Signature Midwest Cakes

Written by Diana McMillen. Photographs by Robert Jacobs

Salute the Midwest's food heritage with cakes that celebrate our 12 states. We researched regional ingredients, traditions and other influences to create a cake for each state.

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Iowa: Best-Ever Chocolate Cake

To represent Iowa, we turned to Des Moines-based Better Homes and Gardens® magazine for Best-Ever Chocolate Cake. Our sister publication has influenced home cooks since 1922. Its red-plaid cookbook, first published in 1930, has sold 39 million copies. This delicious recipe never goes out of style.

Best-Ever Chocolate Cake recipe >>