Portable Chocolate Snack Cake

I pack my boys lunches almost every night. They occasionally buy hot lunch at school, but for the most part they bring their lunch, and they actually like taking them. They don't have to wait in long lines and then try to gobble their lunch down in 5 minutes so they won't be late for their next class. I also like the fact that I know what they are eating. School has some very good healthy choices and some not so healthy choices. Give a 12 & 13 year old a choice and what do you think they will pick most of the time....a nice salad with some fruit or a taco or chicken patty??? I think you know the answer to that question. So we pack our lunches just about every night.

Evan still carries a lunchbox. One of his three L. L. Bean insulated lunchboxes that he has had since the 1st grade (one is a hand-me-down from Jesse). Jesse wouldn't be caught dead with a lunchbox....."so totally un-cool Mom".....so he uses a bag. Evan often takes a thermos filled with soup, mac & cheese or some leftovers. Jesse, carry a thermos??? "Are you insane Mom?". So no hot lunches for him.

I pack my kids a balanced and healthy lunch. I sometimes pack extra of something cause I know they like to share with their friends. Some of Jesse friends have even commented to me about it. "Jesse always has an awesome lunch" and "He always has the best snacks" are comments his friends have actually made to me. Oh yes I kid you not. I am the super lunch packer.

They don't always get a chocolaty treat but once in a while I will bake something that is portable and packs well in a lunch box (or bag). This cake is just that kind of treat, doesn't have a long list of ingredients and can be made in under 15 minutes (minus bake time). How easy is that? It travels well, and won't fall apart into crumbs before the lunch bell rings. It would be great on picnic or long car trip and the best part....it tastes incredible. Deep, rich chocolate in a moist cake topped with chocolate chips, who wouldn't want that in their lunchbox??

Portable Chocolate Snack Cake

Printable recipe

2 squares (1 ounce each) unsweetened chocolate

1-1/4 cups all purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 egg

1 cup sugar

3/4 cup cold water

1/3 cup vegetable oil

1 cup (6 ounces) chocolate chips

In the microwave melt the unsweetened chocolate, let cool for 10 minutes. Combine the flour, baking soda and salt, whisk together, set aside. In a mixing bowl beat the egg and sugar. Beat in the water and oil. Stir in the melted chocolate and gradually add in the dry ingredients. Mix until blended.

Pour into greased 8 inch square baking pan and sprinkle with chocolate chips. Bake at 350 for 35 - 38 minutes on until center comes out clean with a toothpick. Cool on wire rack.