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Degustabox Giveaway

May 28, 2017

Degustabox Giveaway

Degustabox Giveaway

Hello everyone! I'm excited to host my very first giveaway in partnership with Degustabox.  All you have to do to enter is scroll down to the bottom of this post and answer one question! And while your here, check out some of the yummy treats I've made with the surprises I've received from Degustabox. Chocolate Orange Spice Cake, Caesar Salad with Anchovies, Chocolate Chip Monster Milkshake, Pumpkin Pie Ice Cream Float, Gluten-Free Veggie Pasta in Olive Oil, Homemade Graham Crackers, Moscow Mule, and Chocolate Cupcakes with Caramel Espresso Buttercream.

Degustabox Giveaway

This giveaway is only available to those living in The Contiguous United States. We are unable to ship to Alaska and Hawaii at this time.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Homemade Graham Crackers

May 22, 2017

Homemade Graham Crackers

Homemade Graham Crackers

You may never buy those store bought graham crackers again after having these Homemade Graham Crackers!

Homemade Graham Crackers

These are great if you're looking for a bit of a cleaned up version of a graham cracker. I love graham crackers and I used to eat them as a "healthy" snack, that was until I read the ingredients list. I was a shocked at all the chemicals used to make a cracker. I mean its just a cracker right?

Homemade Graham Crackers

Thankfully I came across this homemade version with simple ingredients you can pick up at your local grocery store.

Homemade Graham Crackers

To keep up with new recipes from The Cake Chica, be sure to follow on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest!

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Rocky Road Bars

May 9, 2017

Rocky Road Bars

Rocky Road Bars

Here is an easy homemade recipe for Rocky Road Bars, that is sure to impress your friends and family. I love baking cakes and decorating them, but they usually take a little more time in the kitchen. For those of you that don't want to spend that much time in the kitchen but want to create a dessert that's sure to impress with looks and taste, then this one is for you!

Rocky Road Bars

You don't even have to turn on your mixer for this one. If you don't want to melt the chocolate over a double boiler you can microwave the chocolate at 30 second intervals, being sure to stir between each interval so the chocolate doesn't burn.

Rocky Road Bars

If your marshmallows aren't getting that nice golden brown color to them by the last few minutes of baking, turn on your broiler and watch very closely for them to brown. Be careful, the broiler will turn your marshmallows brown fast but within seconds can also burn them, so keep a close eye on them.

 Follow The Cake Chica Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.

Rocky Road Bars

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Chewy Brownies

Adapted from Diner Desserts

Rocky Road Bars

Rocky Road Bars

Yield: 16 bars
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Additional Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

A rich dark chocolate brownie base, topped with toasted marshmallows, almonds, toffee bits and chocolate chips!

Ingredients

BROWNIE

  • 5 ounces unsweetened chocolate
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cut into tablespoons
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ cups coarsely chopped almonds

TOPPING

  • 1 cup coarsely chopped almonds
  • 1 cup milk chocolate-covered English toffee bits, such as Heath bits
  • 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
  • 2 cups miniature marshmallows

Instructions

BROWNIE

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line a 13x9-inch baking pan with 2 pieces of foil (one horizontal and one perpendicular) creating handles at the edge of the pan to lift the brownies out after baking. Spray the bottom and sides of the foil-lined baking pan with non-stick bakers spray and set aside.
  2. Place the chocolate and butter on top of a double boiler over simmering water. Heat, stirring constantly, until the chocolate melts and the mixture is smooth. Remove the pan from the heat and let the mixture cool for about 10 minutes.
  3. Stir the sugar, salt and vanilla into the chocolate mixture. Stir in the eggs, one at a time, stirring well after each addition and no egg yolk remains. Stir in the flour and mix until just combined. Fold in the nuts and pour batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a rubber spatula.
  4. Bake for 30 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached. Remove from the oven and leave the oven on.

TOPPING

  1. Sprinkle half of the chopped almonds evenly over the hot brownie base. Sprinkle half of the toffee bits, half of the semisweet chocolate chips and half of the miniature marshmallows evenly over the almonds. Repeat this process with remaining almonds, toffee, chocolate chips and marshmallows, being sure to press each layer into the brownie base to adhere.
  2. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the chocolate is partially melted and the marshmallows are soft and lightly browned. Place the pan on a wire rack and let cool for 20 minutes. Lift the bars out of the pan with the foil overhang and using a serrated knife, cut into 16 squares. Serve bars at room temperature.

Notes

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.

Nutrition Information:
Yield: 16 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 462Total Fat: 24gSaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 42mgSodium: 205mgCarbohydrates: 58gFiber: 5gSugar: 43gProtein: 9g

*Nutrition information is an estimate and will vary.*

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @thecakechica1 on Instagram and hashtag #thecakechica1

© Mary | The Cake Chica
Cuisine: American / Category: Dessert

 

 

Old-Fashioned Sour Cream Doughnuts with Chocolate Glaze

May 1, 2017

Old-Fashioned Sour Cream Dougnuts with Chocolate Glaze

Old-Fashioned Sour Cream Dougnuts with Chocolate Glaze

If I didn't have so much cake experience, then I might have had a doughnut focused blog! Doughnuts are my jam! I love them even more than cake. But not just any doughnut, it's got to be the Old-Fashioned kind with chocolate glaze. No matter what kind of day I've had, or whatever is going on in life, when I have an Old-Fashioned Sour Cream Doughnut with Chocolate Glaze I'm in food heaven!

Old-Fashioned Sour Cream Dougnuts with Chocolate GlazeAnd don't forget the coffee. Dipping these doughnuts in coffee is the best way to eat them. It took me a little while to get this recipe down. I strive for perfection, especially with something I love so much, and I wanted to do this recipe justice, and make it worth while to make these doughnuts at home instead of buying them.

Old-Fashioned Sour Cream Dougnuts with Chocolate Glaze

Old-fashioned doughnuts should have a golden brown color and a crispy texture on the exterior. The interior should be light in color and fluffy. Luckily these doughnuts keep well for about 1 or 2 days. So you can make them the night before and have breakfast ready to go when you wake up the next morning!

Old-Fashioned Sour Cream Dougnuts with Chocolate Glaze

Yes you can easily get your doughnuts at the doughnut shop but the satisfaction you'll feel knowing you can make your own doughnuts at home is an amazing feeling! These doughnuts require a little more attention, they're made with sour cream and extra leavening and turned twice during frying.

But those beautiful ridges that form during frying are perfect for the glaze to sink into. I did roll mine out a little on the thin side. Next time I'll be sure to use my ruler to measure to exactly 1/2-inch thickness to make them even more fluffed up.

Old-Fashioned Sour Cream Dougnuts with Chocolate GlazeDon't forget to follow The Cake Chica on social media: Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. 

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Chocolate Cupcakes with Caramel-Espresso Buttercream

April 24, 2017

Chocolate Cupcakes with Caramel-Espresso Frosting

Chocolate Cupcakes with Caramel-Espresso Frosting

 

These Chocolate Cupcakes with Caramel-Espresso Buttercream are absolutely AMAZING! The base of these cupcakes is almost like a light and fluffy brownie that's full of chocolatey flavor, but not over powering. 

Chocolate Cupcakes with Caramel-Espresso Frosting

And the Caramel-Espresso Buttercream is the perfect topping. It's light and creamy and the caramel-espresso flavor pairs well with the chocolate cupcake. I truly am in love with this recipe.

Chocolate Cupcakes with Caramel-Espresso Frosting

This is a French-style buttercream made with brown sugar instead of white, which turns into caramel giving this buttercream its flavor. Plus, the addition of espresso powder compliments the caramel perfectly! The Caramel Espresso Buttercream is truly heavenly, but can be a bit tricky to make. Scroll down to read some tips I've learned while making the buttercream for these Chocolate Cupcakes with Caramel-Espresso Buttercream.

Chocolate Cupcakes with Caramel-Espresso Frosting

French-Style Caramel Espresso Buttercream Tips:

  1. Before adding the butter to the egg mixture, be sure the egg mixture is room temperature! Many, many times this is where I made my mistakes. I would follow a recipe that stated the time frame at which you are to whisk, but so many times my eggs were still too hot and when I added the butter it just deflated my buttercream and melted the butter. 🙁 This time I was determined not to let that happen. I beat mine until the egg mixture was anywhere from 75-80 degrees. I used a digital thermometer to test for this.
  2. The above tip is really the main problem I ran into previously, but I've read you can also wet a kitchen towel and freeze it and use that around the bottom of your mixing bowl to help cool the egg mixture to room temperature while it's beating.
  3. This buttercream almost started to separate on me because I added the flavoring a little too late! (My fault, but always learning) I was a little worried at first when the buttercream started sloshing around the bowl but it quickly came together. 🙂
  4. And if all else fails, (I've never tried this method) I've heard if your buttercream breaks or separates, just whip that buttercream up and eventually it will come together. Luckily I didn't have to resort to this. Buttercream can be a tricky beast, but once you learn how to trouble shoot it a bit, you'll be glad you made it.

Chocolate Cupcakes with Caramel-Espresso Frosting

And last but not least, top your cupcakes off with a candy caramel. I usually like to make everything, down to the cupcake garnishes homemade, especially if I've gone through the trouble of making homemade cupcakes, however I find Lovely's candy very worthy.

They are made with real butter, sweetened condensed milk and molasses. No high fructose corn syrup or artificial colors. Just pure and simple ingredients. And that is something I can stand behind. 

Chocolate Cupcakes with Caramel-Espresso Buttercream

That's all I have for you this week!  You can follow me on social media: Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.

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Beef Picadillo Over Brown Rice

April 18, 2017

Beef Picadillo Over Brown Rice

Beef Picadillo Over Brown Rice

Beef Picadillo Over Brown Rice is one of my favorite comfort foods. Picadillo is similar to hash made with ground beef and tomatoes. There are a lot of variations to this dish depending on where you're from. I have seen people put raisins and olives in it, but I like to keep mine pretty simple.

Just some potatoes (a must in my opinion), tomatoes, garlic, onion and some salt and pepper. It's really all you need.

Beef Picadillo Over Brown Rice

A few of the things I love about this recipe are:

  1. It's so easy to make.
  2. It's cheap.
  3. It's versatile. I've made this recipe using ground turkey to lighten it up a little.
  4. And it reminds me of growing up with my grandmothers in the kitchen making Mexican food when I was little. The aroma takes me back to that time. It's a beautiful thing.

Beef Picadillo Over Brown Rice

And the Picadillo isn't the only star in this recipe. The Brown Rice is pretty tasty too. I have a separate post all about this Easy Baked Brown Rice so be sure to check it out! I've also got a Picadillo Taco recipe you might also like.

Beef Picadillo Over Brown Rice

Follow me on social media: Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. 

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Chocolate-Peanut Butter Cream Pie

April 10, 2017

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cream Pie

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cream Pie

Chocolate and peanut butter! Who can deny this match made in heaven? Not me that's for sure. Take this Chocolate-Peanut Butter Cream Pie for example, made on top of an Oreo cookie crust, then topped with a chocolate-peanut butter filling.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cream Pie

But we're not finished, next comes the peanut butter-whipped cream layer and then whipped cream layer on top.

Sprinkle with a few chopped peanuts and voila! Time to enjoy this little piece of chocolate-peanut butter heaven.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cream Pie

This Chocolate-Peanut Butter Cream Pie is perfect for the up coming summer months. You do have to bake the crust in the oven, however it's only for a short amount of time and totally worth turning on your oven for about 10 to 15 minutes.

I mean come on the crust is made with Oreos! And not just the cookie part, the cream part is included in the recipe too! I could probably do a post on this cookie crust alone, it's a favorite of mine! My advice, skip the pre-made Oreo crust in the store. You'll love this homemade version.

I used chunky peanut butter in this recipe but you could also use creamy if that fits your taste, I like a little texture in mine though. For the whipped cream design I used a star tip and made simple circular swirl designs in different sizes and piped some stars to fill in the blank spaces. You don't have to be perfect with this. I kinda like that rustic look for this pie anyway.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cream Pie

Don't forget to catch me on social media: Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest.

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Easy Baked Brown Rice

April 3, 2017

Easy Baked Brown Rice

Here is one for those that like to meal prep. This Easy Baked Brown Rice may not be as quick as the 5 minute versions, but it's definitely worth the baking time.

Easy Baked Brown Rice

I won't make brown rice any other way from now on. Easy Baked Brown Rice always comes out light and fluffy everytime!

Easy Baked Brown Rice

I usually make this on a Sunday and use it throughout the week for my egg white breakfast bowls.

Easy Baked Brown Rice

Perfect Brown Rice

Brown rice should have nutty flavor with more texture that's slightly sticky and a bit more chewy than white rice. Here are some benefits to baking your rice:

  1. Baking allows the rice to cook more gently and evenly, reducing the risk of burning your rice. Cooking rice on the stove top can sometimes lead to burned rice on the bottom of your pan.
  2. Baking your rice also allows you to use less water. Most stove top methods have you add more water to prevent scorching your rice but this just makes your rice soggy and over cooked.

Adding boiling water to your rice helps to keep the cooking time to 1 hour, versus using cold tap water. Plus using a tight seal on top of the baking dish is super important.

Be sure to flavor your rice before it goes into the oven. A little bit of fat and salt will help keep the rice nice and fluffy! And lastly, once the rice comes out of the oven, be sure to fluff to separate the grains and then cover it with a clean dish towel to absorb the moisture. This keeps the moisture from going back into your rice.

Easy Baked Brown Rice

You can also follow me on social media: Facebook, Instagram,and Pinterest. Talk with you next week!

Adapted from Cook's Illustrated Cookbook.

Easy Baked Brown Rice

Easy Baked Brown Rice

Yield: 6 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Additional Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

This fluffy baked brown rice has a earthy and nutty flavor and is easy to make.

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups brown rice
  • 2 1/3 cups water
  • 2 teaspoons unsalted butter or vegetable oil
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Adjust and oven rack to the center of the oven and heat oven to 375 degrees. Pour rice in an 8-inch square baking dish.
  2. Bring water and butter to a boil in a small covered saucepan. Once the water boils immediately stit in the sale and pour water into the baking dish. Cover tightly with a double layer of foil and bake for 1 hour, until the rice is tender.
  3. Remove the rice from the oven, uncover and fluff rice with a fork. Cover the dish with a clean kitchen towel to catch the moisture and let stand for 5 minutes. Uncover and let rice stand for another 5 minutes and serve.

Notes

*Nutrition information is an estimate and will vary.*

Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 129Total Fat: 6gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 271mgCarbohydrates: 17gFiber: 1gSugar: 0gProtein: 2g

*Nutrition information is an estimate and will vary.*

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @thecakechica1 on Instagram and hashtag #thecakechica1

© Mary | The Cake Chica
Cuisine: American

 

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Easy Weeknight Chili

March 27, 2017

Easy Weeknight Chili

Here is one you can put on your weeknight recipe repertoire. This Easy Weeknight Chili is also a great option for lower-carb dieters since there are no beans in this recipe.

Easy Weeknight Chili

It's also under 500 calories for those calorie counters out there.

Frontera Enchilada Sauce

Enchilada Sauce

A typical beef chili needs quite a bit of simmering time to get those flavors to meld. But I have a secret ingredient to share with you..... and it's enchilada sauce!

Instead of simmering for hours you can use enchilada sauce to add some flavor. Now one very important TIP: Use an enchilada sauce you love!!! This is where this Easy Weeknight Chili gets most of it's flavor from.

I haven't found a canned enchilada sauce that I liked until I tried Frontera brand enchilada sauce. It's pretty new, but I've seen it at Kroger, and Sprouts. Or make your own enchilada sauce.

Easy Weeknight Chili

Not only does this recipe make a great chili but my husband actually made a sloppy joe out of it because it's nice and thick and does tend to have the consistency of a sloppy joe filling. He loved it!

So, I've got a very versatile one for you here this week. Top this with your favorite chili toppings, mine are smoked gouda and sour cream with a few saltine crackers. How do you top your chili? Let me know in the comments below.

Easy Weeknight Chili

You can find The Cake Chica on these social media platforms: Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.

Easy Weeknight Chili

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Easy Weeknight Chili

Easy Weeknight Chili

Yield: 6 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

A flavorful and easy ground beef chili you can prepare on a weeknight.

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon organic olive oil
  • 2 organic onions, chopped
  • 4 organic red bell peppers, chopped
  • 2 pounds organic, grass-fed ground beef
  • 4 teaspoons cumin
  • 2 tablespoons organic garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon organic olive oil
  • 4 teaspoons fennel seed
  • 2 cups good quality enchilada sauce
  • 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped
  • 6 ounces organic tomato paste
  • 1 bunch organic cilantro for garnish
  • Lime juice for garnish
  • Chives for garnish
  • Sour cream for garnish
  • Smoked Gouda cheese for garnish
  • Chopped or sliced jalapeno for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a Dutch oven over medium-high heat add 1 tablespoon olive oil and cook the onions and bell pepper, about 8 to 10 minutes. Remove the veggies from the Dutch oven and set aside.
  2. Add beef to the Dutch oven and cook. Drain fat. Season beef with cumin, garlic, and salt and stir to combine.  
  3. In a small saute pan over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon olive oil and fennel seeds and toast until browned. 
  4. Add the toasted fennel seeds and veggies to the meat and stir to combine. Cook until beef is cooked through. 
  5. Add enchilada sauce, chipotle peppers and tomato paste, stirring well.
  6. Bring chili to a simmer and taste for seasoning. Top with your favorite garnishes and serve.

Notes

*Nutrition information is an estimate and will vary.*

Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 387Total Fat: 16gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 81mgSodium: 1923mgCarbohydrates: 25gFiber: 5gSugar: 14gProtein: 38g

*Nutrition information is an estimate and will vary.*

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @thecakechica1 on Instagram and hashtag #thecakechica1

© Mary | The Cake Chica
Cuisine: American / Category: Beef and Pork

 

 

Gluten Free Veggie Pasta in Olive Oil Sauce

March 20, 2017

Gluten Free Veggie Pasta in Olive Oil Sauce

This Gluten Free Veggie Pasta in Olive Oil sauce would be perfect for your Meatless Monday meal or a great side dish to your main coarse.

Gluten Free Veggie Pasta in Olive Oil Sauce

My husband has been making this pasta for years with pasta such as angel hair or spaghetti.

Gluten Free Veggie Pasta in Olive Oil Sauce

And since he had never actually written the recipe down for his olive oil sauce pasta, I thought this would be the perfect time to get that recipe down.

Gluten Free Veggie Pasta in Olive Oil Sauce

Pasta

You can also use regular pasta but if you are using Tolerant's pasta there are a couple of things you should know:

  1. When you put the pasta in the boiling water keep an eye on it or it could boil over quickly.
  2. The water will be cloudy and foamy but that's normal when cooking with this type of pasta so be sure to use plenty of water.

Gluten Free Veggie Pasta in Olive Oil Sauce

Something else you should know, I really like this pasta. And I can see myself using this pasta to lighten things up a little when I want to take in more plant based proteins and nutrients. I love that it's certified organic, vegan, gluten-free and non-gmo. If you can get past the cloudy water then I would definitely recommend this pasta!

Gluten Free Veggie Pasta in Olive Oil Sauce

Don't forget to catch me on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest!

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Fideo

Gluten Free Veggie Pasta in Olive Oil Sauce

Gluten Free Veggie Pasta in Olive Oil Sauce

Yield: 4 side servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Veggies pasta with olive oil sauce made with gluten free pasta.

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces Tolerant Organic Green Lentil and Kale Pasta
  • 2 tablespoons kosher salt for pasta water
  • ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3 organic garlic cloves, sliced
  • 1/2 cup sliced black olives
  • 1/2 cup jarred artichoke hearts, sliced
  • ¼ cup white wine
  • 2 tablespoons capers, drained and rinsed
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 organic Roma tomato (about ¼ cup), diced
  • Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
  • Chopped organic Italian parsley, for garnish
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. In a large saucepan, bring 6 quarts of water to a boil. Add kosher salt and pasta to boiling water and stir. Continue to cook according to package instructions.
  2. Meanwhile, in a large saute pan add olive oil and heat over medium heat. Add sliced garlic, black olives and artichokes to pan and saute for about 5 minutes. Add wine and saute for 2 to 3 minutes. Add capers and red pepper flakes. Remove the pan from the heat and add cooked pasta to the pan and mix with tongs to coat the pasta in the olive oil sauce. Top with fresh tomatoes, grated Parmesan cheese and parsley.

Notes

*Nutrition information is an estimate and will vary.*

Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 348Total Fat: 17gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 3521mgCarbohydrates: 38gFiber: 8gSugar: 3gProtein: 11g

*Nutrition information is an estimate and will vary.*

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @thecakechica1 on Instagram and hashtag #thecakechica1

© Mary | The Cake Chica
Cuisine: Italian / Category: Dinner

 

 

Easter Confetti Cake

March 14, 2017

Easter Confetti Cake

I've just updated my recipe for Easter Confetti Cake with a brand new confetti cake recipe and a new American buttercream! Plus check out a few more tips in the blog post below on how to decorate this fun and festive cake for the Easter season!

Easter Confetti Cake

 

Confetti Cake Ingredients

Carnival Sprinkles: I love to use multi-colored jimmies for my sprinkles. I process them in a food processor because this cake is so light that if I left them whole it would ruin the cakes tender crumb.

Whole Milk: the fat in whole milk tenderizes the cake crumb which weakens the gluten just enough for the cake to have structure.

Egg Whites: helps leaven the cake.

Vanilla Extract: flavor enhancer.

Cake Flour: lower in gluten and is bleached. The bleaching process helps cakes retain a pure white color which is ideal for white cakes and angel food cakes. It also produces a fine-crumbed cake.

Granulated Sugar: it's evenly ground and loose texture incorporates well in cake batter.

Baking Powder: is a mixture of baking soda, and cornstarch. Baking powder works when it first comes into contact with liquid, and again when it hits the heat of the oven. 📌 Baking powder loses its effectiveness after six months. 📌

Salt: enhances the flavor of the ingredients.

Unsalted Butter: helps with flavor and texture. This recipe uses the reverse creaming method where the butter coats the dry ingredients instead of creaming together with the sugar. 

Easter Confetti Cake

 

 

 

American Buttercream

  • Also called Decorators buttercream, American buttercream is fluffy and sweet! I use a mix of butter and shortening in this frosting. It's easy to make and is very versatile. This buttercream is a crusting buttercream.
  • If you live in a climate with high humidity, you can use all shortening or use all butter if you're located in a climate that isn't humid.
  • You can add more water or milk to this frosting as needed or add more powdered sugar if you need a stiffer frosting. 
  • American buttercream also takes gel food coloring well. 
  • Feel free to have fun with this buttercream with different extract and flavored emulsions!

Easter Confetti Cake

 

Crumb Coating

Crumb coating is a thin layer of frosting applied to the cake to catch crumbs and seal the cake. And just because this cake is covered with basket weave piping, doesn't mean you can skip crumb coating. Once your cake is crumb coated it needs to chill in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes. Then you can apply another coat of frosting, giving you a solid base to pipe your basket weave on.

 

Easter Confetti Cake

Cake Decorating

BASKETWEAVE

Spread buttercream on the top and sides of the cake with an offset cake spatula. Use a Wilton tip #48 for the basket weave effect. Position a piping bag fitted with piping tip #48 at a 90 degree angle to the top edge of the cake. Apply pressure as you pipe a vertical line down the side of the cake. Your piping tip should be just above the surface of the cake. Once you reach the bottom ease up and stop the pressure. 

Reposition the piping bag at the top edge of the cake and begin piping cross strokes by starting about 1/2 inch before the downstroke of buttercream. Pipe over the downstroke of buttercream and extend the line another 1/2 inch. Pipe another downstroke over the end of the crossover strokes. Repeat this process around the entire side of the cake. 

SHELL BORDER

Pipe a shell border on the top edge of the cake by fitting a piping bag with Wilton piping tip #18. Position your piping tip at a 45 degree angle touching the surface, apply a burst of pressure. Allowing a small amount of frosting to come out of the tip. Push the tip slightly forward and apply more pressure, building up the shell. Then, gently pull the tip toward you, and ease off the pressure. Stop pressure and pull toward you to exit the shell. Repeat this process all the way around the top edge of the cake. Repeat the shell border on the bottom edge as well.

GRASS

To pipe grass, fit a piping bag with Wilton piping tip #233. Color a small amount of buttercream with green gel food coloring.  Fill the piping bag with green buttercream and holding the piping bag straight up, slightly above the surface of the cake, apply pressure to form a base. Release the pressure and begin lifting the tip straight up and away from the cake. Repeat this process all over the top center of the cake.

Easter Confetti Cake

Easter Confetti Cake Baking Schedule

  • Day 1: Bake cake layers.
  • Day 2: Prepare buttercream, decorate cake and serve.

Easter Confetti Cake

 

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Easter Confetti Cake

Easter Confetti Cake

Yield: 12 servings
Prep Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Additional Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes

Homemade confetti layer cake filled and frosted with American buttercream, decorated with buttercream basket weave for a festive Easter dessert.

Ingredients

SPECIAL TOOLS

  • 3 8-inch round cake pans
  • Food processor
  • Stand mixer
  • 1 8-inch round cake board
  • Cake turntable
  • Piping bags
  • Wilton piping tip #48
  • Wilton piping tip #18
  • Green gel food coloring
  • Wilton Tip #233

CAKE

  • Non-stick baking spray
  • ½ cup rainbow sprinkles
  • 1 cup whole milk, at room temperature
  • 6 large egg whites, at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 ¼ cups (9 ounces) cake flour
  • 1 ¾ cups (12 ¼ ounces) granulated sugar
  • 4 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 12 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 12 pieces, at room temperature

BUTTERCREAM

  • 3 sticks unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 1 1/2 cups shortening
  • 4 teaspoons butter vanilla emulsion or vanilla extract
  • 6 tablespoons water or milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 12 cups (48 ounces) powdered sugar

Instructions

CAKE

  1. Adjust a rack to the center position in the oven and heat to 350 degrees. Spray 3 8-inch round cake pans with non-stick baking spray and set aside. In a food processor, process the rainbow sprinkles until coarsely ground, about 8 to 10 pulses. Set aside until needed.
  2. In a medium sized bowl, whisk together the milk, egg whites and vanilla.
  3. Attach the paddle attachment to a stand mixer. On low speed combine flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Add butter one piece at a time. Continue to combine until the butter is the size of peas, about 1 minute. Reserve ½ cup of the milk mixture, and pour remaining into the dry ingredients. Increase speed to medium-high and beat until light and fluffy, about 1 minute. Reduce the mixer speed to medium-low and add the reserved milk mixture to the batter and beat until combined, about 30 seconds (the batter may look curdled at this point). Give the batter a final stir by hand and stir in ground rainbow sprinkles.
  4. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops with an offset cake spatula or rubber spatula. Bake for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached, rotating pans halfway through baking. Let cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes on wire racks. Invert cakes onto the wire racks to cool completely, about 2 hours.

BUTTERCREAM

  1. In the bowl of an electric mixer, with the paddle attachment attached, cream together the butter, shortening and emulsion or extract until smooth.
  2. Add 3 tablespoons of water or milk, salt, half of the powdered sugar and mix until combined.
  3. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and on low speed, gradually add the remaining powdered sugar. Add more water or milk if needed. Use buttercream right away or cover the a damp cloth to prevent the buttercream from crusting.

ASSEMBLE

  1. Place first cake layer cut side up on a cake turntable. Spread about 2/3 cup buttercream on top, spreading to the edge of the cake. Repeat this process with the second cake layer. Place the third cake layer on top, cut side down.

CRUMB COAT

  1. Top the cake with about 2 cups buttercream and spread a thin coating of buttercream over the top and sides of the cake. This will help keep any crumbs from getting in to your final layer of buttercream as well as seals the cake. Chill the cake in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.

BASKETWEAVE

  1. Spread buttercream on the top and sides of the cake with an offset cake spatula. Use a Wilton tip #48 for the basket weave effect. Position a piping bag fitted with piping tip #48 at a 90 degree angle to the top edge of the cake. Apply pressure as you pipe a vertical line down the side of the cake. Your piping tip should be just above the surface of the cake. Once you reach the bottom ease up and stop the pressure.
  2. Reposition the piping bag at the top edge of the cake and begin piping cross strokes by starting about 1/2 inch before the downstroke of buttercream. Pipe over the downstroke of buttercream and extend the line another 1/2 inch. Pipe another downstroke over the end of the crossover strokes. Repeat this process around the entire side of the cake.

SHELL BORDER

  1. Pipe a shell boarder on the top edge of the cake by fitting a piping bag with Wilton piping tip #18. Position your piping tip at a 45 degree angle touching the surface, apply a burst of pressure. Allowing a small amount of frosting to come out of the tip. Push the tip slightly forward and apply more pressure, building up the shell. Then, gently pull the tip toward you, and ease off the pressure. Stop pressure and pull toward you to exit the shell. Repeat this process all the way around the top edge of the cake. Repeat the shell border on the bottom edge as well.

GRASS

  1. To pipe grass, fit a piping bag with Wilton piping tip #233. Color a small amount or buttercream with green gel food coloring. Fill the piping bag with green buttercream and holding the piping bag straight up, slightly above the surface of the cake, apply pressure to form a base. Release the pressure and being lifting the tip straight up and away from the cake. Repeat this process all over the top center of the cake.
  2. For the finishing touch, sprinkle cake with festive sprinkles and place a few candy Easter eggs on top and serve.

Notes

This cake can be stored at room temperature for 3 days.

Nutrition Information:
Yield: 12 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 833Total Fat: 70gSaturated Fat: 34gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 32gCholesterol: 134mgSodium: 564mgCarbohydrates: 46gFiber: 1gSugar: 23gProtein: 7g

*Nutrition information is an estimate and will vary.*

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @thecakechica1 on Instagram and hashtag #thecakechica1

© Mary | The Cake Chica
Cuisine: American / Category: Cakes and Frostings

 

 

Mint Chocolate Chip Milkshakes

March 7, 2017

Wide open shot of Mint Chocolate Chip Milkshakes.

Indulge in a cool, creamy delight with our refreshingly sweet homemade Mint Chocolate Chip Milkshakes recipe! This frosty concoction perfectly blends the flavor of sweet chocolate syrup with rich, and creamy mint chocolate chip ice cream, creating a symphony of flavors that will transport your taste buds to milkshake heaven.

Wide open shot of Mint Chocolate Chip Milkshakes.

Chocolate Syrup

This homemade chocolate syrup is super thick, and is rich in flavor. It cooks up quickly so there's no need to use store bought syrup here. Plus, this chocolate syrup can be made in advance.

Chocolate Syrup Storage

Chocolate syrup can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.

Close up of Mint Chocolate Chip Milkshakes.

Creamy Mint Chocolate Chip Milkshakes

Made with refreshing mint chocolate ice cream, and homemade chocolate syrup, each sip delivers a delightful burst of chocolatey sweetness and a hint of minty freshness. Whether you're craving a refreshing treat on a scorching summer day or simply seeking a comforting indulgence, this irresistible milkshake is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth cravings. Whip up a batch in minutes and treat yourself to a blissful sip of creamy, minty perfection!

Three quarter angle Mint Chocolate Chip Milkshakes.

Milkshake Topping Ideas

  • Homemade whipped cream
  • Chocolate chips/chunks/shavings
  • Chocolate sprinkles
  • Maraschino cherry
Close up of Mint Chocolate Chip Milkshakes.
10-Beginner-Cakes-to-Bake-NowDownload

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Wide open shot of Mint Chocolate Chip Milkshakes.

Mint Chocolate Chip Milkshakes

Yield: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Additional Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Indulge in a cool, creamy delight with our refreshingly sweet Mint Chocolate Chip Milkshakes recipe! This frosty concoction perfectly blends the flavor of mint with rich, and creamy mint chocolate chip ice cream, creating a symphony of flavors that will transport your taste buds to milkshake heaven.

Ingredients

Chocolate Syrup

  • 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup cold water
  • ½ cup malted milk powder

Milkshakes

  • 3 cups mint chocolate chip ice cream
  • 2 cups milk
  • ½ cup Chocolate Syrup

Toppings

  • Whipped Cream (optional)
  • Grated Chocolate (optional)
  • Sprinkles (optional)
  • Cherry (optional)

Instructions

CHOCOLATE SYRUP

  1. Whisk together in a medium saucepan cocoa powder and sugar. Add water and malted milk powder and stir to combine. Bring just to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly with a rubber spatula. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from the heat at set aside to cool.

MILKSHAKES

  1. Process all ingredients in a blender until smooth and frothy. Divide evenly among 2 milk shake glasses and garnish with Whipped Cream, sprinkles and Chocolate Syrup.

Notes

Leftover Chocolate Syrup can be stored covered at room temperature for about 3 days or refrigerated for 2 to 3 weeks. Reheat on the stove or in a microwave to liquefy.

Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 812Total Fat: 20gSaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 55mgSodium: 247mgCarbohydrates: 145gFiber: 8gSugar: 115gProtein: 15g

*Nutrition information is an estimate and will vary.*

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @thecakechica1 on Instagram and hashtag #thecakechica1

© Mary | The Cake Chica
Cuisine: American / Category: Dessert

 

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Welcome!

Hi, I’m Mary. The self-taught baker, food stylist, and photographer behind The Cake Chica. If you love creating bakery-style desserts from scratch and want a peek behind the scenes of how they’re styled and captured, you’re in the right place.

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