One of the first recipes I shared on the blog was for my Great Nan’s Chocolate Cake. That was year ago and it’s time to revamp it. This is a recipe I grew up with, enjoying cakes made by both my Nan and then my Mum. My sister and I would sit on the kitchen bench, eagerly helping Mum sift ingredients, add them to the bowl and then fight over who got to lick the spoon. It’s now a recipe I regularly make and since Baby Boy is still a bit young to be licking the spoon, it’s a fight between his big brother and I over who gets to lick the bowl.
It’s a great recipe to make with kids, with sifting, melting, stirring and egg cracking involved. I’ve never had a failure when making this cake, it really is that easy to throw together.
I like to make it in a loaf tin, but you can really bake it any sized tin. In the past we’ve used round, ring and slice tins – you just need to adjust the baking time.
I hope you enjoy this cake as much as we do x
Nan's Chocolate Cake - Back to Basics
Ingredients
- 90 g butter
- 2 tablespoons of cocoa
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla essence
- 175 g of caster sugar
- 175 g of self raising flour
- 1/2 cup of milk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 170 degrees (fan forced) and line the base of a loaf tin.
- Melt the butter in the microwave and set aside to cool slightly.
- Sift flour and cocoa into the bowl of an electric mixer, then add all the other ingredients.
- Beat for approximately 4 minutes until ingredients have all combined and the mixture is smooth.
- Pour into the cake tin and bake for 35 minutes or until a skewer inserted in the middle comes out clean.
- Allow cake to cool in the tin for five minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Ice cake using this easy Chocolate Icing recipe and decorate as desired.
Enjoy!
What is your favourite recipe from your childhood? Do you still make it?
vegeTARAian says
This sounds so easy, it’s bound to be perfect! I love the simplicity of recipes from the past. Looks fab too.
Lucy @ Bake Play Smile says
Yum! I love a simple chocolate cake – just beautiful! Your nan must have been a great person to cook with. xx
Robyn says
Just about to make this for afternoon tea!! I have 7 children today!!!!
Lauren says
Oh my goodness you poor woman – 7 kids is crazy ?!
Fiona says
Hello – I feel I had to leave a review for this cake….because it’s so darn easy and delicious.
I make a double recipe and bake in a large round tin, but also make it as a (lopsided) slice!
If I have taken this cake to a party or given to friends with a cuppa, then I always get asked for the recipe.
I use the simple icing with 100’s & 1000’s and a busk if whipped cream.
I’m about to try your apple and cinnamon loaf.
Thanks for the recipes that are real, delicious and achievable .
Lauren Matheson says
Thank you so much for your feedback Fiona, I really appreciate it x