Let Them Eat Cake

One way I've found to make

life easier is to give 

the same birthday gift

to each of my close friends.

Every year I choose something I think

they would all enjoy.

I often opt for something homemade

if possible.

This year I'm giving cake plates

WITH a homemade cake of course!

I don't know how to make fancy cakes,

so I just go for delicious instead &

dress it up with ribbon.

Here's the recipe for this cake:

{Courtesy of the book The Cake Mix Doctor}

CHOCOLATE MARBLE CAKE WITH CHOCOLATE GLAZE

• 1 {18.25 OZ} plain yellow cake mix
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 4 tablespoons {1/2 stick} butter, melted
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon pure almond extract
• 2 squares {1 OZ each} semisweet chocolate, chopped
• 1 tablespoon milk
• 1 tablespoon water

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray bundt pan with "Bakers Joy". Blend cake mix, sour cream, oil, melted butter, eggs, & almond extract for 1 minute on low. Stop the blender & scrape down the sides of the bowl. Increase the speed & blend for 2 more minutes. Meanwhile, melt the semisweet chocolate with the water & milk in a saucepan. Stir often until chocolate is melted. Cool slightly. Pour half the batter in the bundt pan. Drizzle the chocolate mixture on top. Pour the rest of the cake batter over top. Bake 40-45 minutes. {TIP: I only cool my cake about 5 minutes before I turn it out onto the cake plate. It's still warm when I do it!}

SHINY CHOCOLATE GLAZE

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 cup confectioners sugar, sifted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Melt butter in a saucepan. Add the cocoa powder & cream. Stir until the mixture thickens {do not boil}. Wisk in the sugar & vanilla. Cool slightly & drizzle on the cake.

Linking up to these awesome parties:
"Feature Friday" at Spunky Junky
"Flaunt-it Friday" at Chic on a Shoestring
"Hoo's Got Talent?" at Night Owl Crafting
Show & Tell at Blue Cricket Design
"Catch a Glimpse Thursday" at A Glimpse Inside
"Everything But the Kitchen Sink" at A Little Knick Knack
"Frugal Friday" at The Shabby Nest