Tag: powdered sugar

Earthquake Cake

Earthquake Cake

Several months ago, while visiting my mom, I attended Wednesday night church with her. One of her good friends, Inell, had taken an Earthquake cake and was kind enough to share the recipe with me. However, months later when I wanted to make the cake I could not find it.  This has happened to me more than once! In all honesty, it’s probably in the bottom of a purse somewhere, but for now, I took to the web.

This Earthquake Cake is super moist, extremely easy and crazy delicious! Inell’s cake and the one I made used a chocolate cake mix, however, while searching the web I found several variations including red velvet and pumpkin. I love the coconut, but it is totally optional and works well without it.

Earthquake Cake
 
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Ingredients
  • 1 (15.25-oz.) box Chocolate cake mix (I used German chocolate)
  • 1 (8-oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened
  • ½ c. butter, softened
  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 2 c. powdered sugar
  • ½ c. flaked coconut
  • 1 c. chopped pecans, lightly toasted
  • 1½ c. chocolate chips (milk chocolate or semi-sweet)
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350℉. Spray a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
  2. Sprinkle pecans in the bottom of the dish, set aside.
  3. Prepare the cake mix as directed on the package. Pour the batter evenly over the pecans, do not stir.
  4. Using a hand mixer, mix the cream cheese and butter until mixed well. Gradually add the powdered sugar and beat until creamy. Fold in coconut.
  5. Drop coconut mixture by spoonfuls randomly over the batter. Using a butter knife, lightly swirl through the batter.
  6. Sprinkle the chocolate chips over the top of the cake.
  7. Bake for 30 to 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the cake come out clean.
  8. Cool to room temperature then serve.

 

Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting

 

red velvet cake with whipped cream cheese frosting picture

I have lived in 8 different cities in my lifetime. I know what it feels like to be the new family in the neighborhood. Since I was surrounded by family when I was growing up, it was a bit intimidating when I moved away for the first time. I have wonderful friends at each stop on the road, and I keep in touch with many. When we moved to Garfield six years ago, there were many families that welcomed us. One family, in particular, was Mrs. Martha and Mr. Nick’s family. They invited us to family gatherings and made us feel as if we had been part of this community forever.

Recently, while at a friend’s wedding, who also happens to be Mrs. Martha’s daughter, I tried a cake frosted with this light and airy whipped cream cheese frosting. Mrs. Martha was nice enough to share the recipe with me. I prepared a red velvet cake for the picture, but Mrs. Martha says that this frosting is great on chocolate, strawberry, and lemon cakes too. This frosting is not your typical cream cheese frosting. It isn’t as rich or sweet as traditional cream cheese frosting, which makes it perfect for a summer cake. Whip up your favorite cake recipe today and try this simple and fabulous frosting.

AAA Amye Signature for blog

 

Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting
 
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Ingredients
  • 1 (8-oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened
  • 1 c. powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 1 (16-oz.) container Cool Whip
Instructions
  1. Beat the cream cheese with an electric mixer. Add powdered sugar and beat until light and fluffy. Add vanilla extract and Cool Whip, beating until mixed well.
  2. Frost your favorite cake between layers and on top and sides. Keep cake refrigerated.

 

 

Coconut Frosted Brownies

coconut frosted brownies

Easter is one of my favorite holidays.  When I was growing up Easter was centered around church and family.  It’s a special holiday with many customs and traditions.  My dad was a pastor and we always started the day early at sunrise service.  We would end up at my grandparents house for a big meal, posing for pictures in our new dresses or ties, and shiny new shoes, then off to hunt Easter eggs with my cousins.

As an adult, sunrise service is my favorite part of the day.  I enjoy spending time with family and friends and I enjoy the good food and the swapping of recipes. However, the spiritual meaning of Easter sunrise service is what it’s all about.  It was in the early morning, when it was yet dark, that the tomb was found empty.  Watching the sun rise and knowing what that empty tomb means for me humbles me.

As you make your Easter plans, I want to share a delicious and easy brownie recipe.  These brownies would be great on any Easter table.  They are chewy and fudgy and the coconut cream cheese frosting is the “icing on the cake”…yum, yum, yummy!

My one dilemma was to toast or not to toast.  If you look closely at my photo you may wonder if I toasted the coconut for the topping.  The original recipe from alaskafromscratch.com suggests toasting, and that’s what I started to do…until I changed my mind!  It was already in the oven when I decided that I did not want toasted coconut on top, so do what makes you happy.  For a fun Easter decoration, color the coconut green.  Place the coconut in a zip-lock bag with a drop or two of green food coloring, seal, then shake until evenly colored.  Sprinkle on top of your brownies before cutting.  Then, decorate each brownie with 3 jelly beans, if desired.

As always, thanks for taking the time out of your busy day to read Not Just Sunday Dinner.  I am wishing you a blessed Easter with family and friends.

 

Coconut Frosted Brownies
 
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Ingredients
  • ⅔ c. unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 lg. eggs
  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp. coconut extract
  • 2 c. sugar
  • 1⅓ c. all-purpose flour
  • ¾ c. cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • ½ tsp. baking soda
  • ½ c. strong brewed coffee
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9 x 13-inch plan with aluminum foil, allowing enough foil to hang over the sides of the pan to use to lift brownies from pan later. Spray foil with non-stick cooking spray.
  2. In a mixing bowl, add the butter, eggs, extracts, and sugar. Whisk until smooth.
  3. In another bowl, stir together flour, cocoa, salt, and baking soda. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir to incorporate. Pour in the coffee and mix just until combined.
  4. Spread batter into the prepared pan and bake for 20 to 30 minutes, or just until set in the center. Watch closely and do not over bake.
  5. Cool on a wire rack. When cooled, top with Coconut Cream Cheese Frosting.

Coconut Cream Cheese Frosting
 
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Ingredients
  • ½ c. unsalted butter, softened
  • 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
  • ½ tsp. coconut extract
  • ½ tsp. vanilla extract
  • 3 c. powdered sugar
  • ¾ c. shredded coconut (toasted optional)
Instructions
  1. Combine butter and cream cheese in a stand mixer. Beat until smooth and fluffy. Add extracts. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until incorporated, scraping sides and bottom of bowl as needed.
  2. Spread evenly over cooled brownies. Top with shredded coconut.
  3. Freeze for 1 hour before lifting brownies from pan and cutting. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Serve at room temperature.