Rocky Road Cake Recipe

Rocky Road Cake is a chocolate lover’s paradise, combining rich chocolate cake with crunchy nuts, gooey marshmallows, and a delightful blend of textures and flavors. This dessert is perfect for special occasions, family gatherings, or any time you want to indulge in something truly decadent. With its luscious chocolate layers and a topping that includes chunks of marshmallows and nuts, this cake is both visually stunning and irresistibly tasty. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe will guide you through creating a show-stopping Rocky Road Cake that is sure to impress.

Ingredients for Rocky Road Cake

For the Cake:

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water

For the Rocky Road Topping:

• 1 cup mini marshmallows
• 1 cup chopped nuts (such as walnuts or almonds)
• 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

For the Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Make Rocky Road Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Cake Pans

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

1. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until well combined.

Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

1. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. The batter will be thick.

Step 5: Incorporate Boiling Water

1. Slowly stir in the boiling water until the batter is smooth and well combined. The batter will be thin, but this is normal.

Step 6: Bake the Cakes

1. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
3. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Prepare the Rocky Road Topping

1. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips and butter together in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval until smooth.
2. Stir in the cocoa powder until well combined.
3. Fold in the mini marshmallows and chopped nuts.

Step 8: Make the Frosting

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer until creamy.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, mixing on low speed until combined.
3. Add the milk and vanilla extract, and beat on high speed until the frosting is light and fluffy.

Step 9: Assemble the Cake

1. Place one of the cooled cake layers on a serving plate or cake stand.
2. Spread a layer of frosting over the top of the cake.
3. Gently place the second cake layer on top of the frosting.
4. Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.

Step 10: Add the Rocky Road Topping

1. Spread the melted chocolate mixture with marshmallows and nuts evenly over the top of the frosted cake.
2. Allow the topping to set for at least 30 minutes before serving to let it firm up.

About the Main Ingredients

Flour: All-purpose flour forms the base of the cake, providing structure and texture. It helps bind the ingredients together and creates a tender crumb.

Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness and moisture to the cake. It also helps to create a tender texture by affecting the cake’s crumb.

Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder gives the cake its rich chocolate flavor. It also contributes to the cake’s dark color and depth of flavor.

Eggs: Eggs provide structure, moisture, and richness to the cake. They help bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cake’s overall texture.

Milk: Whole milk adds moisture to the cake and helps create a smooth batter. It also enriches the flavor and texture of the cake.

Vegetable Oil: Vegetable oil adds moisture and helps keep the cake tender. It also contributes to the cake’s softness and lightness.

Vanilla Extract: Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor of the cake, adding a subtle sweetness and depth.

Mini Marshmallows and Nuts: These ingredients add texture and flavor to the Rocky Road topping. The marshmallows provide a gooey sweetness, while the nuts add a satisfying crunch.

Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: These chips are melted and mixed with the marshmallows and nuts to create a rich, chocolatey topping that complements the cake perfectly.

Powdered Sugar: Powdered sugar is used in the frosting to add sweetness and create a smooth, spreadable texture.

Butter: Unsalted butter provides richness and a creamy texture to both the cake and frosting. It helps to create a tender crumb and smooth frosting.

Rocky Road Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the best elements of chocolate cake with a fun and indulgent topping. With its rich chocolate layers, gooey marshmallows, and crunchy nuts, this cake is sure to be a hit at any gathering. The process of making Rocky Road Cake involves baking a moist and flavorful chocolate cake, preparing a creamy frosting, and adding a decadent Rocky Road topping that brings everything together. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just craving a delicious treat, this recipe offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures that will satisfy your chocolate cravings. Enjoy creating and sharing this delightful cake with family and friends!