Chocolate Refreshers(Pillsbury Bake-Off Winner)
Chocolate Refreshers offer a rich, moist cake with luscious chocolate and orange flavors, perfect for dessert lovers seeking a unique treat with a hint of citrus. Suitable for gatherings or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sift the dry ingredients: flour, soda, and salt.
- Combine dates, brown sugar, water, and margarine in a large saucepan.
- Cook over low heat, stirring until dates soften.
- Remove from heat.
- Stir in chocolate morsels.
- Beat in the eggs.
- Add the dry ingredients alternately with orange juice and milk, blending thoroughly after each addition.
- Add nuts.
- Pour the batter into a well-greased 15 x 10 x 1-inch jelly roll pan.
- Bake at 350°F for 25 to 30 minutes.
- Cool the cake and frost with Orange Glaze.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using dark chocolate morsels instead of semi-sweet. If you're out of margarine, unsalted butter is a great substitute. You can also swap out the dates for raisins or chopped dried apricots for a different texture. To enhance the cake's flavor, adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract can make a delightful difference.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these delightful Chocolate Refreshers as a sweet treat during gatherings or alongside a cup of coffee for a cozy dessert. They pair beautifully with Orange Glaze, which adds a zesty finish. For a complete meal, consider serving them with savory sides like Broccoli Stuffed Baby Portabella Mushrooms to balance the sweetness.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Chocolate Refreshers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate them, where they can last up to a week. To reheat, place individual pieces in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or enjoy them cold.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chocolate Refreshers(Pillsbury Bake-Off Winner) contains roughly 285 calories, with 5g protein, 32g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is a good source of iron (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 780mg per serving (34% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these Chocolate Refreshers ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the batter in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just make sure to give it a good stir before pouring it into the pan and baking.
What can I use instead of orange juice?
If you don’t have orange juice on hand, you can substitute it with lemon juice for a slightly different flavor profile. Apple juice or even a splash of milk can work in a pinch, though they will change the overall taste slightly.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
To check if the Chocolate Refreshers are done, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it's ready. Keep an eye on the baking time, as ovens can vary!
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).