Chocolate Trail Drive Cake Recipe

A legendary chocolate cake recipe, passed down from a 60-year trail drive veteran! This rich, decadent cake is perfect for coffee lovers and those seeking a no-fuss dessert. Originally from a Marlboro cookbook, this recipe skips the milk and eggs, making it ideal for camping or when you're short on ingredients. Its irresistible flavor and simple preparation ensure it disappears quickly – be prepared to double the recipe!

Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 40 mins
Calories 426.8 kcal
Protein 10g
Rating Be the first
Chocolate Trail Drive Cake 40

Recipe Actions

Share this recipe:

Recipe Author

Forktionary editorial kitchen team

The Forktionary Kitchen Team

Adapted from Food.com, then tested & standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Chocolate Trail Drive Cake

Cook Smarter with Sous, Your Kitchen Companion

Missing an ingredient for this Chocolate Trail Drive Cake? Need a perfect wine pairing or a healthy side dish idea? Don't guess—ask Sous! Your AI-powered sous-chef is ready to help you swap ingredients, adjust serving sizes, and discover flavor tips in seconds.

How to Make Chocolate Trail Drive Cake

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 13x9 inch metal baking pan.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder until cocoa lumps are broken up.
  3. Add 2 cups all-purpose flour and whisk until just combined. Do not overmix.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 cup strong brewed coffee, ½ cup vegetable oil, and 2 tablespoons white vinegar.
  5. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix with a fork until just combined. Do not overmix.
  6. Sprinkle ½ cup granulated sugar evenly over the batter to create a light, barely white layer on top.
  7. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Do not overbake.
  8. Let the cake cool completely in the pan before serving. Do not cover while warm, as the sugar topping will melt.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

13 g

Sugar

151g

Fat

12g

Carbs

23g

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to make Chocolate Trail Drive Cake?

Chocolate Trail Drive Cake takes about 55 minutes from start to finish — roughly 15 minutes to prepare and 40 minutes to cook.

How many calories are in Chocolate Trail Drive Cake?

Chocolate Trail Drive Cake has approximately 426.8 calories per serving, with about 10 g protein, 23 g carbohydrates and 22 g fat.

What ingredients do I need for Chocolate Trail Drive Cake?

The key ingredients for Chocolate Trail Drive Cake are Sugar, Cocoa, Baking Soda, Flour, Cinnamon, Vanilla. See the full list with measurements above.

Reviews

No reviews yet — be the first to share your thoughts on this recipe!

Write a Review