Oh, let me tell you, there’s just something so magical about a *Thanksgiving dessert chocolate* that warms my heart! I remember one Thanksgiving when my aunt brought a rich chocolate cake that was so decadent, it stole the show. Every bite was like a hug from the inside, and ever since, I’ve made it a tradition to have a chocolate dessert at our Thanksgiving table. This recipe is my ultimate go-to! It’s easy, delicious, and perfect for sharing with family and friends. Trust me, once you taste this, you’ll be counting the days until Thanksgiving rolls around again!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup all-purpose flour – Make sure it’s spooned and leveled for accuracy.
- 1 cup granulated sugar – This adds that perfect sweetness to balance the rich chocolate.
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder – Choose a good quality cocoa for the richest flavor.
- 1/2 cup butter, softened – Let it sit at room temperature for easier creaming.
- 2 large eggs – These should be at room temperature to mix better.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – This little splash enhances the chocolate flavor beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder – Helps the dessert rise just a bit for a lighter texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt – A pinch of salt elevates all the flavors, trust me!
- 1 cup chocolate chips – Semi-sweet works best, but go for your favorite kind!
How to Prepare Instructions
Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because a properly heated oven ensures that your dessert bakes evenly and comes out deliciously moist. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this!
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Whisk them together until they’re well blended. This is where the magic starts, as these dry ingredients will create the perfect base for your rich chocolate goodness!
Cream Butter and Sugar
Now, grab another bowl and cream together 1/2 cup of softened butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar. Make sure to beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy—this should take about 2-3 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it looks pale and airy, and the smell will be heavenly!
Combine Wet Ingredients
Add 2 large eggs and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Mix well until everything is nicely combined. The vanilla will add a lovely depth to the chocolate flavor, and you’ll want to make sure those eggs are fully incorporated for a smooth batter.
Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. I like to do this in three parts, mixing gently until just combined each time. This keeps the batter light and fluffy. Be careful not to overmix—just a few folds should do the trick!
Fold in Chocolate Chips
Time to add the star of the show! Fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips into the batter gently. I can’t stress this enough—don’t overmix! You want those gorgeous chocolate chunks to stay intact and melt beautifully as they bake.
Bake the Dessert
Pour the batter into a greased baking dish and spread it out evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Your kitchen will smell utterly divine during this time!
Cool Before Serving
Once baked, let your chocolate dessert cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This cooling step is crucial because it allows the flavors to settle and makes cutting easier. Serve it warm or at room temperature, and don’t forget to top it with whipped cream or ice cream for an extra delightful treat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super easy to make—perfect for novice bakers or anyone short on time!
- Rich, fudgy chocolate flavor that’s simply irresistible.
- Perfectly paired with whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream for that extra indulgence.
- Great for Thanksgiving gatherings—everyone will be asking for seconds!
- Can be made a day ahead, so you can enjoy more time with family and friends.
- Simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.
- Customizable with your favorite mix-ins or toppings—get creative!
Tips for Success
- Use Quality Cocoa Powder: Trust me, the type of cocoa powder you use makes a huge difference! Go for a high-quality brand for a deeper chocolate flavor.
- Don’t Skip the Cooling: Allowing the dessert to cool before serving not only helps with easy slicing but also intensifies the flavors. Patience is key here!
- Experiment with Mix-ins: Feel free to get creative! Try adding chopped nuts, a swirl of peanut butter, or even some peppermint extract for a festive twist.
- Check for Doneness Early: Ovens can vary, so start checking your dessert a few minutes before the timer goes off. You want that perfect fudgy texture, not a dry cake!
- Serve Warm: This dessert is at its best when served warm. Just a few seconds in the microwave can bring back that gooey goodness if it’s cooled too much!
- Pair with Fresh Fruit: Adding berries or sliced bananas as a topping not only looks beautiful but also adds a refreshing contrast to the rich chocolate.
Nutritional Information
This delicious chocolate dessert is not just a treat for your taste buds but also comes with some nutritional information to keep you in the loop. Keep in mind that these values are estimates based on standard ingredients and can vary slightly depending on specific brands or alterations you might make. Here’s a breakdown per serving:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 20g
- Protein: 4g
Now, that’s a pretty satisfying chocolate dessert! Enjoy every bite knowing you’ve got a little indulgence that fits right in with your Thanksgiving feast.
FAQ Section
Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Absolutely! This chocolate dessert can be made a day in advance, which is perfect for Thanksgiving. Just store it covered at room temperature or in the fridge, and it’ll be ready to impress your guests!
What can I use instead of chocolate chips?
If you’re not a fan of chocolate chips, you can swap them for chopped nuts, white chocolate chips, or even dried fruit! Just make sure to keep the total amount around 1 cup for the best texture.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it fresh longer, you can refrigerate it, but I recommend warming it up slightly before serving to bring back that gooey goodness!
Can I freeze this chocolate dessert?
Yes, you can! Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and freeze it for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight, then warm it up before serving!
Why did my dessert turn out dry?
Oh no! A dry dessert can happen if it’s overbaked or if too much flour was added. Make sure to check for doneness a few minutes early, and always spoon and level your flour for accuracy. We want that fudgy texture, not a cake!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your delicious chocolate dessert properly is key to keeping it fresh and tasty for as long as possible! Once it’s cooled completely, place any leftovers in an airtight container. You can keep it at room temperature for up to 3 days, but if you want it to last a bit longer, it’s best to pop it in the fridge. Just remember, it’s totally okay to enjoy it chilled, but if you want that warm, gooey goodness back, here’s what you do!
When you’re ready to indulge again, simply take a piece out and pop it in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This little burst of heat will revive that fudgy texture and melt those chocolate chips just right. Trust me, you won’t regret bringing it back to life! Enjoy every sweet moment of this Thanksgiving treat!
Print
Thanksgiving Dessert Chocolate: 7 Ways to Indulge Joyfully
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious chocolate dessert perfect for Thanksgiving.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream together butter and sugar.
- Add eggs and vanilla to the butter mixture and mix well.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Fold in chocolate chips.
- Pour the batter into a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Serve with whipped cream or ice cream.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Can be made a day ahead.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: thanksgiving dessert chocolate
