredients and mix well to combine.
  • Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 30 or 40 minutes. Do not over bake or it will be too dry. Test after 30 minutes. A toothpick inserted into the center of cake should come out clean.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 186.4 calories, Carbohydrate 30.9 g, Fat 6.7 g, Fiber 1.1 g, Protein 2 g, SaturatedFat 1.7 g, Sodium 206.3 mg, Sugar 16.1 g

GRAM'S POOR MAN'S CAKE (EGGLESS & MILKLESS)



Gram's Poor Man's Cake (Eggless & Milkless) image

Make and share this Gram's Poor Man's Cake (Eggless & Milkless) recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Iron Bloomers

Categories     Dessert

Time 3h

Yield 1 10in tube cake, 12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 cup sugar
1 cup cold black coffee
1/2 cup shortening
1 pinch salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon brandy extract (your choice) or 1 teaspoon cherry extract (your choice)
cranberries or diced apple

Steps:

  • Bring to a boil the fruit, nuts, extract, salt, sugar, shortening and coffee.
  • Continue to cook until raisins swell and liquid becomes syrupy; cool completely.
  • Stir together the flour, baking soda and baking powder.
  • Add to fruit mixture and combine thoroughly.
  • Pour into a greased 10-inch tube pan and bake at 325° about an hour (if heavy with fruit). Check with tester to be sure cake is done.
  • Remove from pan and cool completely on wire rack.
  • At this point I soak a clean piece of cheesecloth in liquor; brandy, rum, even wine.
  • Wrap the cake with the cloth and in foil--store in COLD place--check often, resoak as needed.
  • There are no exact measurements for the fruit in this recipe--the original recipe stated "fruits, nuts & peels-whatever you have on hand".
  • This was done because it was wartime and things for fancy baking were not always available.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 217.2, Fat 8.7, SaturatedFat 2.2, Sodium 148.9, Carbohydrate 32.7, Fiber 0.6, Sugar 16.8, Protein 2.2

POOR MAN'S CHOCOLATE CAKE RECIPE



Poor Man's Chocolate Cake Recipe image

Provided by á-44671

Number Of Ingredients 9

3 C. Flour
2 C. Sugar
4 Tbsp. Cocoa
1 tsp. Salt
2 tsp. Baking Soda
1 tsp. Vanilla
2 C. Water
3/4 C. Oil
2 Tbsp. Vinegar

Steps:

  • Mix all together with an electric mixer and bake in an ungreased 9x13 pan at 350 for 30-35 min.

Tips:

  • Use a bundt pan for a moist and evenly cooked cake. A bundt pan's shape allows for better air circulation, resulting in a cake that is moist and tender throughout.
  • Do not overmix the batter. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
  • Use fresh baking powder and baking soda. Old baking powder and baking soda can lose their potency, resulting in a cake that does not rise properly.
  • Bake the cake at the correct temperature. The temperature of the oven should be accurate to ensure that the cake bakes evenly. Use an oven thermometer to check the temperature before baking.
  • Do not open the oven door during the first 30 minutes of baking. Opening the oven door during baking can cause the cake to fall.
  • Let the cake cool completely before frosting. This will help to prevent the frosting from melting.

Conclusion:

This Poor Man's Chocolate Cake is a delicious and budget-friendly dessert that is perfect for any occasion. It is moist, chocolatey, and easy to make. With a few simple ingredients and a little time, you can enjoy a classic chocolate cake that is sure to please everyone. So next time you are looking for a sweet treat, give this recipe a try. You won't be disappointed!

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