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.
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
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- 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.
- 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).
- 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.