Scrutiny by the Masses: Darned Good Chocolate Cake

This is a compensated review by BlogHer and Electrolux.

A long time ago, I saw this recipe in the newspaper. It was for a cake, and it was titled, Darned Good Chocolate Cake. Being a fan of both Cake AND Chocolate, and the biggest fan of both together, I decided to make this cake. It was delicious. This cake became my signature. I made it for every function that I attended. Everywhere I went, people asked - can you make that delicious cake? Please bring THAT CAKE. I experimented with it each time I made it, discovering the best combination of flavors. One day, I was on my favorite discussion board (which has since, sadly, closed) - One Hot Mama. I had developed a real friendship with the women on this board, and we supported each other through EVERYTHING.They were, and remain, some of my closest friends. I posted the recipe, and it spread like wildfire through every one of us. We shorted the name to DGCC, and it became the standard "go to" dessert for all of us.

DGCC became synonymous with OHM. One woman experimented and created a vanilla version, and a butterscotch version - but I'm sticking with the chocolate. We debated the merits of frosting, with a small minority clamoring for it, but the vast majority serve it warm with whipped cream and seasonal fruit. Berries, what have you.

Here is where I do you a favor. I'm posting the cake recipe, with my super secret notes. You can thank me later, when everyone you serve it to is finished devouring it and kissing you in rapture. Darned Good Chocolate Cake In a large mixing bowl, dump one chocolate cake mix. Add 8 ounces sour cream, 1/2 cup oil, 1/2 cup warm water, 4 eggs, and one box instant chocolate pudding. Mix on low to incorporate and then turn the speed up to med/high and mix for at least 3 minutes. Mixture should look like smooth silk. Add in one bag of chocolate chips and mix gently. Bake in a Bundt pan for 45 minutes or until completely cooked.

**Notes**The most impressive flavor combination is to use Milk chocolate cake mix, white chocolate pudding mix and Hershey's Mini Chocolate kisses. I've used cheesecake pudding mix with delicious results as well, and sometimes I use 1/2 bag dark chocolate chips mixed with 1/2 bag milk. Experiment. The complete key to this recipe, though, is to mix it thoroughly, and for much longer than you usually mix a cake. The batter should be fluffy and silky. It changes the texture when you do this. Trust me. :)

KELLY RIPA’S “CAKERY FOR A CAUSE” SUPPORTS THE FIGHT AGAINST OVARIAN CANCER

Talk show host and baking enthusiast Kelly Ripa is teaming up with Electrolux to offer us a sweet way to make a great big difference. As the head of her kids’ school bake sale committee, Kelly has seen first hand how a little treat can make a big difference. Now, she’s got a way to for you to donate efortlessly to the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund (OCRF). Visit Kelly’s Cakery at to decorate and send a special virtual cake to a friend, family member or loved one. For every cake sent, Electrolux will donate $1 to OCRF. As an added bonus, everyone who sends a virtual cake will be automatically entered for a chance to win every baker’s dream: a stylish new Induction Range from Electrolux, perfect for melting chocolate and cooking delicate foods and sauces, more responsive than gas, and eco-friendly, too. EVEN BETTER - Electrolux is donating $100 to OCRF for every range sold this month.

For more information, please check out Kelly's Cakery website

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