I really wanted to love this cake. I really, really, really did! Its picture graces the cover of the TWD bible, Baking: From My Home To Yours. The strength of that photo alone was the impetus for me to buy the book. I didn’t even need to turn a page. Those deep, dark, fudgy layers of chocolate cake encased in billowing clouds of fluffy homemade marshmallow frosting erased all reason and made my salivary glands go wild! I almost made this cake several times, but I always chickened out. This was, after all, my ideal of what a great cake should be. You know how it is when you build up something in your mind. You’re almost guaranteed to be disappointed by the real thing. What if I couldn’t do this cake justice? Or worse, what if I made it and it wasn’t as fabulous as I’d hoped it would be? Hmmm.
So, when I learned that Stephanie of Confessions of a City Eater had chosen Dorie’s Devil’s Food White Out Cake for this week’s TWD assignment, I approached it with caution. I followed the recipe precisely. I was meticulous about every detail, leaving nothing to chance. For my efforts, I was rewarded with a beautiful cake that looked every bit as enticing as the one on the cover of the book. And, it tasted……okay.
The cake itself was very dense and moist. With the addition of Scharffenberger cocoa and Guittard semi-sweet and bittersweet chocolates, it was very……well……chocolately. It was a really tasty cake, but for some reason, it didn’t knock my socks off. I don’t know why. Perhaps, my taste buds have changed. And, for all of the time and trouble it took to make, the marshmallow frosting just didn’t “wow” me like I expected it to. It was good. Actually, it was very good. Just not incredibly good.
I don’t know if it was because my expectations were so high to begin with, but I must admit that I was slightly disappointed with the taste of this cake. Who knows? It could very well have been something I did. Don’t let my opinion stop you from trying it on your own. It really is a stunner, and would be a lovely addition to any dessert table.
If you’d like the recipe for Devil’s Food White Out Cake, you can find it on Stephanie’s site or here. Of course, you can also find it in BFMHTY as well. Also, don’t forget to check out all of other versions of this cake on the TWD blogroll.
Filed Under: Baking, Cakes and Cupcakes, Chocolate, Recipes, Tuesdays with Dorie
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On February 17, 2009 at 12:52pm, Debbie said...
If it makes you feel better it cerainly looks delicious. I know how it feels when you go to a lot of time and trouble and the recipe turns out just ok. I have the book and plan on making it sometime. I think the frosting would be a bit of a challenge for me.
On February 17, 2009 at 2:31pm, Corey - 2 Equal Parts said...
The picture looks great, too bad it didn’t knock your socks off.
Leslie made a red-velvet cake with cream cheese frosting for Valentines day, and we had a similar reaction. The thought of it sounded so good, to bad the result wasn’t anything special.
Make sure to note the recipe, so you don’t accidentally make it again.
On February 17, 2009 at 2:49pm, Gera @ SweetsFoods said...
Susan, this is the type of my preferred cake chocolately, dense moist even in hot summer, like I’ve at this moment.
I know you think it doesn’t deserve a wow! but no problem you can send the entire cake to me
Cheers!
Gera
On February 17, 2009 at 2:59pm, Jennifer said...
Mmm.. your cake looks great! I know what you mean about expectations, though, it might have been better if you thought it would be “so-so,” then it would be a pleasant surprise when it was good! That happens to me with movies all the time.
On February 17, 2009 at 3:19pm, Rachel said...
It was really pretty……. but, I agree. It didn’t taste very good. I gave my piece to you.
I’m her daughter by the way.
You should let me teach you how to make a Peruvian dessert.
On February 17, 2009 at 3:20pm, 5 Star Foodie said...
It looks so moist, chocolaty, and delicious! Mmm….
On February 17, 2009 at 3:21pm, Rachel said...
Brian’s mom said she was going to give me the Papa a la Huancina repicpe.
On February 17, 2009 at 3:42pm, Steph said...
Your cake looks amazing! Maybe if it was a different kind of frosting you might have liked it better. I totally forgot what this cake tastes like and after all these blogs, I really want to make it again!
On February 17, 2009 at 4:03pm, Elyse said...
Wow! Your cake turned out stunningly!! I wish you could pass me a slice right now!
On February 17, 2009 at 4:06pm, Lucy said...
Wow your cake sure looks amazing! I’m sorry you didnt like it that much
Still, great photographs 😀
On February 17, 2009 at 4:15pm, Lo said...
Looks lovely… though I’ve been there when a cake doesn’t QUITE meet expectations. Bummer! Good thing it was photogenic
On February 17, 2009 at 6:02pm, Linda said...
I’m sorry to hear that the cake didn’t quite meet up to your expections. Still, I’m appreciative of your beautiful photos!
On February 17, 2009 at 6:28pm, Emily Rose said...
I had the EXACT same reaction to this cake- I too was extremely excited about making it and somewhat disappointed with the outcome. I felt sort of puzzled about it because like you said, it is certainly not a bad cake, it just isn’t the amazing cake that I was hoping for! It does look beautiful though!
On February 17, 2009 at 8:14pm, Patsyk said...
Based on your photos, I’d have to try a slice! Too bad it was less than you expected.
On February 17, 2009 at 8:26pm, Meg said...
Incredible!
On February 17, 2009 at 8:50pm, karen said...
it looks amazing, sorry you didn’t totally love it though. your pictures look like they could be on the cover of the book, gorgeous!
On February 17, 2009 at 9:32pm, Nina Timm said...
I cannot look at this while I am sugar deprived and hungry!!! It looks so amazing, sorry you didn’t like it though!
On February 17, 2009 at 9:35pm, Katrina said...
Looks fabulous. Sorry you weren’t wowed into ecstacy! Great photos!
Having a giveaway on my blog.
On February 18, 2009 at 7:14am, The Food Librarian said...
Your cake looks better than the cover. I didn’t think it is the end all cake either, but it was pretty!
On February 18, 2009 at 8:05am, The Short (dis)Order Cook said...
You get points for making it look gorgeous at least. Sorry it didn’t taste as good. All of that chocolate should have made it stellar.
How is the ankle? I guess you can hobble around enough to bake?
On February 18, 2009 at 8:52am, Tangled Noodle said...
Layer cakes have always intimidated me (I can see it collapsing on me) so I don’t know if I’d attempt this myself but yours came out looking lovely!
On February 18, 2009 at 9:22am, pigpigscorner said...
WOw, look at those layers! I just want to dive in…
On February 18, 2009 at 11:42am, Mandy said...
wow Susan! I really love the last picture. It is absolutely cookbook cover-worthy!
On February 18, 2009 at 1:01pm, Teanna said...
I’m sorry you weren’t the biggest fan, but seriously? Your cake is absolutely STUNNING!
On February 18, 2009 at 2:04pm, Manggy said...
Oh! Sorry to hear that
You can however send whatever’s left here- I’m sure it’ll find a warm new home in me tummy 😛 (It does look exactly like the cover, doesn’t it? 
On February 18, 2009 at 3:29pm, duodishes said...
Well at least you can make an okay-tasting cake look great. We’ll take a couple of slices…just to make sure it’s okay.
On February 18, 2009 at 3:45pm, Judy@nofearentertaining said...
Oh Susan…too bad you didn’t love it! It looks like a derby cake which has a whipped cream frosting on it. That may be better than the marshmallow!
On February 18, 2009 at 4:19pm, pinkstripes said...
Your cake looks perfectly delicious. Too bad it didn’t knock your socks off.
On February 18, 2009 at 4:37pm, steph- whisk/spoon said...
oh no-well, you can send the leftovers my way. it is perfection to me!
On February 18, 2009 at 4:49pm, Sarah, The New Girl said...
You sure can make an “ok” tasting cake photograph well!! It’s beautiful!!
On February 18, 2009 at 4:57pm, Fit Chick said...
Your cake looks just like the one in the book, sorry it wasn’t what you expected. For some reason I really liked this recipe and my DH hopes I make it again. Great job on presentation and I would take a slice anytime, LOL.
On February 18, 2009 at 5:32pm, The Food Hunter said...
It certainly looks delicious but I understand when something just doesn’t turn out as good as you were expecting. The cover photo was the reason I bought the book too. I may still try it but I’m in no rush now.
On February 18, 2009 at 6:47pm, Cynthia said...
Sue, can I call you Sue?
What lens are you using for your pics?
On February 18, 2009 at 7:10pm, Tracey said...
Bummer that it didn’t meet your expectations. It’s really gorgeous though! Look at those perfect layers!
On February 18, 2009 at 7:40pm, squawmama said...
Oh Susan at least it was beautiful to look at… I am not a huge fan of chocolate just like a little of it… Of course I wouldn’t turn it down either.
(((HUGS)))
Donna
On February 19, 2009 at 1:35am, CookiePie said...
I’m sorry the cake didn’t wow you — you certainly made it look beautiful!
On February 19, 2009 at 8:08am, Maryann said...
But it looks so good!
On February 19, 2009 at 9:00am, Burp and Slurp~! said...
I have this cookbook too! it’s my all time favorite cookbook, and none of the recipes in there have failed me yet…I’ve always been meaning to try this one, but never got round to it…too bad it didn’t turn out the way you wanted, but it does look SO good! just like the picture!
On February 19, 2009 at 1:25pm, A Feast for the Eyes said...
I so appreciate your honest review on this cake. I’ve been seeing different blogs about this recipe, so I was considering making it.
No matter what, you did a beautiful job with the cake. I have a Chocolate Blackout Cake recipe, from Cook’s Country, that I’ve been seriously thinking of making. I just might have to try it.
Love your blog!
On February 19, 2009 at 2:02pm, Maria said...
The cake looks perfect! Nice job on this one!
On February 19, 2009 at 5:03pm, kiki said...
Hi there, it’s my first time at your blog. I love the gorgeous cake, beautiful pics.
On February 19, 2009 at 9:00pm, Ingrid said...
Bummer, but it certainly is a gorgeous looking cake. Love your frosting to cake ratio!
Btw, that last photo is outstanding!!
~ingrid
On February 20, 2009 at 8:46am, Jules Someone said...
That’s a gorgeous cake. I know what you mean about build up and then disappointment. We liked it, but we didn’t love it. Ah well.
On February 20, 2009 at 9:10am, Nicisme said...
That looks better than the one on the front cover, fabulous!
On February 20, 2009 at 3:26pm, Kristen said...
I felt the exact same way about this cake when I made it. In fact, your 1st paragraph could have been written by me! It sure is gorgeous though, isn’t it?
On February 21, 2009 at 10:05am, Elra said...
Look at that layers, they are perfectly even, too bad that you disappointed with the taste, because to me this cake looks….
Irresistible!
Cheers,
Elra
On February 21, 2009 at 12:41pm, TeaLady said...
Your cake is beautiful. Came out perfect. I was a little disappointed also in the cake. But ya just never know.
On February 21, 2009 at 12:59pm, Heather said...
This reminds me of Ho-Hos in cake form. (Besides the effort) what’s not to love?
On February 21, 2009 at 1:47pm, Kevin said...
Amazing looking cake! I have been wanting to try making a chocolate cake.
On February 21, 2009 at 7:08pm, Reeni♥ said...
The cake is really gorgeous and positively perfect in every way! I’m sorry you were disappointed in the taste after all the work you put into it.
On February 21, 2009 at 7:44pm, Lillian said...
I’m sorry you didn’t like it. It certainly looks delicious.
On February 21, 2009 at 7:56pm, Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...
It looks so impressive, I wonder why the flavor was off? I noticed the recipe said that the texture of the cake becomes fudgier after it has been refrigerated. Maybe a little chocolate pudding added between the layes would have made it more moist and chocolaty?
On February 21, 2009 at 8:55pm, Obsessive Foodie or Food Addict....You Decide said...
COME TO MAMA……………..
On February 22, 2009 at 9:02am, Netts Nook said...
Your cake looks great, Good job.
On February 22, 2009 at 10:38am, Engineer Baker said...
It looks absolutely beautiful, so I’m sorry it wasn’t a knock-your-socks-off winner. I understand about the buildup though - I’m worried about that with the chocolate armagnac cake, to be honest.
On February 22, 2009 at 10:46am, we are never full said...
oh how depressing. it looks like a really delicious cake that took some serious time and effort to make. it’s kind of like when i was going to see “titanic” after it had been playing for weeks - the hype was too much that my expectations just couldn’t be met and i thought it sucked. but maybe it did suck and it wasn’t my expectations at all?
On February 22, 2009 at 10:47am, we are never full said...
oh how depressing. it looks like a really delicious cake that took some serious time and effort to make. it’s kind of like when i was going to see “titanic” after it had been playing for weeks - the hype was too much that my expectations just couldn’t be met and i thought it sucked. but maybe it did suck and it wasn’t my expectations at all?
On February 22, 2009 at 11:20am, Shari@Whisk: a food blog said...
It looks impressive. Too bad it was a disappointment.
On February 24, 2009 at 2:44am, A Mommy said...
I made this one too, for our wedding anniversary. It looked as good as the cover and yours, but I also thought it didn’t turn out as I thought it would. Perhaps I was expecting the marshmallow to be denser? It was good, but too silky for me.