The ultimate indulgence awaits with Cracker Barrel Chocolate Cake, a dessert that embodies rich flavors and velvety textures. Imagine sinking your fork into a slice of this moist chocolate delight, where every bite transports you to a cozy cabin filled with warmth and laughter. strawberry shortcake cheesecake It’s like a big hug from Grandma but in cake form, and trust me, you’ll want to be wrapped in that comforting embrace.
Remember those family gatherings where dessert was the highlight of the meal? That’s exactly what this cake brings to the table—sweet nostalgia mixed with decadent chocolate goodness. Whether it’s a birthday bash or just a random Tuesday, this cake has the power to turn any ordinary day into a special occasion. Get ready for an explosion of flavor that will leave your taste buds dancing!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Cracker Barrel Chocolate Cake is incredibly easy to make, ensuring even novice bakers can shine.
- Its rich chocolate flavor makes it perfect for satisfying sweet cravings at any time.
- The cake’s beautiful presentation will impress guests at any gathering.
- Versatile enough to pair with ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Ingredients for Cracker Barrel Chocolate Cake
cinnamon roll french toast bites.
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: Essential for creating the cake’s structure; sifted flour ensures a light and fluffy texture.
- Cocoa Powder: Use unsweetened cocoa powder for intense chocolate flavor; Dutch-processed cocoa gives it a deeper color.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake perfectly; adjust according to your sweetness preference.
- Baking Powder: This leavening agent helps the cake rise beautifully; ensure it’s fresh for best results.
- Baking Soda: Works alongside baking powder; contributes to a lighter texture and enhances browning.
- Salt: A pinch enhances all the other flavors; don’t skip it!
- Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender; feel free to substitute with melted coconut oil if desired.
- Eggs: Provides richness and binds the ingredients together; room temperature eggs work best.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds depth of flavor; pure vanilla extract elevates the overall taste.
- Hot Water: Helps dissolve the cocoa powder and creates a moist batter; use boiling water for optimal mixing.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Cracker Barrel Chocolate Cake
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two round cake pans (9 inches) or line them with parchment paper for easy release after baking.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk them together until well blended—this ensures even flavor distribution throughout your cake.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, mix together vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and hot water. Stir until combined—you’ll notice how smoothly they blend together.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Gradually add the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat until just combined—don’t overmix! You want to preserve that light texture we talked about.
Step 5: Bake Your Cakes
Pour equal amounts of batter into each prepared pan. Bake in your preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell divine!
Step 6: Cool & Serve
Once baked, let cakes cool in pans for about ten minutes before transferring them onto wire racks. Allow them to cool completely before frosting with your favorite icing—chocolate buttercream is highly recommended!
Transfer slices onto plates and watch everyone fight over who gets the last piece!
Now you’re armed with all you need for crafting an incredible Cracker Barrel Chocolate Cake! This treat is perfect for sharing (or not) because let’s be real—who wants to share such deliciousness? Enjoy every bite!
You Must Know
- This indulgent Cracker Barrel Chocolate Cake is more than just dessert; it’s a ticket to flavor town.
- Rich, moist, and chocolatey, it’s the perfect sweet finale to any meal.
- You can whip it up for family gatherings or quiet nights in, and trust me, everyone will be asking for seconds!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven while you mix the cake batter. Grease your baking pan and pour the batter in. Bake until a toothpick comes out clean, then let it cool before frosting. This sequence ensures you achieve a perfectly baked treat every time.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out regular cocoa powder for dark cocoa for an extra rich flavor. You can also add a dash of espresso powder to intensify that chocolate taste, or throw in some chocolate chips for extra gooey goodness!
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftover Cracker Barrel Chocolate Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For reheating, pop a slice in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to enjoy that fresh-baked taste again.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve the perfect texture, avoid over-mixing the batter; this can lead to a dense cake.
- Always use room temperature ingredients for better blending and rise.
- If you’re adding frosting, let the cake cool completely to prevent melting.
Sometimes I bake this cake when I need a little pick-me-up after a long day. The smiles from my family when they take that first bite are absolutely priceless!
FAQs :
What ingredients do I need for Cracker Barrel Chocolate Cake?
To make a delicious Cracker Barrel Chocolate Cake, you will need all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Additionally, use eggs, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and boiling water for the batter. For the frosting, gather powdered sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, butter or a plant-based alternative, milk or plant-based milk, and vanilla extract. This combination results in a rich chocolate flavor that everyone will love. For more inspiration, check out this Cheesy Root Vegetable Gratin recipe.
How do I store leftover Cracker Barrel Chocolate Cake?
Storing leftover Cracker Barrel Chocolate Cake is easy. Allow the cake to cool completely before storing it. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh. You can also place it in an airtight container. Store it at room temperature if you plan to consume it within a few days. For longer storage, refrigerate the cake or freeze it for up to three months to maintain its flavor and texture.
Can I customize my Cracker Barrel Chocolate Cake?
Absolutely! Customizing your Cracker Barrel Chocolate Cake is a fun way to make it your own. You can add ingredients like chocolate chips or nuts to the batter for added texture. If you enjoy fruity flavors, consider incorporating mashed bananas or applesauce into the batter. mini banana pudding cheesecakes For the frosting, feel free to experiment with different extracts such as almond or mint for unique flavor profiles that complement the rich chocolate base.
Is there a vegan version of Cracker Barrel Chocolate Cake?
Yes, you can easily prepare a vegan version of Cracker Barrel Chocolate Cake by substituting traditional ingredients with plant-based alternatives. Replace eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water or applesauce. Use vegetable oil and non-dairy milk instead of butter and regular milk. Ensure that all other ingredients are vegan-friendly. With these changes, you can enjoy a moist and decadent chocolate cake that everyone will love.
Conclusion for Cracker Barrel Chocolate Cake :
In summary, making a delightful Cracker Barrel Chocolate Cake is simple and rewarding. With basic ingredients like flour, cocoa powder, and eggs—or plant-based substitutes—you can create a rich dessert perfect for any occasion. Storing leftovers properly ensures you can enjoy this treat over several days. banana split dessert kabobs Don’t hesitate to customize your cake with your favorite mix-ins or try out a vegan version for more dietary options. Enjoy this chocolate lover’s dream!
Cracker Barrel Chocolate Cake
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 1x
Description
Cracker Barrel Chocolate Cake is the ultimate comfort dessert, delivering rich chocolate flavor and moist texture in every bite. Perfect for any occasion, this cake evokes sweet memories and warmth, making it a crowd favorite. Whether topped with fluffy frosting or enjoyed plain, each slice is a delightful treat that will leave everyone asking for more. Easy to bake, this cake is ideal for novice bakers and seasoned pros alike.
Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot water
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, combine vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and hot water until mixed well.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients using an electric mixer on medium speed until just blended.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Allow cakes to cool in pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (90g)
- Calories: 343
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 32mg
