Failure Cake

Prep: 15 min Cook: 40 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

Failure Cake is a delightful layered dessert featuring a crumbly cake base topped with a smooth cream cheese mixture, perfect for those who enjoy rich, sweet treats with a nostalgic touch.

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Ingredients

  • 4 eggs
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1 box yellow cake mix
  • 8 oz cream cheese
  • 16 oz confectioners sugar
  • Whipped topping

Instructions

  1. In a 9 x 13 x 2 inch baking dish, combine 2 beaten eggs, butter, and the yellow cake mix.
  2. Mix until crumbly.
  3. Spread the crumb mixture evenly in the dish.
  4. In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese, remaining 2 eggs, and confectioners sugar with an electric hand mixer until smooth.
  5. Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crumb layer in the dish.
  6. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter texture, consider using egg whites instead of whole eggs. If you want to reduce the sweetness, you can cut down the confectioners sugar by a quarter. Adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture can enhance the flavor. You might also try substituting the yellow cake mix with a gluten-free blend for a gluten-free version of this cake.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Failure Cake chilled or at room temperature, topped with a generous dollop of whipped topping. It pairs beautifully with fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience. For an added twist, consider serving it alongside Courtney'S Cookies for a fun dessert platter.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover Failure Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, slice a piece and microwave it for 15-20 seconds, or until warmed through. This cake also tastes delightful cold, so feel free to enjoy it straight from the fridge!

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Failure Cake contains roughly 384 calories, with 4g protein, 70g carbohydrates, and 10g fat.

384 kcal 19% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 3.8g 8% DV
Total Fat 10.4g 13% DV
Carbs 69.7g 25% DV
Fiber 0.8g 3% DV
Sugar 23.5g 47% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 314.8mg 14% DV
Potassium 131.6mg 3% DV
Cholesterol 52mg 17% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 37.8mcg 4% DV
Vitamin C 0.1mg
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 102.7mg 8% DV
Iron 0.9mg 5% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Milk Egg

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of cake mix?

Yes, you can experiment with different flavors of cake mix, such as chocolate or lemon. Just keep in mind that the overall flavor profile of the cake will change, so choose a mix that complements the cream cheese filling.

How do I know when the cake is done baking?

The cake is done when the edges start to pull away from the sides of the dish and the top is lightly golden. You can also insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it's ready to be taken out of the oven.

Can I freeze the Failure Cake?

Yes, you can freeze the Failure Cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. To serve, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and enjoy it cold or reheated.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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