National Devil's Food Cake Day – May. 19, 2027

National Devil's Food Cake Day
Categories:
Tags:
BakingDessertSweet Food
Where:
United States
Date change rule:
Every May 19
Holiday emoji:
🍫

National Devil’s Food Cake Day arrives every May 19, inviting chocolate lovers to savor one of the dessert world’s most decadent creations. Dive into its rich history, whip up a batch of your own, or simply find a bakery that does it justice. Don’t miss this chance to celebrate pure chocolate bliss!

Want to sponsor National Devil's Food Cake Day? Learn how

Expected National Devil's Food Cake Day Deals

While we wait for official 2027 promotions to drop, history shows that National Devil’s Food Cake Day often brings sweet deals from bakeries and dessert chains. Look for discounts on slices or whole cakes at local patisseries and larger establishments like Nothing Bundt Cakes, which might offer special chocolate bundtlets. Grocery stores such as Whole Foods Market and Kroger typically feature sales on baking ingredients like cocoa powder, chocolate chips, and cake mixes from brands like Duncan Hines and Betty Crocker. Coffee shops like Starbucks and Dunkin’ could also introduce limited-time devil’s food-inspired beverages or pastries. Keep an eye on social media from brands like Ghirardelli and Hershey’s for recipe ideas and potential giveaways. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as May 19 approaches.

Platform Guide for National Devil's Food Cake Day

TikTok

Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #NationalDevilsFoodCakeDay. Film a quick tutorial for your favorite devil’s food cake recipe or a taste-test of different store-bought versions.

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #NationalDevilsFoodCakeDay. Share mouth-watering photos or reels of your beautifully frosted devil’s food cake. Ask followers for their favorite chocolate pairings.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #NationalDevilsFoodCakeDay. Post about your family’s go-to devil’s food cake recipe or favorite local bakery that sells it.

Social Media Tips for National Devil's Food Cake Day

Individuals

Treat yourself to a slice of devil's food cake from your local bakery, or try baking one from scratch. Share your indulgence with friends and family, making it a sweet occasion.

Creators

Create content comparing classic devil's food cake recipes with modern twists, or review different brands of cake mixes. Showcase creative frosting techniques or unique serving suggestions.

Brands

Host a 'bake-off' contest featuring devil's food cake, encouraging customers to share their creations for a chance to win prizes. Offer special discounts on chocolate-related products or ingredients.

Top Brands for National Devil's Food Cake Day

  1. Ghirardelli

    Founded in 1852 by Domenico Ghirardelli in San Francisco, California, Ghirardelli is one of the oldest chocolate makers in the United States. Known for its premium chocolate squares, baking cocoa, and mixes, it's a staple for any serious baker creating rich chocolate desserts.

  2. Hershey's

    Established in 1894 by Milton S. Hershey in Hershey, Pennsylvania, The Hershey Company is a global leader in chocolate and confectionery. Their iconic cocoa powder and chocolate bars are frequently used in classic devil's food cake recipes, contributing to its deep, signature flavor.

  3. Duncan Hines

    Named after the famous food critic Duncan Hines, this brand began offering cake mixes in the late 1940s. It quickly became a household name for convenient, high-quality baking, with its devil's food cake mix being a popular choice for home bakers.

  4. Betty Crocker

    First introduced as a marketing tool by General Mills in 1921, Betty Crocker evolved into a beloved fictional culinary expert. The brand's extensive range of baking products, including its devil's food cake mix, has simplified baking for generations of American families.

  5. King Arthur Baking Company

    Founded in 1790 as a flour company in Boston, Massachusetts, King Arthur Baking Company is America's oldest flour company. They provide high-quality flours, baking ingredients, and recipes, making them a go-to resource for those who prefer to bake devil's food cake from scratch.

  6. Whole Foods Market

    Founded in 1978 in Austin, Texas, Whole Foods Market is a leading natural and organic foods supermarket chain. Their bakeries often feature gourmet devil's food cakes made with high-quality ingredients, catering to consumers seeking premium dessert options.

  7. Starbucks

    Established in 1971 in Seattle, Washington, Starbucks is the world's largest coffeehouse chain. Beyond coffee, they offer a variety of baked goods and desserts, often including rich chocolate cakes or devil's food-inspired treats that pair perfectly with their beverages.

National Devil's Food Cake Day Hero

Joseph S. Burnett

While the exact origin of devil's food cake is debated, Joseph S. Burnett is often credited with publishing one of the earliest known recipes in his 1902 book, 'Burnett's Vanilla Extract: A Practical Treatise'. His recipe, featuring baking soda and cocoa, helped popularize the distinct dark color and moist texture that defines devil's food cake. Burnett's contribution was significant in shaping the dessert into the beloved treat it is today, solidifying its place in American culinary history.

National Devil's Food Cake Day timeline

August 10, 1898
Devilishly Good!

One of the earliest recipes for devil’s food cake appears in an August 1898 edition of the “Hagerstown Exponent” of Hagerstown, Indiana.

1902
First Recipe

The first recipe for devil’s food cake appears in an American cookbook titled “Mrs. Rorer’s New CookBook” by Sarah Tyson Rorer.

1950s
Origin Stories

Many believe that the cake was originally created at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel.

1970s
Fading Popularity

Devil’s food cake’s popularity decreases following red food dye’s linkage to cancer.

How Businesses Can Celebrate National Devil's Food Cake Day

Local bakeries and restaurants can celebrate National Devil’s Food Cake Day by offering special discounts on slices or whole devil’s food cakes. Consider a limited-time ‘devilishly good’ dessert menu featuring variations like devil’s food cupcakes or mini bundt cakes. Coffee shops could pair their brews with a complimentary mini devil’s food treat, while grocery stores can create eye-catching displays of baking ingredients for home bakers. Engaging customers with a ‘best devil’s food cake’ photo contest on social media can also drive excitement and foot traffic.

National Devil's Food Cake Day FAQs

When is National Devil's Food Cake Day?

In 2027, National Devil’s Food Cake Day is observed on Wednesday, May 19. Mark your calendars for a delicious celebration of this classic dessert.

How is devil's food cake different from chocolate cake?

The key differences lie in ingredients and texture. Devil’s food cake often incorporates hot water or coffee to bloom the cocoa, enhancing its intense chocolate flavor and creating a softer, more delicate texture compared to a standard chocolate cake.

How popular is devil's food cake?

Despite new dessert trends, devil’s food cake holds strong as a favorite. It’s a staple in bakeries, home kitchens, and restaurant menus, cherished for its deep chocolate profile and comforting appeal.

Why is it called 'devil's food cake'?

The ‘devil’s food’ moniker emerged in the early 20th century to emphasize its intense richness and moistness, distinguishing it from simpler chocolate cakes. It implies a sinful level of deliciousness, making it an alluring dessert choice.

National Devil's Food Cake Day Activities

  1. Have a bake-off!

    Invite over all your friends and have a devil’s food cake taste-test. Judge cakes based on overall look, flavor, and moistness. Make sure to keep the baker’s identities a secret to not throw off any of the judging or sway votes! Give out prizes like the coveted blue ribbon or a coupon to take a baking class!

  2. Test out your local bakeries

    This day calls from some extensive research. Do a little google-ing to see which places offer the extra-chocolatey goodness, and put together your delicious itinerary of stops to try. Take along a friend and see if you agree on which cake was the best! Make sure to take pictures at each stop and tag them on social media with #NationalDevilsFoodCakeDay!

  3. Read up on devil’s food cake lore

    Although there are conflicting tales, and published cookbooks to contradict the story, legend has it that the devil’s food cake was created at New York’s Waldorf Astoria Hotel. One account even suggests that a customer loved the cake so much, that she asked for the recipe. The customer got the recipe, but it came with a price—the Waldorf also served her a bill for $100. Now that’s an expensive cake!

Why We Love National Devil's Food Cake Day

  1. It’s a delightful indulgence

    Studies have shown that we enjoy food more when it feels like an indulgence, and nothing says "indulgence" more than a cake named after the devil himself. If we've had a bad day or are in need of some good old fashion chocolate comfort food, nothing feels like more what the doctor ordered than a slice of the richest most indulgent cake there is.

  2. It’s an alternative to other lighter cakes

    Sure, a nice bundt or white cake can do the trick, but sometimes you just want something a little more. Devil’s food cake will cure that sweet tooth and leave you coming back for seconds. You can go even bigger by picking a version with rich chocolate frosting! Pair it with a nice cold glass of milk, or make it more of a treat with a cup of coffee!

  3. It is is chocolate cake on steroids

    This cake is not for the faint of heart, or the casual chocolate enthusiast. This cake is for the serious, gotta have some chocolate fanatic. Over the years, devil’s food cake recipes have added more and more chocolate, even exchanging plain chocolate for cocoa to bring out the taste. The cake is widely considered richer, darker, and fluffier than regular chocolate cake.

National Devil's Food Cake Day dates

Year Date Day
2027 May 19 Wednesday
2028 May 19 Friday
2029 May 19 Saturday
2030 May 19 Sunday
2031 May 19 Monday