Prize Mahogany Chocolate Cake is a luscious tender chocolate cake that is easy to make and easy to eat. It definitely deserves its place among family favorites.
I continue making my way through the beautiful recipe box that my Mother-In-Law (MIL) gifted me with, as I described when I made the Hershey’s Chocolate Syrup Cake. When I came across a card titled just “Prize Mahogany”, I wasn’t sure what it was for. Certainly not this Prize Mahogany Chocolate Cake!
I called my MIL, and asked her what was a Prize Mahogany? She stated that this was a chocolate cake that was her mother’s “go to” recipe, and one she made several times. That would make this recipe at least 80 years old!
Missing in the instructions was the size of the pan, the temperature of the oven, what kind of chocolate she used, and what in the world is sweetened milk? I thought it was like the Eagle Brand milk, but she stated it’s just milk. She also stated that they always baked cakes in two 8 or 9 inch round pans and layered the cake, and the flour was something that resembled cake flour today.
Don’t have time to make it now? Pin it for later!
Prize Mahogany Chocolate Cake
Ingredients
- 1-1/2 cups sugar
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup grated chocolate I used unsweetened baking chocolate
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 cups cake flour
- 2 eggs beaten
Instructions
- Grease and flour two 8 or 9 inch round cake pans. I also recommend lining with parchment paper. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- In a small saucepan, cook chocolate and milk together until thickened. Stir frequently. Set aside and allow to cool.
- Combine butter and sugar in an electric stand mixer. Beat until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, and beat until combined.
- In a separate bowl, combine baking soda and cake flour. Mix together, and add to sugar/butter mixture. Beat to combine.
- Stir in cooled chocolate mixture.
- Pour into baking pans and bake for 20-25 minutes.
- Cool on a wire rack for 15 minutes and then remove from pan.
Nutrition
This cake was so good. I was so glad that I made it as closely as I could to the original recipe. It was just delicious. The crumb was chocolatey and moist, and I think it was a great choice to frost it with my favorite chocolate buttercream frosting. The steps are all my own. They weren’t listed on the recipe, but I use this same method for almost every cake that I make.
You can never have too much cake and here are a couple more of my favs!
Raspberry Chocolate Pound Cake
Super Special Spice Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting
Upside-Down Peach Cake with Hot Rum Sauce
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Jennifer A Stewart says
I have seen so many of these on Pinterest lately and I’m totally intrigued! I can’t wait to make this and see what all the Prize fuss is about!
Dini @ The Flavor Bender says
Julie! This cake looks magnificent! There’s nothing quite like a beautiful chocolate cake and I’m in half a mind to go and make it for myself right now! There’s a reason why classic recipes last through the ages 😀
Julie Menghini says
Thank you Dini! I agree with you on the classics. I hope you are enjoying your Mother’s Day and just want to thank you again for brining our support team together. I’t a great group.
Sandi (@fearless_dining) says
This Prize Mahogany cake sounds like a chocolaty dream. I love when family pass down recipes that our memories are built on.
Michelle @ Giraffes Can Bake says
I just adore old recipes, you KNOW they’re good if they’ve stayed in rotation that long. And I can totally see why this one lasted, so much chocolately goodness! yum!
Julie Menghini says
Thank you Michelle!
Shadi Hasanzadenemati says
I just can’t believe a chocolate cake that pretty can be this easy!! I am sooooo gonna try this soon! I love easy and simple recipes!
Julie Menghini says
Thank you Shadi! It is very easy! Please let me know if you try it what you think.
Meghan | Fox and Briar says
That is so cool that you have your Mother in Law’s old recipe box, I bet it is a treasure trove! This cake just looks like one of those old fashioned, right on the money chocolate cakes, I would love a big slice of it right now!
Julie Menghini says
Thank you Meghan! I love that some of John’s Italian grandma has a few recipes in there. I just love the darned thing!
Christine | Mid-Life Croissant says
I really hope to be the kind of baker one day that can decipher incomplete recipes and make them delicious. You’re like Chris and Bridget from America’s Test Kitchen podcast. Walking encyclopedia’s of culinary knowledge. I need the full recipe and even then I can definitely go wrong. I’m beginning to understand that this is because I’m an infrequent baker who is too cheap to throw out baking soda and flour when it’s past it’s use by date.
Julie Menghini says
You are way to kind! I think I like baking because I love eating it! I would love to visit Americas Test Kitchen!
Tina Marie says
I personally love old family recipes. They’re my favorite things to make. I have some oldies from my great grandmother that are still in her original writing. Your Prize Mahogany Chocolate Cake sounds wonderfully simple and delicious.
Julie Menghini says
This went into my spam Tina! Thank you so much for your sweet comments. That cake is so easy and has such a light crumb. I appreciate you stopping by!
Tracy says
Oh my gosh this looks so decadent and delicious! Prized, for sure!!!
Julie Menghini says
Thank you Tracy!
Liz says
Very addictive, indeed!
Take Two Tapas says
I love old recipes like that! I always wonder how they came up with these cool names!
Julie Menghini says
I agree! I really wonder how they came about so many years ago. Still good today. Have a great evening!
Shari says
I don’t know how I missed this recipe, Julie, but I just noticed I hadn’t seen it. That is so great you are going through old family recipes. I have some like that, and I appreciate them so much. This sounds and looks delicious, chocolaty, and moist. You were brave to try it without very specific instructions. Thanks for sharing it with us!
Julie Menghini says
Thank you Shari! I had my 89 yr old MIL on speed dial. I don’t know how I would have interpreted it had she not been available! Surely it wouldn’t have been a prize at all! 🙂
Lily says
You had me at Prize and I’m so honoured that you have shared such a gem of a recipe with all of us. I find these types of recipes that have been passed down from generation to generation are the absolute best! Pinned for later.
Julie Menghini says
Thank you Lily! I just treasure these recipes, and can imagine that they were so special when served back in the day. I would think some of those ingredients would have been hard to get. Have a great weekend!
cookingwithauntjuju.com says
Wow Julie, another scrumptious looking cake – chocolate is always a favorite. Fun that you are going through your MIL’s recipes – I wish I had more of my MIL and other family members. Amazing that a recipe as old as this is still good! Be sure to pass it on… Happy FF and Happy weekend!
Julie Menghini says
Thank you Judi! I wish I had my grandmother’s recipe box. I don’t know what happened to it and that makes me sad. I love that you share my thoughts on the value of these recipes in our family history! Have a great day and a fabulous weekend!
Jhuls says
Despite the missing details, you have made an amazing cake, Julie! Bravo! Can you pass me a slice? 😀 Happy FF and have an awesome weekend. xx
Julie Menghini says
Thank you Jhuls! It was fun investigating the details and just imagining Johns grandmother making it. I hope you enjoy your weekend too!
pattisj says
Another beauty!
Julie Menghini says
Thank you Patti!
Garden Walk Garden Talk says
Tried, true and time tested, the best recipes when updated with the missing instructions like you did. Funny, when recipes get handed down, some things are missing because the baker just Knew what was necessary from all the baking over and over through the years.
Julie Menghini says
Thank you. I find these recipes just charming, and would love to have a peek back into history to share that experience in the kitchen.
Fareeha says
omg.. I-WANT-THAT-RIGHT-NOW.. looks absolutely amazing.. simply loving it.. i wish we lived next door to try this amazing chocolate cake
Julie Menghini says
Thank you so much! I would love to share a piece with you! Thank you for stopping by!
Celebrating Sunshine says
It’s wonderful that you took a 80 year old recipe and added your own touch to it. I’m sure it was delicious! 🙂
Julie Menghini says
Thank you Ana! I had so much fun putting it together one quit morning. My perfect way to enjoy myself. Enjoy your day!
petra08 says
It looks like a chcocolate lovers dream! What a beautiful cake 🙂
Julie Menghini says
John and I love our chocolate Petra. We sure got our fix with this one! Thanks for stopping by!
Roberta Briffa says
Hi Julie, this cake looks delicious. I’m always in search of a good chocolate cake. Love the photos too and that metal cake serving spoon is so pretty!
Julie Menghini says
Thank you Roberta! We are on the same page with this cake. I found the cake serving spoon in an antique store. I love to walk through those places and when I find a treasure like that I snatch it up. Thanks for stopping, enjoy your day!
Freda @ Aromatic essence says
Such a lovely chocolate cake Julie!! A cake recipe that is 80 years old had to be this amazing!! Thanks for sharing it with us 🙂
Julie Menghini says
Thank you Freda! It is simple and delicious.
Stephanie @ Girl Versus Dough says
Yum! Love chocolate cakes like this — so moist and decadent!
Julie Menghini says
Thank you Stephanie! It was a fun cake to make. I appreciate your stopping by!
simplyvegetarian777 says
I am bookmarking this cake Julie. A family heirloom recipe and has proved itself again and again since last 80 years….has to be really good!! A simple and delectable cake.❤️
Julie Menghini says
Thank you Sonal! It is an easy simple cake to make, and I enjoyed discussing it’s history with my Mother-In-Law and know she enjoyed it too.
simplyvegetarian777 says
Lili says
Looks like a super delicious and moist cake. Nice story behind it too. 🙂
Julie Menghini says
Thank you Lili. Very old school just like I like them!
Anna says
Julie, your chocolate buttercream frosting looks amazing as well!! Ahh, the wondrous joys of chocolate!! We would have so much fun baking together in Italia! 😉
Julie Menghini says
You know it! Chocolate, Italian food and wine….ah life would be wonderful!
Anna says
This cake looks like a real treasure! I love family recipes that have been passed down through generations — there’s something extra special about them! I would love to make this cake!
Julie Menghini says
Thank you Anna! I agree that these recipes are so special. Just like you my friend! Thank you for stopping by today!
Anna says
Thank you, Julie! You’re very special to me, too, and it’s always a pleasure to visit you on your blog!
My Little Italian Kitchen says
I find that older recipes are often the best. I treasure my old books and I have made those recipes over and over again. Your cake looks beautiful, moist and so delicious! A wonderful cake indeed!
Julie Menghini says
Thank you so much! I agree that I just love the old recipes. I am always happy to hear that many people have family recipes passed down while I know many of them have disappeared. Thank you for stopping by!
The Glamorous Pan says
Looks delicious! I hope to make it this weekend. Thanks for sharing!
Julie Menghini says
It is delicious and simple to make. Thank you so much for stopping by and your kind words!
polianthus says
what a lovely story – and the recipe sounds like one we’d make in Europe today – no oil anywhere just butter and natural ingredients, I am sure it’s a wonderful cake – thanks so much for sharing!
Julie Menghini says
Thank you so much! I love baking, and I think the simple ingredients are the best. Thanks for stopping by!
heycakes says
Wonderful and delicious looking cake with such a great history 🙂 Thanks for sharing, Julie!
Julie Menghini says
Thank you so much! I have always enjoyed the story behind the food and love listening to people talk about growing up and their customs where food is concerned. I appreciate your stoping by Diana!
Johanne Lamarche says
Blue ribbon from me! Love the vintage cake stand too!
Julie Menghini says
Thank you Johanne! You are always so kind. I found this stand in an antique store and just had to have it. Well, I actually bought two in different sizes that day (I am weak).
Lina says
Wow what a wonderful, delicious and different cake recipe! !!
Dawn says
What a treasure ~ the recipe box and the Prize Mahogany recipe! It’s so wonderful that your mother-in-law’s recipes are in your kitchen (and your heart!♥), Julie. It almost feels like you should wear an apron while you are mixing the ingredients! Thank you so much for sharing your special family recipe. I will try it one day soon. Your photo is absolutely delectable! Wishing you happy days in the kitchen, Julie! ♡
Julie Menghini says
Thank you so much Dawn! Recipes can transport me too. I often imagine what it was like for these ladies to make these recipes without the gadgets and fancy appliances. They say life was simple. I beg to differ. It think it was hard but the appreciated so much of what we take for granted. Enjoy your day and thanks for stopping by!
Dawn says
So very true, Julie! A big stoneware mixing bowl and a wooden spoon were the ‘gadgets’ of the day. Imagine the wonderful, old oven that baked the Prize Mahogany years ago! The time spent baking this cake always included the ‘secret ingredient’ ~ love! Happy baking! ♡
Julie Menghini says
I can’t wait to see those treasures Dawn!
Linda says
Sounds delicious! I have my grandmother’s recipe box – she was a ‘meat and potatoes’ mama but the box included so many different and very interesting recipes that were confusing to say the least! Interpreting them is half the fun! (By sweetened milk I would have assumed sweetened condensed milk – perhaps you could try that and see if it makes any difference – although your end results do seem to be scrumptious) 🙂
Julie Menghini says
Thank you Linda! We are lucky girls. My mother in law said they just used milk. If it wasn’t buttermilk it was sweet milk. I can imagine their milk was straight out of the cow so was like our whole milk. Either way, it was yummy!
Lynz Real Cooking says
This looks amazing! I love the missing details! I have my Swedish Grama’s recipes and these things are also missing but it adds to their beauty! very lovely
Julie Menghini says
That’s wonderful Lynz! My grandmother was Swedish too. I only remember her using a recipe when making sugar cookies. Otherwise she wasn’t much for recipes. My dad often said she would make lutefisk at Christmas and he just despised it :). Thanks for stopping!
Lynz Real Cooking says
All I know is when we arrived she had homemade turtles made with homemade caramel!! yumm
Julie Menghini says
Yum! I love those things!
Lynz Real Cooking says
yes me too!
Debbie Spivey says
Looks so delicious! Thanks for sharing the family recipe!
Julie Menghini says
Thank you Debbie! Enjoy your day!
[email protected] says
I am glad that this cake was so fabulous after having to interpret & adapt the recipe. It looks so moist & yummy! 🙂 Love special family recipes.
Julie Menghini says
Thank you Josette! It really is quite simple to make but I sure needed an interpreter! 🙂
Loretta says
Isn’t it always wonderful when a recipe has a story from years gone by? How lucky that you have those stories to pass on as well. The cake looks so beautifully moist, and that chocolate buttercream frosting looks to die for. Do you use whole milk in that chocolate frosting? I imagine you do, we only buy skim, so if I were to indulge, I’d get a small bottle of whole milk. Beautiful as always Julie 🙂 I could do with a large chunk of that right now for breakfast 🙂
Julie Menghini says
Thank you Loretta! That box is a treasure to be sure! I actually used skim milk! That is all I buy and will only use something else when it specifically indicates it’s required. I am sure this cake was made with milk straight from the cow back in the day. I’m glad my MIL is still able to tell me how to interpret some of these recipes. I have a cookbook from the 1950’s from an aunt, and boy does it have some confusing instructions and terms in it too! It is very yummy, and I’ll definitely make it again. Enjoy your day!
skd says
We are all so thankful to you Julie for sharing something from your priceless heirloom. Old is Gold 🙂
Hugs and Regards to your Mom-in-law for preserving the book and passing it on <3
Julie Menghini says
Thank you skd! I really appreciate having these recipes and enjoy going through them. I can almost see them being made without the fancy kitchen tools and modern appliances. I’m sure it was a great day when grandma made this cake.
skd says
I am sure it was too and the love with which she must have made it. Grandmas are really special