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!

Nutriscore Rating: 62/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 10

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)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.

Step 2

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and espresso powder until well combined.

Step 3

In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, vanilla extract, eggs, and milk until smooth.

Step 4

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.

Step 5

Carefully add the boiling water to the batter, stirring slowly to combine. The batter will be thin—this is normal.

Step 6

Fold in the chopped dark chocolate, nuts, and dried fruits until evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 7

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

Step 8

Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Step 9

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.

Step 10

Slice and serve on its own or with a dollop of whipped cream. Perfect for enjoying on the trail or at home!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1210.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3667.2

Total Fat 179.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 56.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 44.5g
Cholesterol 394.0mg	0%
Sodium 2782.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 503.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 71.9g	0%
Total Sugars 244.8g
Protein 81.5g	0%

Vitamin D 162.5IU	0%
Calcium 643.5mg	0%
Iron 41.2mg	0%
Potassium 4141.4mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 40.8%

Protein: 8.2%

Carbs: 51.0%