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Caramelized Secret Chocolate Cake

Related recipes: Desserts
Caramelized Secret Chocolate Cake: Main Image
From: National Onion Association

Quick Facts

Servings: 12
Prep Time: 40 min.
Cook Time: 35 min.
Total: 1 hr. 15 min.

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Caramelized onions are the secret ingredient in this dark and rich chocolate layer cake covered in fudge frosting.

Ingredients

  • 6 oz unsweetened chocolate
  • 1 cup finely diced yellow onions
  • 1 cup vegetable oil, divided
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 cup milk, soured with 1 Tbs vinegar
  • Easy Fudge Icing8 oz unsweetened chocolate
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1/2 cup hot water
  • 5 cups powdered sugar

Directions

  • Melt chocolate in saucepan, stirring over low heat, or in microwave oven.
  • Heat oil in skillet and caramelize onions by sautéeing until soft, over medium-low heat for 8 to 10 minutes.
  • In large bowl, beat remaining oil with sugar, eggs, and vanilla until thoroughly mixed and fluffy, about 2 or 3 minutes. Beat in warm melted chocolate and caramelized onions.
  • Mix flour with baking soda and salt; stir into batter alternately with soured milk.
  • Divide batter evenly into two well-greased and floured 8-inch, round cake pans.
  • Bake at 350°F for 25 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into center comes out dry.
  • Cool for 15 minutes and then invert onto wire racks to cool completely. Spread on icing (recipe below).
  • Easy Fudge IcingMelt chocolate with butter in saucepan, stirring often over low heat. Mix in hot water and then turn into a mixing bowl.
  • Beat in powdered sugar, a portion at a time (adjust as needed to make a good consistency).
  • Quickly fill and frost cake while icing is still warm. If icing gets too cool to spread easily, place it in microwave-safe bowl and microwave shortly just until softened and lustrous.

Nutrition Facts

Calories 631
  Calories from Fat 361 (57%)
(68%)Total Fat 44g
(86%)Saturated Fat 17g
Polyunsaturated Fat 6g
Monounsaturated Fat 18g
(21%)Cholesterol 62mg
(10%)Sodium 235mg
(9%)Potassium 329mg
Total Carbohydrate 63g
(25%)Dietary Fiber 6g
Sugars 36g
Sugar Alcohols 0g
(17%)Protein 9g
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Nutrition facts are calculated by a food expert using nutritional values provided by the USDA for common products used as recipe ingredients. Actual nutritional values may differ depending on the amounts or products used and can be affected by cooking methods.

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The information presented here is for informational purposes only and was created by a team of US–registered dietitians and food experts. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements, making dietary changes, or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2025.