This is the recipe for How to Make Sugar Free Devil's Food Cake (2024)

Published: · Modified: by thesugarfreediva. · This post may contain affiliate or amazon links.

A sugar free version of a classic Devil's Food Cake.

See The Recipe

Because almost everyone has had a craving for this in the past, there is a recipe for Sugar Free Devil's Food Cake.
It seems as if this is a popular cake so why not make it without all of the sugar?

Sugar Free Devil's Food Cake

I often wonder if anyone else has noticed that there is an 'Angel Food Cake' as well as a Devil's Food Cake.
Both cakes are known for their airy and moist texture. However, one of these cakes resembles an Angel more than the other. I am holding short of equating the chocolate of a Devil's food cake to the the Devil. You can make your own conclusions.

The truth is that both cakes are pretty much the standard choices for go-to cakes.
If you were to check out your local bakery or bakery section, you would most likely find that a majority (if not all) of the cakes are either of Devil variety or Angel variety. However, you may also find a close relative to either of these as well. That is because these cakes are well-liked, easy to match with a frosting, and relatively simple to make. Thus, we see a lot of them.

If you are craving a chocolate taste in your cake, this would be a good choice.

As mentioned, this cake is easy to pair with a frosting. You can find numerous frosting recipes here as well. I have a 4 ingredient sugar free vanilla frosting, a 5 ingredient sugar free cream cheese frosting, and a sugar free pudding and cream cheese frosting to get you started. Also popular are my Stevia cream cheese frosting and finally, my sugar free butter cream icing.

We will need cocoa to make this cake.
The cocoa should be an unsweetened powdered cocoa. Because of the leavening ingredients that we are using, for best results, use a cocoa powder that has been treated with an alkalizing agent. Some folks refer to this kind of a cocoa as "Dutch". You can find "Dutch Cocoa" online. You could use a regular cocoa however, your cake will most likely not be as 'airy' in texture thanks to the leavening process.

The recipe for Sugar Free Devil's Food Cake

Besides the 'Dutch' style cocoa, you will also need these ingredients.

  • Flour- 2 cups (AP).
  • Cocoa Powder (Unsweetened Dutch Style)- ½ cup.
  • Baking Powder- 2 teaspoons.
  • Butter (unsalted is best)- 1 ½ sticks room temperature (that's ¾ cup).
  • Sugar Alternative- The equivalent to 2 cups of sugar (granular style alternative recommended).
  • Vanilla Extract- ½ teaspoon
  • Salt- ¼ teaspoon.
  • Eggs- 4 lightly beaten.
  • Milk- 1 cup.
  • Warm Water- ½ Cup.

How to make this cake.

  • Preheat your oven to 350 and prep your pans for nonstick. I am a fan of cocoa powder or flour dusted parchment paper. The flour works well but, will also leave a bit of white residue (which you can dust off or frost over later). This cake bakes well when in the center of the oven to allow the heat to distribute evenly. This recipe can make a sheet cake or two standard sized smaller cakes (round etc.).
  • Sift or whisk together the flour, cocoa powder and baking powder in a bowl. Set this bowl aside.
  • Using a stand mixer (paddle works best), cream together the butter, sugar alternative and the salt. This will need to get creamy so cream it for 5-7 minutes if needed.
  • Once the butter and sugar alternative mixture is creamy, you can add your eggs, one egg at a time, mixing between additions. Then add the vanilla, water and milk- mixing a bit between additions.
  • Finally, add the dry ingredients from the first bowl to the mix half at a time. Be sure to scrape the sides of the bowl between and after these additions.
  • Depending on what size pan you are using, your cake(s) will need to bake for about 30-35 minutes. Simply check the cake(s) with a toothpick to be sure.
  • Allow your cake(s) to cool completely before frosting them as you do not want melted frosting on your beautiful cake(s).

Sugar Free Devil’s Food Cake

A sugar free version of a classic Devil's Food Cake.

Prep Time20 minutes mins

Cook Time35 minutes mins

Total Time55 minutes mins

Ingredients

  • Flour- 2 cups AP.
  • Cocoa Powder Unsweetened Dutch Style- ½ cup.
  • Baking Powder- 2 teaspoons.
  • Butter unsalted is best- 1 ½ sticks room temperature (that's ¾ cup).
  • Sugar Alternative- The equivalent to 2 cups of sugar granular style alternative recommended.
  • Salt- ¼ teaspoon.
  • Eggs- 4 lightly beaten.
  • Milk- 1 cup.
  • Warm tap Water- ½ Cup.
  • Preheat your oven to 350 and prep your pans for nonstick. I am a fan of cocoa powder or flour dusted parchment paper. The flour works well but will also leave a bit of white residue (which you can dust off or frost over later). This cake bakes well when in the center of the oven to allow the heat to distribute evenly. This recipe can make a sheet cake or two standard sized smaller cakes (round etc.).
  • Sift or whisk together the flour cocoa powder and baking soda in a bowl. Set this bowl aside.
  • Using a stand mixer paddle works best, cream together the butter, sugar alternative and the salt. This will need to get creamy so cream it for 5-7 minutes if needed.
  • Once the butter and sugar alternative mixture is creamy you can add your eggs, one egg at a time, mixing between additions. Then add the vanilla, water and milk- mixing a bit between additions.
  • Finally add the dry ingredients from the first bowl to the mix half at a time. Be sure to scrape the sides of the bowl between and after these additions.
  • Depending on what size pan you are using your cake(s) will need to bake for about 30-35 minutes. Simply check the cake(s) with a toothpick to be sure.
  • Allow your cake s to cool completely before frosting them as you do not want melted frosting on your beautiful cake(s).

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 350 and prep your pans for nonstick. I am a fan of cocoa powder or flour dusted parchment paper. The flour works well but, will also leave a bit of white residue (which you can dust off or frost over later). This cake bakes well when in the center of the oven to allow the heat to distribute evenly. This recipe can make a sheet cake or two standard sized smaller cakes (round etc.).

  • Sift or whisk together the flour, cocoa powder and baking soda in a bowl. Set this bowl aside.

  • Using a stand mixer (paddle works best), cream together the butter, sugar alternative and the salt. This will need to get creamy so cream it for 5-7 minutes if needed.

  • Once the butter and sugar alternative mixture is creamy, you can add your eggs, one egg at a time, mixing between additions. Then add the vanilla, water and milk- mixing a bit between additions.

  • Finally, add the dry ingredients from the first bowl to the mix half at a time. Be sure to scrape the sides of the bowl between and after these additions.

  • Depending on what size pan you are using, your cake(s) will need to bake for about 30-35 minutes. Simply check the cake(s) with a toothpick to be sure.

  • Allow your cake(s) to cool completely before frosting them as you do not want melted frosting on your beautiful cake(s).

Recipe Notes

See post for details.

most recently updated:

December 27, 2017

*About Sugar Alternatives

Specific sugar alternatives are not given in the recipes presented on this site. Only suggestions are given as to the 'kind' of alternative to use. It is up to you to select the alternative to use that suits your needs best. If the recipe is heated or cooked, it is best to use an alternative that can be heated or cooked with for best results. This site does not endorse any specific ingredients,

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This means that the links on this website, and specifically on this post, that lead to other sites may be affiliate links.
Please note: Nutritional data has been calculated using a tool that comes with this recipe card and not by me. This means that Nutritional Information is only an estimate and can vary especially with ingredients that you use. The accuracy of this tool may differ from other tools as expected. Also note that there is no instructional value to the video that may be attached to this recipe. It is only there for visual pleasure. For more information about the images in this recipe, please refer the the recipe instructions. Thank you!

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A Reformed Sugar Addict turned author and restaurant owner.This is the recipe for How to Make Sugar Free Devil's Food Cake (4)The Sugar Free Diva is also a happy dog owner, chocolate lover, and discreet handbag hoarder.

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This is the recipe for How to Make Sugar Free Devil's Food Cake (2024)

FAQs

What are the ingredients in sugar free cake mix? ›

Enriched Bleached Wheat Flour (Wheat Flour, Niacin, Reduced Iron, Thiamin Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid), Maltitol, Leavening (Baking Soda, Calcium, Phosphate, Sodium Aluminum Phosphate), Contains 2% Or Less Of: Canola Oil, Propylene Glycol Esters of Fatty Acids, Salt, Cellulose, Mono- And Diglycerides, Xanthan ...

What is a secret ingredient for cakes? ›

Mayonnaise: The Hidden Gem in Cake Recipes

This unexpected addition can take your cake recipes to a whole new level. To incorporate mayonnaise into your cake batter, simply add a couple of tablespoons to the mix. The result? A tender and moist cake that will have everyone asking for seconds.

What does Devil's food cake have in it? ›

In the canon of chocolate desserts, devil's food cake has a reputation for being the most decadent, thanks to its rich ingredients like unsweetened cocoa powder, coffee, and sour cream. It tastes intensely chocolatey and is light, fluffy, and moist.

What makes Devils food cake different than chocolate cake? ›

Devil's food cake is sometimes distinguished from other chocolate cakes by the use of additional baking soda (sodium bicarbonate), which raises the pH level and makes the cake a deeper and darker mahogany color. Devil's food cake incorporates butter (or a substitute), flour, and less egg than other chocolate cakes.

Is sugar-free cake good for a diabetic? ›

Sugar-free cakes are a great alternative for people with diabetes because they contain little to no added sugars, which can cause blood sugar levels to spike and lead to complications for those with diabetes.

What is the best sugar free substitute for cakes? ›

A guide to 5 popular sugar substitutes
  • Stevia. This plant-derived sweetener is one of the most popular sweeteners. ...
  • Splenda and sucralose. While this artificial sweetener isn't calorie-free, sucralose is a whopping 600 time sweeter than sugar meaning that you don't need very much. ...
  • Xylitol. ...
  • Saccharin. ...
  • Agave nectar.

What is the main ingredient that makes a cake moist? ›

One common ingredient swap that is known to help make cakes remarkably moist is using milk instead of water. Try switching out any water in your recipe for full-fat milk or buttermilk for a moist, decadent texture. Another ingredient that can enhance the moisture of your cake is mayonnaise.

Which 2 ingredients help the cake to rise? ›

Most cakes will call for a leavening agent like baking powder or baking soda. These create the bubbles you need for the cake to rise. If the flour you use is self-raising, it already has a leavening agent in it. Make sure your butter is room temperature, and beat the butter and sugar together until properly creamed.

What are the 5 ingredients in cake? ›

These basic ingredients for baking a cake are; flour, eggs, fat (usually butter), sugar, salt, a form of liquid (usually milk), and leavening agents (such as baking soda).

What kind of frosting do you put on devils food cake? ›

The easy devil's food cake comes together quickly and is baked as a chocolate sheet cake, and is then topped with swirls of smooth chocolate buttercream and sprinkles.

What is the main Flavour of Devils food cake? ›

Nowadays, what distinguishes a Devil's food cake is its rich chocolate flavor thanks to the use of cocoa powder. Devil's food cakes are also known for their use of extra baking soda and dark color.

What flavor is Devil's Food cake mix? ›

Devils Food cake taste similar to a Red Velvet Cake but with an intense chocolate flavor.

Is Betty Crocker or Duncan Hines better? ›

The Duncan Hines cake was more rich and buttery. The others were slightly less flavorful, despite having great textures and baking evenly. Call me Goldilocks, but the Pillsbury cake verged on too sweet, and the Betty Crocker one wasn't quite sweet enough.

Why is it called angel food cake? ›

The cake is often served with berries and eaten for dessert. The name, which comes from the texture, which is "so light that angels could eat it and still fly without being weighted down", has given it a special association in some communities.

What is special about Devil's Food cake? ›

The truth is, Devil's food cake is richer, darker, and fluffier thanks to the use of cocoa powder and a bit extra baking soda. The extra baking soda in a Devil's food cake increases the baked good's pH level, which adds more bubbles during the baking process.

What is sugar free cake mix sweetened with? ›

2 - 20oz Pouches of Yellow Cake Mix, Each Making One Sugar Free Yellow Cake (13x9x2), Sweetened With Stevia, Great for Parties.

Are sugar free cake mixes healthy? ›

Sweeteners used in these products usually include a sugar alcohol, such as maltitol or sorbitol, which are not zero-calorie, but about half the calories of sugar. Besides, sugar-free baked goods contain significant calories from fat and refined grains.

What is the difference between sugar free cake mix and regular cake mix? ›

The main difference between a sugar-free cake and a regular cake is that the sugar-free cake is made without any added sugar or sweeteners, while a regular cake contains sugar. Sugar-free cakes may use alternative sweeteners like stevia or erythritol, which can have a different taste and texture compared to sugar.

What is Pillsbury sugar free cake mix sweetened with? ›

Enriched Bleached Flour (Wheat Flour, Niacin, Iron, Thiamin Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid), Maltitol, Leavening (Baking Soda, Calcium Phosphate, Sodium Aluminum Phosphate), Contains 2% Or Less Of: Canola Oil, Salt, Cellulose, Propylene Glycol Esters Of Fatty Acids, Artificial Flavor, Monoglycerides, Xanthan Gum, ...

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