Delicious 1930s Einkorn Chocolate Cake: A Classic Sweet Treat

Einkorn Chocolate Cake is a unique dessert that brings together the charm of ancient grains and the richness of chocolate.

Einkorn, one of the oldest types of wheat known to humans, has intrigued bakers who value both history and health benefits.

The mix of this old-world grain with velvety chocolate offers an extraordinary treat that connects past baking traditions with today’s innovative recipes.

In the 1930s, chocolate cakes began showcasing creative approaches to baking, reflecting ingredient availability during those times.

Bakers were exploring new ingredient combinations that highlighted both taste and nutritional goodness.

This cake beautifully combines the age-old practice of growing einkorn wheat with chocolate’s rising fame and evolving home baking techniques from the early 20th century.

Why 1930s Einkorn Chocolate Cake Is Full Of Charm

• Celebrate Simplicity: A vintage 1930s chocolate cake that's incredibly easy to whip up with minimal ingredients.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: Prepare this delightful dessert in under 45 minutes from start to finish, perfect for spontaneous baking sessions.
• Nostalgic Comfort: Reimagine a classic Depression-era recipe that connects you to traditional home baking techniques and family memories.
• Allergy-Friendly Twist: Uses apple cider vinegar instead of eggs, making it adaptable for those with dietary restrictions while maintaining rich chocolate flavor.

Ingredients Needed For 1930s Einkorn Chocolate Cake

• Einkorn Flour: Ancient wheat variety with unique nutty flavor, provides structure for the cake.
• Sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps create a tender crumb.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
• Cocoa Powder: Adds rich chocolate taste and deep color.
• Baking Soda: Helps cake rise and creates light texture.

• Butter, Melted: Adds moisture and rich flavor to the cake.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides warm, classic baking aroma.
• Water: Helps blend ingredients and create smooth batter consistency.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Helps activate baking soda and creates tender crumb.

• Powdered Sugar, Cocoa Powder: Create smooth, rich chocolate icing base.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth to frosting flavor.
• Butter: Provides creamy texture and richness to icing.
• Water: Adjusts frosting consistency for spreading.

How To Bake 1930s Einkorn Chocolate Cake

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease two 9-inch round cake pans generously with butter and dust with flour to prevent sticking.

• Butter
• Flour

Step 2: Create Dry Mixture

Whisk together dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl until perfectly blended.

• Einkorn flour
• Sugar
• Salt
• Cocoa powder
• Baking soda

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

Pour melted butter, vanilla, and water into dry mixture. Stir until smooth and fully incorporated.

• Melted butter
• Vanilla extract
• Water

Step 4: Add Tangy Twist

Mix in apple cider vinegar, stirring thoroughly to eliminate any potential lumps in the batter.

• Apple cider vinegar

Step 5: Bake Cake

Transfer batter evenly into prepared cake pans. Bake for 25 minutes until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool Cake Layers

Remove cakes from oven and let cool completely in pans before removing.

Step 7: Prepare Chocolate Frosting

Blend powdered sugar and cocoa powder in a mixing bowl.

• Powdered sugar
• Cocoa powder

Step 8: Create Smooth Frosting

Add vanilla extract and softened butter. Gradually introduce water while stirring until frosting reaches silky smooth consistency.

• Vanilla extract
• Butter
• Water

Step 9: Assemble Cake

Place first cake layer on serving plate. Optional: Spread thin frosting layer between cake layers. Top with second cake layer.

Step 10: Frost Cake

Pour frosting over cake, spreading evenly across top and sides. Allow frosting to set before slicing and serving.

Tips For The Perfect 1930s Einkorn Chocolate Cake

• Boost Einkorn Flour Potential: Sift the flour before mixing to ensure a lighter, airier cake texture and prevent any potential lumps.
• Vinegar Magic Trick: Apple cider vinegar helps activate the baking soda, creating a tender crumb and helping the cake rise beautifully without eggs.
• Temperature Precision Matters: Use room temperature ingredients to help them blend more smoothly and create a more consistent cake batter.
• Moisture Preservation Hack: Cover the cake with a clean kitchen towel after cooling to prevent it from drying out and maintain its soft texture.
• Customize Frosting Consistency: Adjust water amount gradually when making the icing to achieve your desired spreadability and prevent it from becoming too runny or thick.

Store 1930s Einkorn Chocolate Cake With Care

• Refrigerate: Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping it fresh and moist.
• Cover: Wrap the cake loosely with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out and absorbing other refrigerator odors.
• Reheat: Gently warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds at 50% power to restore softness and bring out the rich chocolate flavor.
• Room Temperature: Before serving, let refrigerated cake sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to enhance taste and texture.

What Complements 1930s Einkorn Chocolate Cake

• Decadent Chocolate Wine Pairing: Rich cabernet sauvignon complements the deep cocoa notes, cutting through the cake's sweetness with robust tannins and dark fruit undertones.
• Creamy Coffee Companion: Smooth espresso or cold brew highlights the cake's chocolate intensity, creating a classic dessert combination that elevates each bite's richness.
• Nutty Liqueur Accent: Hazelnut or almond liqueur adds complementary warmth, enhancing the cake's earthy einkorn flour and chocolate depth with sophisticated, smooth flavors.
• Vanilla Bourbon Match: Aged bourbon's caramel and vanilla hints beautifully intertwine with the cake's chocolate profile, providing a sophisticated and warming dessert experience.

Variations Of 1930s Einkorn Chocolate Cake To Try

• Gluten-Free Einkorn Cake: Swap traditional einkorn flour with gluten-free almond flour or a certified gluten-free blend, maintaining the same measurement ratios for a celiac-friendly dessert.
• Vegan Chocolate Variation: Replace butter with coconut oil, use plant-based milk instead of water, and substitute eggs with mashed banana or applesauce to create a dairy-free and egg-free version.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Substitute granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall sugar content while preserving the cake's rich chocolate flavor.
• Nutty Chocolate Cake: Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for added texture and a subtle nutty undertone, enhancing the traditional chocolate cake experience.

1930s Einkorn Chocolate Cake Frequently Asked Questions

• What makes Einkorn flour different from regular flour?

Einkorn is an ancient wheat variety, less processed and more nutritious than modern wheat. It contains higher protein content, more minerals, and is easier to digest for some people with wheat sensitivities.

• Is this cake suitable for people with mild gluten intolerance?

While Einkorn contains gluten, some individuals with mild wheat sensitivities find it more tolerable than modern wheat. However, those with celiac disease should still avoid it.

• Why does the recipe use apple cider vinegar?

Apple cider vinegar acts as a natural leavening agent, helping the cake rise and creating a tender, soft texture. It also adds a subtle tangy flavor that enhances the chocolate taste.

• Can I substitute ingredients in this vintage recipe?

You can replace butter with oil, use alternative milk instead of water, and swap cocoa powder with dark chocolate. However, maintaining the original ratios is key to preserving the cake’s authentic 1930s texture and flavor.

Decadent 1930s Einkorn Chocolate Cake Recipe

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4.8 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Old-world charm meets modern indulgence in this 1930s Einkorn Chocolate Cake, blending nostalgic German baking traditions with rich, wholesome ingredients. Dense chocolate layers melt deliciously on your palate, offering a timeless slice of culinary heritage.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 cups einkorn flour (or any wheat flour)
• 2 cups cane sugar
• 2 cups room temperature water
• ¾ cup salted butter, melted
• 6 tablespoons cocoa powder

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 2 teaspoons baking soda

Frosting Ingredients:

• 3 ½ cups organic powdered sugar (cornstarch-free if preferred)
• 1 ¼ cups cocoa powder
• ¼ cup salted butter
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ½ cup water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 375°F (190°C) and meticulously coat two 9-inch round cake pans with grease and flour to prevent sticking.
2. Create a dry mixture by whisking einkorn flour, granulated sugar, salt, cocoa powder, and baking soda in a spacious mixing bowl until uniformly integrated.
3. Introduce melted butter, pure vanilla extract, and water into the dry ingredients, stirring gently to form a smooth, consistent batter.
4. Incorporate apple cider vinegar into the mixture, vigorously stirring to eliminate any potential lumps and ensure a silky texture.
5. Distribute the chocolate batter evenly between the prepared cake pans, ensuring an equal spread for consistent baking.
6. Position pans in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean and dry.
7. Remove cakes from the oven and allow them to cool completely within the pans, which helps maintain structural integrity.
8. For the chocolate icing, blend powdered sugar and cocoa powder in a separate bowl, creating a rich base for the frosting.
9. Enhance the icing by adding vanilla extract and softened butter, then gradually introduce water while stirring until achieving a smooth, glossy consistency.
10. If the icing becomes too thick during preparation, gently stir to restore its spreadable texture.
11. Transfer the first cake layer to a decorative serving plate, optionally spreading a delicate layer of icing between the layers for added moisture.
12. Carefully position the second cake layer atop the first, creating a stable two-tier structure.
13. Generously pour the prepared chocolate icing over the cake, using smooth, deliberate motions to ensure an even, attractive coating.
14. Allow the icing to set and stabilize before slicing, then serve and savor this delightful 1930s-inspired einkorn chocolate cake.

Notes

• Swap einkorn flour with gluten-free alternatives like almond or rice flour for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Use coconut sugar or monk fruit sweetener as low-glycemic replacements for traditional sugar.
• Ensure apple cider vinegar is room temperature to help activate baking soda and create a lighter texture.
• Add extra moisture by incorporating mashed banana or applesauce if batter seems dry during mixing.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 42 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 54 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg