Chocolate! Chocolate! Chocolate! Cake

I often bake cakes for groups which require a large baking pan that would allow for a minimum of 24 servings. I found that iChef makes a Handi-foil 15x10 bake pan with lid (you can find it on line) that works perfectly. Although it is disposable, I have used a pan at least 4-5 times without damage, just be careful when you are cutting a cake into serving pieces. I especially like that the bottom and sides are smooth to that it can be used it for cakes. Note: I always place a cookie sheet under the pan before baking or when transporting the cake. The high lid is also convenient for frosting the cake and travelling to and from a venue if needed. 

The title of this recipe comes from its layers, chocolate cake, chocolate pudding, and chocolate pudding-flavored Cool Whip. I baked a test cake and found that the pudding and pudding/Cool Whip layers, while tasty, didn’t hold their shape very well. That is the reason I added the gelatin to both the pudding and pudding/ pudding and cream mixtures. It was very easy to cut and serve the cake and it looks very pretty, as well.

I apologize for the quality of the picture. It was the last piece of cake
that I could snag so that I could take a picture!

Chocolate! Chocolate! Chocolate! Cake for a Crowd

INGREDIENTS

1 box chocolate cake mix plus ingredients called for on the box

2 5.9 ounce boxes instant chocolate or chocolate fudge pudding mix

2 envelopes unflavored gelatin

4 tablespoons cold water, divided

5 cups milk, divided

1/2 cup powdered sugar

One 16 ounce tub whipped topping

1 can whipped cream

Chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips ( optional)

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Spray a 15-inch by 10-inch pan with baking spray.

Mix the chocolate cake mix according to directions on the box. Pour cake batter into pan.

Bake for 20 minutes. Remove cake from oven and use a toothpick to check for doneness. The toothpick should come out clean. Do not overbake.

Use the handle of a wooden spoon or a large straw to poke holes into the cake; set aside. (I use a chopstick).

Pour 1 packet (about 2 1/2 teaspoons) gelatin into a cup. Add 2 tablespoons of cool water. Stir gently to be sure all of the gelatin is wet. Set aside.

In a mixing bowl, combine 1 packet of the instant chocolate pudding mix with 2 and 1/2 cups of cold milk. Stir gently until combined.

Heat 1/2 cup milk until warm, but not hot. Add gelatin and whisk until gelatin is dissolved. Using a mixer beat the chocolate pudding with the milk and gelatin for at least 2 minutes. Pudding mixture should begin to thicken.

Once the pudding is thickened, spoon it evenly over the cake, then place cake in the refrigerator to chill for an hour.

Prep second packet of gelatin in the same way as the first. Set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the other box of pudding mix, powdered sugar and remaining 1 and 1/2 cup of milk.

Using a mixer beat the chocolate pudding with the milk and gelatin for at least 2 minutes. Pudding mixture should begin to thicken. Fold in the whipped topping then spread evenly over the cake.

Refrigerate the cake for at least 4 hours before serving. Better yet, let it chill overnight.

Optional: Top the pieces of cake with canned whip cream and add chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips on top.

A Decadent Chocolate Poke Cake Perfect for a Potluck!

A delectable piece of Decadent Chocolate Poke Cake!

I associate Fall with potlucks—neighbors or friends getting together for a nice meal, teachers providing a luncheon for colleagues on a planning day. It seems forever since I’ve been to one and it doesn’t seem that they will be a part of my life in the near future. The best potlucks were “the luck of the pot” with no pre-planning involved. Maybe you would end up with a lot of desserts or sometimes an overabundance of potato salads, but that was the fun and surprise of it all and no matter what was brought, there would always be something so wonderful that you had to ask for the recipe so you could make it yourself.

I guess I will just have to make do with virtual potlucks—sharing dishes I make at home and putting pictures out on Facebook and when there is something especially delicious, the recipe.

I adapted a great dessert recipe from Ree Drummond, of Pioneer Woman fame (I love her recipes!). It incorporates lots of chocolate and is very easy to make. The recipe calls for a 9x13 baking pan. I’ve found that a disposable foil pan works best because the pan is deeper that a normal baking pan. You might not have a potluck dinner to take this to, but I am sure you have a few neighbors who would enjoy a nice piece of delectable chocolate cake!

Decadent Chocolate Poke Cake

Ingredients:

Cake:

Nonstick baking spray, for the baking pan

One 16-ounce box chocolate cake mix

1 cup dark chocolate chips

One 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk

1/2 cup milk

Frosting:

1 cup milk

One 3.4-ounce packet instant chocolate pudding

1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

One 12-ounce container frozen whipped topping, thawed

1/2 cup mini chocolate chips

Directions:

For the cake: Spray a 9-by-13-inch cake pan with cooking spray.

Bake the cake in the prepared pan according to the package instructions. Allow to cool slightly, then, using the handle of a wooden spoon or a pair of chopsticks, poke holes all over the cake.

Melt the chocolate chips in a medium microwave-safe bowl in the microwave in 20-second increments, stirring between each, or in a double boiler on the stove, until smooth. Add the condensed milk and milk, then stir to combine. Slowly pour the mixture over the cake, ensuring you hit every last inch. Allow the mixture to soak into the holes. Cool completely.

For the frosting: Combine the milk, pudding mix and cocoa powder in a bowl.

Whisk the mixture until it thickens, 1 to 2 minutes. Gently fold in the whipped topping until combined well.

Spread the frosting over the cake, then sprinkle with mini chocolate chips.

I baked this in a 9x13 deep dish disposable pan because it leaves room for the topping and a foil cover 
if you are carrying it to a potluck dinner!