Crater Cake

Servings: 12 Difficulty: Advanced
Decadent chocolate cake with a rich, gooey molten center
Crater Cake recipe image

Crater Cake

Difficulty: Advanced
Servings: 12 Calories: 409.5

Description

This classic Crater Cake is a show-stopping dessert that delivers an intense chocolate experience. Unlike a standard cake, this recipe relies on a thick, fudgy chocolate batter that is dolloped with extra chocolate topping before baking. As it bakes, the topping creates distinct craters that ooze with warm, molten chocolate. The texture is dense and moist, offering a satisfying contrast to the crisp edges. It pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Perfect for birthdays, holiday gatherings, or any time you need a serious chocolate fix, this cake is as fun to make as it is to eat. The marbled effect ensures every slice has a bit of that signature gooey center.

Ingredients

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350&# 194;°F (175ðC). Grease and flour a 13x9-inch baking pan.
  2. For the cake batter: In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine 3 oz unsweetened baking chocolate and 1/3 cup butter. Microwave on high for 2-2.5 minutes until melted and smooth when stirred. Let cool slightly.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 3/4 cups flour, 1 1/2 cups sugar, 1 1/2 tsp baking soda, and 1/2 tsp salt.
  4. Add the melted chocolate mixture, 12 oz sour cream (or vegan alternative), 2 large eggs (or flax eggs for vegan), 1 tsp vanilla extract, and 1/2 cup chopped nuts to the dry ingredients.
  5. Beat on medium speed for 3 minutes until the batter is smooth and well-combined.
  6. Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
  7. For the topping: In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 oz unsweetened baking chocolate and 1 tbsp butter. Microwave for 1 minute until smooth.
  8. In a small separate bowl, whisk together 3/4 cup powdered sugar, 2 tbsp milk, and 1/4 tsp vanilla extract until smooth.
  9. Stir the melted chocolate mixture into the powdered sugar mixture until combined.
  10. Drop spoonfuls of the chocolate topping over the batter in the pan, spacing them about 1/2 inch apart.
  11. Gently drag a fork through the topping mounds to create a marbled effect, being careful not to mix it all the way into the batter.
  12. Sprinkle the remaining chopped nuts over the top.
  13. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted into the cake (avoiding the craters) comes out clean.
  14. Cool in the pan on a wire rack until cool to the touch before slicing.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 12


Amount Per Serving
Calories 409.5kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 22.5g35%
Saturated Fat 13.5g68%
Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
Sodium 18.0mg1%
Total Carbohydrate 44.2g15%
Dietary Fiber 8.2g33%
Sugars 34.5g
Protein 3.8g8%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: chocolate, crater cake, dessert, baking, cake, chocolate cake, molten, fudge, indulgent, homemade, sweet, baking soda, vanilla, nuts, party, birthday, comfort food, easy, classic, rich
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