This Nairobi chocolate cake recipe is from the American Women's Association in Kenya from the late 1970s. It has been "the" chocolate cake in my family since our Kenyan days. This recipe has survived for one reason: the final product is delicious.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1.75 cups white sugar
- 1.25 cups water , divided
- 0.75 cups unsweetened cocoa powder
- 0.75 cups vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 0.5 teaspoons baking powder
- 3 eggs , room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
-
1
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line with parchment paper.
-
2
Beat flour, sugar, 3/4 cup water, cocoa powder, vegetable oil, salt, baking soda, and baking powder in a mixing bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes. Add eggs, remaining 1/2 cup water, and vanilla extract; beat 2 minutes more. Pour batter into the prepared cake pans.
-
3
Bake in the preheated oven until surface of cakes spring back when lightly pressed and a toothpick inserted into centers comes out clean, about 30 minutes. Cool in the pans for 10 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving
Want to cook this?
Open in the PantryLink app to scale servings, check your pantry stock, and generate a shopping list.
Sign In to Save Recipe Create Free AccountSuggest an Edit
Help improve this recipe's categorization, image, or dietary info. Earn points and badges!
Suggest Changes in AppPrefer a printed copy? Use our print-friendly view with adjustable servings and font size.
Open Print ViewMore Unknown Recipes
Coq au Vin Broth Fondue
This fondue broth recipe is the closest I've come to replicating a popular chain restaurant's offering. Enjoy it at home for a romantic dinner for two, or prepare a larger quantity for a dinner party. Either way, it's always a big hit, and we rarely have leftovers. Use for dipping chicken, steak, veggies, etc.
Cream of Mushroom Soup
This homemade cream of mushroom soup can be made with button mushrooms, or add other delicious varieties like shiitake or cremini for a more intense mushroom flavor. Experiment to find your favorite flavor combination!
Mizuna, Cheese, and Sausage Sandwich Toast
Mizuna is usually used in Japanese salads. In this recipe, I tried to use it in a sandwich toast and it went well. This would be a good substitute for lettuce.