Sarah BrownThe Jack in the Box Chocolate Overload Cake is an indulgent treat that pairs beautifully with a variety of accompaniments to balance its richness. A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds a creamy contrast, allowing the cold, smooth texture to melt alongside the fudgy cake.
Fresh berries, like strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries, provide a burst of tartness that cuts through the chocolate sweetness and brightens each bite. A dollop of freshly whipped cream not only adds a light, airy texture but also complements the dense cake.
For a richer experience, a strong cup of coffee or a mocha latte offers bold, warm flavors that balance the sweetness. Finally, a cup of mint tea serves as a refreshing and comforting finish, cleansing the palate after this decadent dessert.
With summer BBQs and gatherings in full swing, dessert choices take center stage. What could be better than a decadent cake that captures everyone’s attention?
Enter the Jack in the Box Chocolate Overload Cake—a chocolate lover’s dream and the star of any dessert table. You’ll want to whip this up, but hold onto your fork; we’re going to explore every rich layer and delightful detail.
You will also like the following Dessert recipes!
- Best Jack In The Box Churros Recipe
- How to make Jack In The Box Pumpkin Pie Shake
- Easy Libby’s Pumpkin Pie Recipe With Sweetened Condensed Milk
What is Jack in the Box Chocolate Overload Cake?
The Jack in the Box Chocolate Overload Cake isn’t just about chocolate; it’s a glorious union of flavors and textures. Imagine three layers of moist chocolate cake, drenched in a velvety chocolate glaze, and topped with even more chocolate goodness.
It’s not your average chocolate cake. Each bite is a celebration of cocoa that satisfies cravings and earns you some serious dessert accolades.
What is the Flavor Profile of This Dish?
If chocolate had a luscious personality, this cake would be it. The deep, rich flavor of dark cocoa reigns supreme. The espresso powder adds a hint of bitterness, elevating the chocolate experience.
As the cake melts in your mouth, notes of cinnamon offer a warm undertone, reminiscent of a cozy cafe. With the creamy glaze enveloping the cake, you experience not just chocolate but depth, warmth, and indulgence.
What Makes This Recipe Different From Other Jack in the Box Chocolate Overload Cakes?
What I think sets this recipe apart from others is its use of high-quality ingredients, like premium dark cocoa powder and instant chocolate pudding mix.
The incorporation of brewed coffee and espresso powder heightens the chocolate flavor without overpowering it. This recipe makes sure each bite is an explosion of chocolate, and it truly lives up to its “overload” namesake.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gather up these ingredients before diving into the baking adventure.
Cake
- 2½ cups sifted cake flour
- 1 cup premium dark cocoa powder
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon finely ground espresso powder
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 box (3.4 oz) instant chocolate pudding mix
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2¼ cups buttermilk, at room temperature
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
Glaze
- 1 cup premium dark cocoa powder
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup strong brewed coffee
- 3½ cups powdered sugar, sifted
- ½ teaspoon finely ground espresso powder
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
- 2–3 tablespoons heavy cream or half-and-half, as needed
- 1 tablespoon honey
Step by Step Directions
Step 1: Prepping the Batter
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans. In a large bowl, mix the dry ingredients together: cake flour, cocoa powder, espresso powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. This ensures even distribution of the flavors.
Step 2: Creaming the Butter and Sugar
In a separate large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes. Embrace the sweet aroma filling your kitchen!
Step 3: Adding Eggs and Vanilla
Next, add the eggs—one at a time—into the butter-sugar mixture, mixing well after each addition. Don’t forget to add the pure vanilla extract here too, as it adds that warm, comforting flavor.
Step 4: Mixing Dry and Wet
Now, add half the dry mixture to the butter mixture and mix until just combined. Then, pour in the buttermilk, followed by the rest of the dry ingredients. Be gentle; you don’t want to overmix.
Step 5: Chocolaty Goodness
Fold in the dark chocolate chips. This step will provide delightful pockets of melted chocolate once baked. Divide the batter evenly among the three prepared cake pans.
Step 6: Baking the Cake
Pop the pans into the oven for about 25 to 30 minutes. To test for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter.
Step 7: Cooling Time
Once baked, let the cakes cool in the pans for around 10 minutes, then gently transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.
Step 8: Whipping Up the Glaze
While the cakes cool, prepare the glaze. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, then whisk in the brewed coffee, cocoa powder, and espresso powder.
Gradually add in the powdered sugar and continue whisking. If needed, adjust the consistency with heavy cream or half-and-half for that silky smoothness.
Step 9: Assemble the Cake
Once the cakes are completely cool, it’s time to layer them. Place the first layer on a serving plate, spread a generous amount of glaze on top, place the second cake layer down, and repeat. Finish with the final layer on top, pouring the remaining glaze over the entire cake, letting it drizzle delightfully down the sides.
Tips On Making Jack in the Box Chocolate Overload Cake
Here are five valuable tips to elevate your baking experience:
- Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality cocoa and chocolate. The taste difference is noticeable.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temperature. It helps create a smoother batter.
- Sift Your Flour: Sifting flour removes lumps and gives you a lighter cake texture.
- Don’t Rush the Cooling: Allow your cakes to completely cool before glazing. This prevents the glaze from melting and sliding off.
- Decorate as You Wish: Feel free to add chocolate shavings or sprinkles on top for extra visual appeal and crunch.
How Can I Store This Jack in the Box Chocolate Overload Cake?
The cake can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days. Simply cover it loosely with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. If you want it to last longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. For the longest shelf life, freeze the cake. Wrap it in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
Ingredient Substitutes
Sometimes you may find that you’re missing an ingredient or two. Here are some substitutes:
- Buttermilk: Replace with a mix of milk and vinegar. Use 1 cup of milk and add 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
- Cocoa Powder: If you are out of dark cocoa, you can substitute with regular cocoa powder, although the flavor will be less intense.
- Granulated Sugar: You can use brown sugar for a moister cake. It will impart a slight molasses flavor.
- Unsalted Butter: You may use coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute, but the texture might vary slightly.
Jack In The Box Chocolate Overload Cake Recipe
Equipment
- Oven
- 9-inch round cake pans
Ingredients
Cake
- 2½ cups sifted cake flour
- 1 cup premium dark cocoa powder
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon finely ground espresso powder
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 box 3.4 oz instant chocolate pudding mix
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2¼ cups buttermilk at room temperature
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
Glaze
- 1 cup premium dark cocoa powder
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup strong brewed coffee
- 3½ cups powdered sugar sifted
- ½ teaspoon finely ground espresso powder
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
- 2 –3 tablespoons heavy cream or half-and-half as needed
- 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions
Step 1: Prepping the Batter
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans. In a large bowl, mix the dry ingredients together: cake flour, cocoa powder, espresso powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. This ensures even distribution of the flavors.
Step 2: Creaming the Butter and Sugar
- In a separate large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes. Embrace the sweet aroma filling your kitchen!
Step 3: Adding Eggs and Vanilla
- Next, add the eggs—one at a time—into the butter-sugar mixture, mixing well after each addition. Don’t forget to add the pure vanilla extract here too, as it adds that warm, comforting flavor.
Step 4: Mixing Dry and Wet
- Now, add half the dry mixture to the butter mixture and mix until just combined. Then, pour in the buttermilk, followed by the rest of the dry ingredients. Be gentle; you don’t want to overmix.
Step 5: Chocolaty Goodness
- Fold in the dark chocolate chips. This step will provide delightful pockets of melted chocolate once baked. Divide the batter evenly among the three prepared cake pans.
Step 6: Baking the Cake
- Pop the pans into the oven for about 25 to 30 minutes. To test for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter.
Step 7: Cooling Time
- Once baked, let the cakes cool in the pans for around 10 minutes, then gently transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.
Step 8: Whipping Up the Glaze
- While the cakes cool, prepare the glaze. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, then whisk in the brewed coffee, cocoa powder, and espresso powder.
- Gradually add in the powdered sugar and continue whisking. If needed, adjust the consistency with heavy cream or half-and-half for that silky smoothness.
Step 9: Assemble the Cake
- Once the cakes are completely cool, it’s time to layer them. Place the first layer on a serving plate, spread a generous amount of glaze on top, place the second cake layer down, and repeat. Finish with the final layer on top, pouring the remaining glaze over the entire cake, letting it drizzle delightfully down the sides.
Notes
- Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality cocoa and chocolate. The taste difference is noticeable.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temperature. It helps create a smoother batter.
- Sift Your Flour: Sifting flour removes lumps and gives you a lighter cake texture.
- Don’t Rush the Cooling: Allow your cakes to completely cool before glazing. This prevents the glaze from melting and sliding off.
- Decorate as You Wish: Feel free to add chocolate shavings or sprinkles on top for extra visual appeal and crunch.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap regular cake flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure the blend contains a binding agent, like xanthan gum, to ensure the structure holds.
2. Can I use a different frosting?
Of course! You can opt for cream cheese frosting, buttercream, or even whipped ganache if you want something lighter. Just keep the chocolate theme in mind.
3. How can I make this cake a bit less sweet?
Consider reducing the sugar by 1/4 cup, or you might want to add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.
4. Can I turn this into cupcakes?
Yes! Bake the batter in a cupcake tin instead of round cake pans, filling each cup about 2/3 full. Bake for 18-20 minutes.
5. Is this cake suitable for vegans?
You can make a vegan version by replacing eggs with unsweetened applesauce (1/4 cup per egg) and using plant-based buttermilk (milk + vinegar with a dairy-free alternative).
Conclusion
The Jack in the Box Chocolate Overload Cake is a chocolaty masterpiece that goes beyond a simple dessert. It’s an experience crafted in layers of flavor, texture, and richness. Perfect for celebrations or a casual family dinner, it appeals to all chocolate lovers.
Embrace the opportunity to make this indulgently rich cake, and don’t forget to share it! After all, who could resist a piece of this velvety delight?
Now grab your apron, and let’s get baking!
