Chocolate Picnic Cake

Shirley Jackson, The Haunting of Hill House

“What a farmer’s wife you might have made.”
“This is a place for picnics, with lunch beside the brook and hard-boiled eggs.”
Theodora laughed. “Chicken salad and chocolate cake.”
“Lemonade in a Thermos bottle. Spilled salt.”

Chocolate Picnic Cake

Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or any occasion. Here's how to make a delicious Chocolate Picnic Cake: Mix dry ingredients, then beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs, vanilla, and buttermilk alternately with dry ingredients. Stir in chocolate chips (and walnuts if desired), bake in a pan, and cool before serving.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 12

Course: Dessert

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter softened
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts optional

Method

 

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk, and mix until just combined. Stir in the chocolate chips and walnuts (if using).
5. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool completely before serving.