There’s nothing quite like the joy of gathering friends and family around the table, and let me tell you, desserts are the shining stars of any occasion! I can still remember the last time I hosted a get-together; I had a table full of laughter, stories, and, of course, my favorite easy desserts for a crowd. It took so much pressure off me to know I could whip up something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, these simple yet scrumptious recipes are lifesavers! They not only please a crowd but also allow you to spend more time with your loved ones instead of being stuck in the kitchen. So, if you’re looking for a way to impress without the stress, you’re in the right place. Get ready to dive into some delightful desserts that will wow your guests and leave you with plenty of time to enjoy the party!

Ingredients

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating these easy desserts for a crowd. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour: Make sure it’s sifted for a lighter texture.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: This adds just the right amount of sweetness.
• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: The star for that rich chocolate flavor—don’t skimp on quality!
• 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps with the rise, so your cake is nice and fluffy.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Works with the acidic ingredients for that perfect lift.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch to enhance all the flavors.
• 1 cup milk: Use whole or 2% for a creamier texture.
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil: This keeps the cake moist and tender.
• 2 large eggs: Room temperature eggs mix more easily and help bind everything together.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla adds depth to the flavor.
• 1 cup boiling water: This step is crucial! It helps to create a moist cake and enhances the chocolate flavor.

How to Prepare Easy Desserts for a Crowd

Now that you’ve got all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part—making this delightful dessert! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a fantastic treat that everyone will love.

Preheat and Prepare

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cake bakes evenly. While that’s heating up, grab a large baking pan (a 9×13 inch works great) and grease it well, then sprinkle a little flour to coat the bottom. This will help your cake come out easily once it’s baked.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the sifted flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk them together until they’re well-blended—this helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents, which is key for a fluffy cake.

Combine Wet Ingredients

Next, it’s time to add the wet ingredients! Pour in the milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry mix. Using a hand mixer, blend everything until it’s smooth and well incorporated. Don’t worry if you see a few lumps; those will bake away!

Incorporate Boiling Water

Now, here’s the magic part: carefully stir in the boiling water. This step is crucial because it not only helps the cake rise beautifully but also ensures it’s super moist. Just take it slow—it’s hot! Mix until everything is combined, and you’ll have a lovely, thin batter.

Baking Instructions

Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and pop it in the oven. Bake for about 30-35 minutes, but don’t forget to check for doneness! Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, you’re good to go!

Cooling and Serving

Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. Then, transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve it as is, or dress it up with whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream for that extra touch. Trust me, your guests will be coming back for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This easy dessert is a total game-changer for gatherings, and here’s why you’re going to adore it:

• Quick preparation: With just a handful of simple steps, you can whip this up in no time—perfect for last-minute plans!
• Delicious flavor: Rich chocolate goodness that’ll have everyone raving about how good it is.
• Perfect for large groups: This recipe yields 24 generous servings, ensuring no one leaves the party with an empty stomach!
• Versatile serving options: Dress it up with whipped cream, ice cream, or fresh fruit, or enjoy it plain—there’s no wrong way to serve this cake!

Trust me, this dessert is sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation!

Tips for Success

To ensure your easy desserts for a crowd turn out perfectly every time, here are some of my favorite tips:

• Sift your dry ingredients: This not only helps remove any lumps but also aerates the flour, giving your cake a lighter texture.
• Use room temperature ingredients: Taking your eggs and milk out ahead of time helps them blend more easily into the batter, resulting in a smoother mix.
• Don’t overmix: When combining your wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a denser cake.
• Check for doneness carefully: Ovens can vary, so start checking your cake a few minutes before the recommended baking time. You want it set but still moist!
• Let it cool fully: Giving the cake enough time to cool prevents it from falling apart when you cut into it. Patience pays off here!

With these simple tips, you’ll be well on your way to impressing your guests with a delicious dessert they won’t forget!

Variations

One of the best things about this easy dessert is how customizable it is! Here are some fun variations to consider:

• Chocolate Chips: Fold in a cup of semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips into the batter for extra chocolatey goodness.
• Nuts: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch that complements the soft cake.
• Mint Chocolate: Stir in a teaspoon of peppermint extract for a refreshing twist on classic chocolate.
• Fruit Toppings: Top your cake with fresh berries or a drizzle of caramel sauce to add a fruity or decadent flair.
• Frosting Variations: Once cooled, spread on a layer of cream cheese frosting or a classic chocolate ganache for a richer finish.

Feel free to get creative and mix and match these ideas to make the dessert uniquely yours. Your guests will love the personal touch!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

After your gathering, if you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare, trust me!), storing them properly is key to keeping that deliciousness intact. First, let the cake cool completely, then slice it into individual pieces for easy serving later. You can store the slices in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it fresh longer, pop it in the refrigerator, where it’ll last for about a week.

Now, if you’re looking to reheat a slice, just pop it in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. This will warm it up nicely without drying it out! You can also serve it chilled if you prefer that fudgy texture. Either way, your guests are sure to enjoy it just as much the second time around!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick glance at the nutritional values for each slice of this delightful dessert. Keep in mind, these values are estimates, but they give you a good idea of what to expect:

• Calories: 210
• Fat: 8g
• Protein: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fiber: 2g

So, whether you’re counting calories or just indulging, this easy dessert fits right in with your crowd-pleasing plans!

FAQ About Easy Desserts for a Crowd

Got questions about making these easy desserts for a crowd? I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common queries I get:

Can this dessert be made ahead of time? Absolutely! This cake actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. You can bake it a day in advance, just store it covered at room temperature until you’re ready to serve.

How do I make it gluten-free? No problem! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check that all your other ingredients, like baking powder, are gluten-free too. It’s that simple!

Can I freeze leftovers? Yes, you can! Slice the cake, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, and place them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving!

What if I don’t have cocoa powder? If you’re out of cocoa powder, you can use carob powder as a substitute, though the flavor will be different. Or, you could try making a vanilla version by omitting the cocoa entirely and adding a bit more vanilla extract.

These easy desserts are all about flexibility, so don’t hesitate to experiment and make them your own! Enjoy!

Easy Desserts for a Crowd: 7 Delightful Recipes to Impress

---

• Author: Julia marin
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 24 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Simple and delicious desserts perfect for serving a large group.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

---

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease and flour a large baking pan.
3. In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
4. Add milk, oil, eggs, and vanilla to the dry ingredients.
5. Mix until smooth.
6. Carefully stir in boiling water.
7. Pour batter into the prepared pan.
8. Bake for 30-35 minutes.
9. Let cool before serving.

Notes

• This dessert can be served with whipped cream or ice cream.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Can be easily doubled for larger crowds.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: easy desserts for a crowd