I mentioned the other day that I would post this recipe. It is so easy, but it looks so beautiful when sliced and placed on a plate and your friends and family will think you spent hours cooking. Several people asked, “you made this? I thought you bought it, it is so pretty!” That made my heart just jump for joy, which I really don’t know why when in fact, most bakery cakes leave something to be desired when compared to homemade pastries. But will take compliments anyway they come, ha.
Make a Duncan Hines French vanilla cake mix according to directions, using two 9 in round cake pans.
Make a Duncan Hines Devils Food cake mix according to directions, using two 9 in round cake pans.
Be sure to not over bake the layers, as you do not want them dry. Freezing ahead of time will help assure the layers stay moist.*See note below
Cool all four layers, turning them out onto waxed paper. *(At this point, I sometimes seal them in baggies and place in freezer so on the day I need them, I just pull them out of the freezer and allow them to thaw and then frost.)*
Make the frosting by using the following:
1 cup of shortening
1 stick of butter
1 -2 lb sack of powdered sugar
1/3 cup whipping cream (sometimes I have to add a little more, to bring the frosting to spreading consistency, but add 1 tables at a time)
1 tables almond flavoring
Place a chocolate layer on serving plate and place 1/2 cup frosting on top spreading to edge. Place a vanilla one on top of this and cover with 1/2 cup frosting. Place another chocolate one of top and repeat then the last vanilla layer. Cake will be tall, so if you have to add a couple of toothpicks to hold together, that is fine. Cover sides first with frosting and then the top. You can place grated chocolate on top, or colored sugar or any decor according to the celebration.
For memorial day place little flags on top and border with red or blue frosting. Would make a great centerpiece for your picnic table, especially served with homemade ice cream. YUM!
Chocolate Castles 