Decadent Chocolate Potluck Delight: A Crowd-Pleasing Cake Recipe
Chocolate Potluck Cake Recipe
This delectable Chocolate Potluck Cake, inspired by the beloved cookbook “Chocolate from the Cake Mix Doctor” by Anne Byrn, promises to be the star of any gathering with its moist texture and rich chocolate flavor. The beauty of this recipe lies not only in its simplicity but also in its adaptability—on my first attempt, I found myself short on ingredients and opted for walnuts and dark brown sugar, yet the cake turned out wonderfully. This cake is perfect for large groups and can be ready in under an hour, making it a fantastic choice for potlucks and celebrations.
Recipe Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Cook Time | 30 minutes |
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Total Time | 40 minutes |
| Description | A rich chocolate cake that’s perfect for potlucks, inspired by Anne Byrn’s cookbook. |
| Category | Dessert |
| Servings | 20 |
| Rating | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Review Count | 9 reviews |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 221.9 |
| Total Fat | 12.6 g |
| Saturated Fat | 2.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 32.3 mg |
| Sodium | 236.6 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 26.5 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 16.9 g |
| Protein | 3.4 g |
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| NA | Cake mix (chocolate) |
| 1 | Low-fat vanilla yogurt |
| 1 | Cup of water |
| 1/2 | Cup of vegetable oil |
| 1/2 | Cup of light brown sugar |
| 3 | Large eggs |
| 1/3 | Cup of pecans (chopped) |
| 1/3 | Cup of chocolate chips |
| 1/3 | Cup of walnuts (optional) |
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius), ensuring it reaches the desired temperature for optimal baking.
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Prepare the Baking Pan: Generously spray a 13×9-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray to prevent the cake from sticking and to ensure easy removal after baking.
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Mix the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, low-fat vanilla yogurt, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Using an electric mixer, blend the mixture on low speed for approximately 1 minute, allowing the ingredients to incorporate.
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Increase Speed: After the initial mixing, scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula to ensure all ingredients are well combined. Then, increase the mixer speed to medium and blend for an additional 2 minutes, creating a smooth batter.
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Transfer to Pan: Carefully pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, using a spatula to spread it evenly across the bottom, ensuring a uniform layer.
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Prepare the Topping: In a separate bowl, stir together the chopped pecans, light brown sugar, and chocolate chips. This mixture will create a delightful topping that adds texture and flavor to the cake.
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Add Topping: Evenly sprinkle the pecan and chocolate mixture over the top of the batter in the pan, allowing it to settle slightly into the cake.
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Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You will know the cake is done when it springs back lightly when pressed with your finger, indicating a fluffy and baked center.
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Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 20 minutes on a wire rack. After cooling, you can serve the cake slightly warm for the best flavor and texture.
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Enjoy: Slice the cake into generous pieces and enjoy its moist, chocolatey goodness, perfect for sharing at potlucks or festive gatherings.
This Chocolate Potluck Cake not only brings joy to the palate but also invites delightful conversation around the table, making it a cherished addition to any dessert spread. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or modify it with your favorite nuts, this cake is sure to impress your guests and become a regular at your gatherings. Enjoy every bite!








