Homemade 'Mary' Cake: A Recipe from Mom's Cookbook

Ingredients

Cake Batter

Eggs - 6 pieces

Sugar - 250 grams (8.8 ounces or about 1.1 pounds)

Vegetable oil - 100 milliliters (3.4 fluid ounces)

Baking soda - 1/2 teaspoon

Cocoa powder - 6 tablespoons

Honey - 3 tablespoons

Flour - 600 grams (21 ounces or about 1.3 pounds) (additional for dusting)

We recommend:

For granulated sugar:

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Sugar In The Raw Granulated Turbinado Cane Sugar, No Added Flavors or erythritol, Pure Natural Sweetener, Hot & Cold Drinks, Coffee, Baking, Vegan, Gluten-Free, Non-GMO, Bulk Sugar, 2lb Bag (1-Pack)

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(205) C&H Pure Cane Granulated White Sugar, 25-Pound Bags $56.99 $49.98 View details

For vegetable oil:

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(17,570) Amazon Brand - Happy Belly Canola Oil, 128 fl oz (Pack of 1) $10.99 $16.74 View details Prime

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(33) Goya Foods Vegetable Oil, 16 Fl Oz (Pack of 24) $68.86 View details Prime

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(26,340) Amazon Brand - Happy Belly Vegetable Soybean Oil, 128 fl oz (Pack of 1) $9.99 $18.21 View details

For baking soda:

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(2,612) Earthborn Elements Baking Soda (2 Gallons) Sodium Bicarbonate, Cooking, Cleaning & Deodorizing $59.99 View details Prime

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(15,909) Arm & Hammer Baking Soda, 1 Pound (Pack of 12) $17.88 View details Prime

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(96) Everflow Organic Sodium Bicarbonate, Baking Soda, 50 lbs $69.99 View details

For cocoa powder:

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Viva Naturals Organic Cacao Powder, 2lb - Unsweetened Cocoa Powder With Rich Dark Chocolate Flavor, Perfect for Baking & Smoothies - Certified Vegan, Keto & Paleo, Non-GMO & Gluten-Free, 907 g

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(17,488) BetterBody Foods Organic Cacao Powder, Rich Chocolate Flavor, Non-GMO, Gluten-Free, Cocoa, 16 ounce, 1 lb bag $10.41 View details

For honey:

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For all-purpose flour:

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(9,312) Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour, 22 Ounce (Pack of 4) $23.96 View details Prime

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Cream

Butter - 250 grams (8.8 ounces or about 1.1 pounds)

Condensed milk (boiled) - 1 can

Vanilla extract

Cocoa powder - 2 tablespoons

Vegetable oil - 2 tablespoons

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For boiled condensed milk:

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For vanilla extract:

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(14,059) Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract for Baking and Cooking, 4 Ounce Bottle $19.95 View details

For cocoa powder:

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For vegetable oil:

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(17,570) Amazon Brand - Happy Belly Canola Oil, 128 fl oz (Pack of 1) $10.99 $16.74 View details Prime

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(33) Goya Foods Vegetable Oil, 16 Fl Oz (Pack of 24) $68.86 View details Prime

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Filling

Cake trimmings

Brandy or Coffee - 70 milliliters (2.4 fluid ounces)

Any jam (apricot recommended, or condensed milk) - as needed

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(8,021) Door County Coffee German Chocolate Cake Flavored Coffee | 10oz Bag | Ground Coffee Medium Roast | 100% Arabica Coffee | German Chocolate Cake $11.99 View details

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For apricot jam:

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Glaze

Cocoa powder - 3 tablespoons

Sugar - 3 tablespoons

Water - 5 tablespoons

Vegetable oil - 2 tablespoons

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(26,340) Amazon Brand - Happy Belly Vegetable Soybean Oil, 128 fl oz (Pack of 1) $9.99 $18.21 View details

For cocoa powder:

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For granulated sugar:

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For water:

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Instructions

Step 1

Making the Batter

In a mixer bowl, beat the eggs with sugar, vegetable oil, honey, and cocoa powder. Add the baking soda last, mix, and place over a double boiler.

Once heated, add 250 grams of flour to the warm mixture, mix (this will 'cook' the flour), cover with plastic wrap and let it cool.

After 40 minutes, sift in the remaining flour to create a slightly sticky dough, pack it in a bag, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Step 2

Baking the Layers

Dust the surface with flour, place the dough, and divide into 3 parts, each weighing approximately 380 grams.

Roll out each piece and bake at 356 degrees Fahrenheit (180 degrees Celsius) for 5-7 minutes.

Trim the edges of each baked layer (to be used in the filling).

Step 3

Preparing Cream and Filling

Beat room temperature butter, add boiled condensed milk and vanilla, beat until smooth. Mix 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder with the vegetable oil and blend into the cream.

Chop the cake trimmings, mix with 3 tablespoons of brandy or coffee, and enough jam to create a moist filling (not too dry or wet).

Step 4

Making the Glaze

Mix cocoa powder and sugar, add water and heat until just before boiling (do not boil!), then incorporate 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil and cool slightly.

Step 5

Assembling the Cake

Layer the cake as follows: cake layer, cream, filling, then repeat ending with a cake layer. Finish with the chocolate glaze on top.

Servings

If you're looking to serve this cake in a way that leaves a lasting impression, here are a few ideas to try:

🍰 Serve Chilled: Chill the cake in the fridge for a few hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together, making each bite a chocolatey paradise.

🍇 Add Fresh Berries: Top each slice with fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries. The tartness will complement the richness of the cake, offering a balanced flavor profile.

☕ Pair with Coffee: Serve your cake slices with a cup of freshly brewed coffee. The robust flavor of the coffee enhances the chocolate, creating a delightful pairing.

Enjoy this cake at your next party, holiday gathering, or just as a treat to make an ordinary day special. 🎉

Equipment

Stand Mixer

A stand mixer will make combining the ingredients a breeze. If you don't have one, a hand mixer will work too, but it will take a bit more elbow grease!

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Double Boiler

Using a double boiler helps prevent your ingredients from burning. If you don’t have one, just place a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water.

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Baking Sheets

Ensure your baking sheets are non-stick or lined with parchment paper to avoid the layers sticking.

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Variations

Want to enjoy this delicious chocolate cake but need a gluten-free or vegan version? No problem!

👉 Gluten-Free: Swap the regular flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum for structure.
🌱 Vegan: Replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water per egg). Substitute the butter with a vegan butter and use coconut condensed milk instead of regular condensed milk.

These substitutes ensure you can enjoy this delightful cake no matter your dietary preferences or restrictions! 🌟

Faq

How do I know when my cake layers are done?
You'll know the layers are done when they start to brown around the edges and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Can I make this cake without a stand mixer?
Yes, you can use a hand mixer; just be prepared to spend a little more time and effort mixing the batter and cream.
How far in advance can I make this cake?
You can make this cake up to 2 days in advance. Just keep it refrigerated and glazed right before serving.
Can I freeze the cake layers?
Yes, you can freeze the baked cake layers for up to a month. Thaw them in the fridge overnight before assembling the cake.
How do I avoid air bubbles in my batter?
To avoid air bubbles, mix at a low speed and tap your mixing bowl on the counter a few times before transferring the batter to the baking sheets.
Can I use a different type of frosting?
Absolutely! A cream cheese or whipped cream frosting would work wonderfully with this chocolate cake.