There’s something magical about Christmas baking. The kitchen fills with warmth, the scent of chocolate and butter wafts through the air, and suddenly, every worry melts away like marshmallows in hot cocoa. This year, I’m bringing you a recipe that combines the joy of childhood treats with the elegance of a festive dessert: Chocolate Rocky Road Cake.
Growing up, rocky road wasn’t just a snack—it was an adventure. Every bite felt like a treasure hunt, with hidden chunks of biscuits, gooey marshmallows, and the occasional surprise of nuts or dried fruits. For Bakemas 2024, I’ve taken this nostalgic favourite and elevated it into a showstopping cake that’s perfect for Christmas gatherings or cozy evenings by the fire.
Why This Cake is Perfect for Christmas
Christmas is all about indulgence, isn’t it? From feasting on rich desserts to unwrapping presents, it’s a season to savour every moment. This Chocolate Rocky Road Cake captures the spirit of the holidays with its layers of flavours and textures.
The soft, moist chocolate sponge feels like a warm hug on a chilly winter day. The rocky road topping, loaded with marshmallows, biscuits, and your choice of festive add-ins (think candied cherries or pistachios), is a nod to the season’s love for variety and abundance. And let’s not forget—it’s super easy to make, leaving you more time to sip on mulled wine or decorate your Christmas tree.
A Christmas Tradition Worth Starting
In my family, Christmas baking is as much about creating memories as it is about the treats themselves. I still remember my first attempt at rocky road as a child—it was a chaotic mess, with chocolate smudges everywhere and marshmallows mysteriously disappearing into my mouth. My mom pretended not to notice, and we ended up with the most imperfectly perfect rocky road bars that were devoured in minutes.
Fast-forward to today and Rocky Road is still a family favourite, but this cake takes it to the next level. It’s become a centrepiece for our Christmas Eve dessert table, and every year, my kids insist on adding their own “secret ingredient” to the Rocky Road layer.
Chocolate Rocky Road Cake
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 125 gram butter (melted)
- 100 ml vegetable oil
- 25 gram curd or yogurt
- 100 ml milk
- 2 tablespoons coffee granules dissolved ((cooled))
- 100 ml boiling water
- 2 eggs
- 225 grams sugar
- 200 grams all-purpose flour
- 1 & 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 50 grams cocoa powder
For the rocky road layer
- 150 grams biscuits ( (digestives or graham crackers))
- 100 grams butter (cubed)
- 200 grams dark chocolate (, chopped)
- 60` grams golden syrup
- 75 grams mini marshmallows
- Optional festive extras: candied cherries, pistachios, dried cranberries, salted popcorns, or anything of your choice
Instructions
1. Bake the Cake:
- Start by preheating your oven to 180°C and lining a 23cm cake tin with parchment paper.In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, oil, yogurt, milk, coffee, and eggs. In a separate bowl, sift the dry ingredients—brown sugar, flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder. Slowly combine the wet and dry ingredients until you have a smooth, luscious batter.Pour it into your prepared tin and bake for 55-60 minutes. Pro tip: While it’s baking, blast your favorite Christmas playlist—it makes the process even merrier!
2. Create the Rocky Road Magic:
- While the cake cools, prepare the topping. Start by melting butter, chocolate, and golden syrup over low heat until glossy and smooth. Let it cool slightly (this helps avoid melting the marshmallows too much).In a large bowl, mix crushed biscuits, marshmallows, and your festive extras. Pour the slightly cooled chocolate mixture over the top and stir until everything is beautifully coated.
3. Assemble and Decorate:
- Spread the rocky road mixture evenly over the cooled cake. For extra flair, sprinkle some more marshmallows, candied cherries, or crushed nuts on top. Let it set at room temperature for two hours or pop it in the fridge for quicker results.
Video
The Joy of Sharing
One of the best things about this cake is how it brings people together. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday party, gifting it to a friend, or enjoying a slice with your family after decorating the Christmas tree, it’s a recipe that sparks joy.
This year, I’m planning to make two versions—one with classic rocky road toppings and another with a peppermint twist for the kids. What about you? How will you customize your rocky road topping?
Your Christmas Baking Companion
Bakemas 2024 is all about celebrating the joy of baking during the most wonderful time of the year. From simple recipes to elaborate showstoppers, I’ll be sharing treats that make your holiday season sweeter. So, grab your apron, whip up this Chocolate Rocky Road Cake, and let the festivities begin!
Don’t forget to share your creations with me on Instagram or YouTube—tag me @DeepaliOhri so I can see your festive bakes!
What are your favourite holiday baking memories? Let’s keep the conversation going in the comments below!
Happy Bakemas, and Merry Christmas! 🎄✨
