Chocolate Trail Drive Cake
Indulge in the robust flavors of the Chocolate Trail Drive Cake, a decadent yet rustic dessert that seamlessly blends rich cocoa, espresso undertones, and a medley of textures from dark chocolate chunks, crunchy nuts, and chewy dried fruits. This easy-to-make cake is prepared with basic pantry staples like all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and baking essentials, making it perfect for any occasion. The addition of boiling water creates a beautifully moist and tender crumb, while the mix-ins elevate every bite with bursts of sweetness and crunch. Whether served plain or topped with a dollop of whipped cream, this versatile treat is ideal for gatherings, outdoor adventures, or simply savoring a comforting slice at home. Perfect for chocolate lovers and trail snack enthusiasts alike!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups All-purpose flour
- 0.75 cups Granulated sugar
- 0.5 cups Cocoa powder (unsweetened)
- 1.5 teaspoons Baking powder
- 1 teaspoon Baking soda
- 0.25 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Espresso powder
- 0.33 cups Vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons Vanilla extract
- 2 large Eggs
- 0.75 cups Whole milk
- 0.5 cups Boiling water
- 0.75 cups Chopped dark chocolate or chocolate chips
- 0.5 cups Chopped nuts (e.g., almonds, walnuts, pecans)
- 0.5 cups Dried fruits (e.g., cranberries, cherries, raisins)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and espresso powder until well combined.
In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, vanilla extract, eggs, and milk until smooth.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
Carefully add the boiling water to the batter, stirring slowly to combine. The batter will be thin—this is normal.
Fold in the chopped dark chocolate, nuts, and dried fruits until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Slice and serve on its own or with a dollop of whipped cream. Perfect for enjoying on the trail or at home!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3667 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 179.0 g | 229% | |
| Saturated Fat | 56.4 g | 282% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 44.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 394 mg | 131% | |
| Sodium | 2782 mg | 121% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 503.7 g | 183% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 71.9 g | 257% | |
| Total Sugars | 244.8 g | ||
| Protein | 81.5 g | 163% | |
| Vitamin D | 4.1 mcg | 20% | |
| Calcium | 644 mg | 50% | |
| Iron | 41.2 mg | 229% | |
| Potassium | 4141 mg | 88% | |
*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.
