4 Layer Delight

So I decided to make a summery dessert today and once again capture the process.  It's just so much fun, two things I love to do...bake and photography.  This recipe my mom always makes when we get together with my dad's side of the family and it is one of my favorites.  Here is 4 Layer Delight...

Ingredients for the crust.

Melt the butter and add all three ingredients together with a fork until clumpy.

With floured hands, press into a 9x13 pan.

Bake in the oven at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes.

The crust after 30 minutes...nice and brown!  (This makes the whole dessert!)

Ingredients for the other 3 layers.

Combine 1/2 the cool whip, powdered sugar and softened cream cheese.

Using a mixer, mix until nice and creamy.

Spread carefully over the pecan crust.  Trust me be VERY careful because it will try to pull up the crust as you spread.  No on will see this layer but you'll know!!! :)

Make your boxes of pudding with 3 cups of cold milk.  Yes I know it says 2 cups per box...again trust me, use 3 cups!

Spread pudding over cream cheese mixture once your pudding has set.

Spread the rest of the cool whip on top!  I do LOVE cool whip!

Grate some chocolate for a nice garnish on top.  It makes it look more appetizing!

ENJOY!

Crust Ingredients:

1 cup flour

1/2 cup chopped pecans

1 stick butter

3 Layers:

1 box cream cheese

3/4 cup powdered sugar

16 oz. cool whip

2 small boxes chocolate pudding

3 cups milk

Chocolate bar (optional...but I would make it necessary :)  It just makes it look better!)

Answer the Craving

So I was taking a nice relaxing bath after Evan and I played in the rain and he was napping, I was reading a book and wham...they mention spice cake with chocolate mocha icing so what do I now have to do?  Get out of the bath and make my own.  :)  The joys of pregnancy!  Then when I was getting out all the ingredients, I thought I would go Pioneer Woman and photograph my cooking adventure!  So here is my spin on spice cake with chocolate mocha icing, homemade chocolate cake with homemade chocolate/coffee icing.

Get out all your ingredients for the cake.

Sift together your flour, cocoa, sugar, salt and baking soda.

Sifted ingredients ready for the rest of the ingredients.

All the ingredients added together...yummy goodness in the making!

Whisk together until mixed well.

Ready for baking.

In the oven at 350 degrees.

Set a timer for 45 minutes.  Go on set the timer, don't take a chance on burning this baby.

The cake is ready!!!

Ingredients for the icing.

Melt the butter on medium heat.

Add your milk and bring to a boil.

(I forgot the picture but once it starts boiling, take off the heat and add your cocoa.  Mix well and put back on medium heat for a couple minutes.)

Add powdered sugar a little at a time until it's at your desired consistency.

My icing after only 3 1/2 cups of powdered sugar.

Ready to ice!

Cake is iced and ready to go.

Enjoy with a large glass of milk!

Cake Ingredients:

4 1/2 cups flour

3 cups sugar

1 1/2 tsp baking soda

9 Tbs unsweetened cocoa powder

Added Ingredients:

3 Tbs vinegar

1 cup oil

3 cups cool water

3 tsp vanilla

sprinkle with cinnamon

Icing Ingredients:

4 Tbs cocoa powder

1 stick butter

6 Tbs 2% milk

up to 4 1/2 cups powdered sugar

(optional: 2 Tbs strong coffee)