Chocolate Potluck Cake
Rich, moist, and topped with an irresistibly glossy chocolate ganache, the Chocolate Potluck Cake is the ultimate crowd-pleaser for any gathering. This easy-to-make dessert starts with a perfectly balanced batter of cocoa powder, whole milk, and a touch of vanilla extract, creating a cake that’s decadently chocolatey yet delightfully light. A key step—adding boiling water—ensures a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture that sets it apart. The finishing touch is a silky ganache made from semi-sweet chocolate chips, heavy cream, and butter, creating a luscious coating that’s both indulgent and elegant. Whether you’re hosting a party or heading to a potluck, this 9x13-inch cake serves 12 and is guaranteed to impress. Perfect for chocolate lovers and great for sharing, it’s a must-try for your next celebration!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 0.75 cups cocoa powder (unsweetened)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1.5 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 0.5 cups vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
- 0.75 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk until well blended.
Add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until smooth and well combined.
Slowly stir in the boiling water. The batter will be thin, but this ensures a moist cake.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
While the cake cools, make the ganache. Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to simmer.
Remove the cream from the heat and pour it over the chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Let it sit for 2 minutes to melt the chocolate.
Add the butter to the chocolate mixture and stir until smooth and glossy.
Once the cake is completely cool, pour the ganache over the top and spread it evenly with a spatula.
Let the ganache set for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
478 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 23.1 g | 30% | |
| Saturated Fat | 9.8 g | 49% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 5.6 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 53 mg | 18% | |
| Sodium | 438 mg | 19% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 68.4 g | 25% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 7.1 g | 25% | |
| Total Sugars | 42.3 g | ||
| Protein | 7.7 g | 15% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.5 mcg | 2% | |
| Calcium | 50 mg | 4% | |
| Iron | 3.4 mg | 19% | |
| Potassium | 283 mg | 6% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
