Rocky Road Cake

Rocky Road Cake – A Chocolate Lover’s Dream is a heavenly treat that will make any chocolate lover’s heart skip a beat! Imagine a moist, rich chocolate cake topped with creamy frosting, fluffy mini marshmallows, and crunchy pecans. Doesn’t that make your mouth water? This cake isn’t just tasty; it’s an experience all on its own. Whether you’re baking for a birthday, family dinner, or just because you feel like it, this cake stands out. The best part? It’s simpler to make than you might think! Let’s whip up this delicious dessert together and bring a little joy into your kitchen.

Jump to:

• Why This Recipe Works
• Why You’ll Love This Rocky Road Cake – A Chocolate Lover’s Dream
• Ingredients
• Making the Rocky Road Cake
• Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
• Combine Dry Ingredients
• Mix Wet Ingredients
• Prepare the Chocolate Mixture
• Combine All Mixtures
• Bake the Cake
• Making the Chocolate Frosting
• Combine Ingredients for Frosting
• Mix in Powdered Sugar
• Assembling the Rocky Road Cake
• First Layer of Frosting
• Add Toppings
• Cool and Serve
• Serving Suggestions
• Tips for Success
• Variations
• Storage Tips
• FAQs
• More Easy Desserts Recipes:
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why This Recipe Works

Rocky Road Cake stands out with its rich chocolate flavor and delightful textures. The combination of moist cake, creamy chocolate frosting, fluffy marshmallows, and crunchy pecans creates a harmonious balance that appeals to both chocolate lovers and dessert enthusiasts. The technique of incorporating a hot cocoa mixture into the batter ensures that the cake remains incredibly moist, while the simplicity of the ingredients means anyone can recreate this indulgent treat at home.

Why You’ll Love This Rocky Road Cake – A Chocolate Lover’s Dream

If chocolate is your weakness, then this Rocky Road Cake is your ultimate fantasy. It’s not just a dessert; it’s a celebration of flavors and nostalgia wrapped up in a slice. From family gatherings to holiday parties, this cake makes for an unforgettable centerpiece. With each bite, you’ll savor the heavenly blend of flavors and textures that make Rocky Road a classic favorite. You’ll find yourself reaching for another slice before you even realize it!

Ingredients

• 1 cup Water
• 1 cup Butter (divided)
• 3 tablespoons Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (for the cake)
• 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
• 2 cups Granulated Sugar
• 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
• ½ teaspoon Salt
• ½ cup Sour Cream
• 2 large Eggs (slightly beaten)
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• ¾ cup Milk
• 6 tablespoons Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (for the frosting)
• 7 ½ cups Powdered Sugar
• 10 ounces Mini Marshmallows
• 1 cup Chopped Pecans

Making the Rocky Road Cake

Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 18×13-inch jelly roll pan with non-stick cooking spray. Set it aside while you get everything ready.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 cups of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt until well combined. This step is crucial as it ensures even distribution of the leavening agent.

Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate small bowl, mix together ½ cup of sour cream, 2 slightly beaten eggs, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth. Then, add this wet mixture to the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined; don’t worry about over-mixing, as a few lumps are okay!

Prepare the Chocolate Mixture

In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of water, 1 cup of butter, and 3 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally to melt everything together. The aroma alone is divine!

Combine All Mixtures

Carefully pour the hot chocolate mixture into the cake batter. Whisk until smooth; the warmth helps everything blend beautifully. Now, transfer the batter to the prepared pan, spreading it evenly to ensure uniform baking.

Bake the Cake

Put the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t overbake—nobody wants a dry cake!

Making the Chocolate Frosting

Combine Ingredients for Frosting

While the cake is baking, grab a medium saucepan again. Combine ¾ cup of milk, 6 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder, and 1 cup of butter. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.

Mix in Powdered Sugar

Once boiling, take it off the heat. Gradually whisk in 7 ½ cups of powdered sugar until the mixture is smooth. If needed, use a hand mixer to eliminate any lumps—smooth frosting is key!

Assembling the Rocky Road Cake

First Layer of Frosting

While the cake is still warm, pour half of the hot frosting over the top. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the surface so that every bite gets a taste of that fabulous chocolate.

Add Toppings

Now for the fun part—sprinkle 10 ounces of mini marshmallows and 1 cup of chopped pecans over the frosting. Drizzle the remaining frosting on top to ensure that the marshmallows and pecans are well coated. This layered approach makes for an amazing texture in every bite.

Cool and Serve

Let the cake cool completely in the pan before slicing and serving. This step is important as it allows the frosting to set a bit.

Serving Suggestions

For an extra indulgent treat, pair your Rocky Road Cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It’s delicious! It also pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk to balance out the cake’s richness.

Tips for Success

• Use room temperature ingredients to ensure proper mixing.
• Make sure the cake is cooled completely for easier slicing.
• Want to experiment? Try adding chocolate chips or other nuts for variety!

Variations

For a twist, consider adding crushed pretzels for a salty crunch or swapping the pecans for walnuts. You can also make a layer cake by dividing the batter between two round pans and stacking them with frosting in between for a show-stopping dessert.

Storage Tips

To keep your leftover Rocky Road Cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to save it for later, wrap slices individually and freeze for up to one month.

FAQs

1. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cake a day in advance. Just store it at room temperature covered to keep it fresh.

2. Can I use a different type of nuts?
Yes! Feel free to substitute pecans with walnuts, almonds, or whatever nuts you prefer.

3. How can I make this cake gluten-free?
Simply use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, and you’ll have a gluten-free version everyone can enjoy.

4. Can I add more marshmallows?
Of course! You can increase the amount of mini marshmallows for an even more decadent topping.

5. What is the best way to store leftover cake?
Keep leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for the best freshness.

Each bite of this Rocky Road Cake transcends mere dessert; it embodies celebration, joy, and a touch of nostalgia. Whether shared at gatherings or enjoyed as a personal indulgence, this cake invites everyone to savor the moments that matter. Embrace the rich flavors, and let each slice take you on a delightful journey through the world of chocolate. Enjoy the warmth it brings to your culinary adventures!

More Easy Desserts Recipes:

• Brazilian Carrot Cake with Chocolate Frosting
• Frozen Chocolate Covered Banana Split Bites
• Toasted Coconut Pineapple Cake with White Chocolate Frosting
• Strawberry Lasagna

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