Are you in search of a dessert that combines simplicity with indulgence? The “Are You Kidding Me Cake” is exactly what its name suggests – so effortless yet unbelievably delicious that it’ll leave your guests asking, “Are you kidding me?” This recipe is a perfect blend of rich chocolate, sweet cherries, and a hint of almond, creating a decadent treat that’s guaranteed to impress at any gathering or satisfy your sweet tooth during a quiet night in.
Ingredients:
- 1 box of chocolate cake mix
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 cup sugar
- 5 tablespoons butter
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Directions:
1. Preparing the Cake:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, take a 9×13 inch baking pan and grease and flour it thoroughly to prevent sticking. This step ensures that your cake will release easily after baking, keeping it intact and beautiful.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, cherry pie filling, eggs, and almond extract. These ingredients blend together to create a rich, flavorful batter with an added depth from the cherry and almond. Mix these ingredients until they are well combined, ensuring that there are no dry spots or unmixed ingredients.
Once your batter is smooth, pour it into your prepared baking pan. The luscious mixture should spread out evenly, creating a perfect layer that will rise into a moist and tender cake.
2. Baking the Cake:
Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The exact time may vary depending on your oven, so it’s important to start checking around the 25-minute mark. A toothpick or a cake tester inserted into the center of the cake should come out clean, indicating that it’s perfectly baked.
After baking, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool. This step is crucial, as pouring the topping on a hot cake might cause it to absorb too much of the topping, altering its intended texture.
3. Preparing the Topping:
While your cake is cooling, prepare the chocolate topping. In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, butter, and milk. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Once the mixture reaches a boil, continue to stir and boil it for exactly one minute. This process caramelizes the sugar slightly, adding depth to the topping.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and immediately add the semi-sweet chocolate chips. Stir continuously until the chocolate chips have fully melted and the mixture is smooth. This glossy, rich chocolate topping is the crowning glory of your cake.
4. Finishing Touches:
Pour the warm chocolate topping over the cooled cake, using a spatula or knife to spread it evenly across the surface. This layer of chocolate adds a rich, decadent finish that complements the moist cake and the cherries nestled within.
Allow the cake to set until the topping has hardened, creating a delightful contrast between the soft cake and the crisp chocolate layer. This setting process takes a few minutes, so be patient – it’s worth the wait!
Once the topping has set, cut the cake into squares. This cake makes approximately 12 servings, making it perfect for sharing with friends and family or enjoying over a few days.
Nutritional Information:
Each serving of this delightful cake contains approximately 350 kcal, making it a decadent treat best enjoyed in moderation. Pair it with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk for the ultimate dessert experience.
What to Avoid:
When making the “Are You Kidding Me Cake”, there are several pitfalls you should avoid to ensure the success of your baking endeavor. Below is a detailed list of common mistakes and tips on how to steer clear of them:
1. Overmixing the Batter:
Overmixing the batter can lead to a dense, tough cake because it develops the gluten in the flour too much. Mix just until the ingredients are combined and no dry spots remain. The batter may be slightly lumpy due to the cherry pie filling, which is perfectly fine.
2. Not Preparing the Pan Properly:
Failing to grease and flour your baking pan can result in the cake sticking to the pan and breaking apart when you try to remove it. Make sure to cover the pan evenly with a light layer of butter or non-stick spray and then dust it with flour to ensure easy cake removal.
3. Ignoring Oven Preheating:
Starting with a cold oven can affect the baking time and the rise of the cake. Preheat your oven to the correct temperature (350°F or 175°C) before placing the cake inside. This ensures that your cake starts baking at the right temperature for optimal rise and texture.
4. Not Testing for Doneness:
Different ovens can bake at different rates, so it’s important to test your cake for doneness towards the end of the suggested baking time. Insert a toothpick or a cake tester into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean, the cake is done. If not, give it a few more minutes and test again.
5. Applying the Topping to a Hot Cake:
If you pour the chocolate topping onto a cake that is too hot, the topping may become too thin and soak into the cake, which can create a soggy texture. Allow the cake to cool completely before applying the warm chocolate topping.
6. Rushing the Topping:
Rushing the chocolate topping by not allowing it to boil for a full minute can result in a grainy texture. Ensure that you boil it for exactly one minute to achieve the right consistency. Additionally, make sure to stir the chocolate chips until they are completely melted and the topping is smooth.
7. Cutting the Cake Too Soon:
Cutting into the cake before the chocolate topping has set can lead to messy slices and ruin the appearance of your cake. Be patient and allow the topping to harden completely, which will give you clean, crisp cuts.
8. Forgetting Ingredients:
Forgetting an ingredient can drastically alter the outcome of the cake. Double-check to make sure you’ve added all the required ingredients, especially the almond extract, which adds a unique flavor to the cake.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure that your “Are You Kidding Me Cake” turns out moist, flavorful, and absolutely delicious. Remember, baking is as much about enjoying the process as it is about the final product, so take your time and enjoy creating this wonderfully easy dessert.
