So there is only one more big picnic day  – labor day- before we start thinking fall.  Perfect time for picnic cake – this cake is soooo good!  We call it picnic cake because you can make it up ahead of time, and because it is so moist and good you can eat it with your fingers.  We would always take this cake when we went camping and it was actually better on day 2 or 3 than on the day you make it.  It also has a secret ingredient that will make your friends and family go a little crazy trying to figure out what is in it.  The secret is:  {Dates}.   Combined with the chocolate and brown sugar topping it all blends together to create an incredibly yummy cake with a unique flavor that you’ll love!  But don’t worry – you really don’t have to go on a picnic – your family and friends will love this cake  anytime, anywhere!

Picnic Cake

Ingredients:

1 cup chopped dates
1 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 cup boiling water
3/4 cup butter
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 1/2 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chocolate chips (I use milk chocolate)
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup walnuts, chopped (optional)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Combine dates and soda with boiling water.  Let cool.

Cream the butter and sugar,  add eggs, and blend in flour and salt.  Combine the date mixture with the cake batter and pour into a greased 13×9 pan.

Top with brown sugar and chocolate chips (you can be generous with both these)  and nuts if desired.

Bake at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes. (don’t over cook).

Once the cake is cooled completely,  cover it tightly with saran wrap – if you can keep from eating it, and let it sit a day before serving – if not, go ahead it is still really good!