Surprise! Surprise! Cake
A delightful layered cake combining chocolate, cherry filling, and coconut pecan frosting, perfect for celebrations and parties, offering rich flavors and a sweet, nutty finish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Grease and flour a 9 x 13-inch cake pan.
- Mix the chocolate cake according to the package directions.
- Pour the cherry pie filling into the cake batter and gently swirl.
- Bake at 325°F (163°C) until the center is done, approximately 40 minutes.
- Remove from oven and spoon coconut pecan frosting onto the hot cake.
- Broil until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of almond extract to the cake mix. If you don’t have coconut pecan frosting, you can substitute with cream cheese frosting for a tangy twist. Make sure to swirl the cherry pie filling gently to avoid overmixing, which helps maintain a marbled effect.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delightful cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for added richness. It makes an excellent dessert for gatherings or celebrations and pairs beautifully with Easy Bread And Butter Pickles as a unique contrast. A fresh fruit salad can also complement the sweetness.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or until warm. For best results, enjoy it fresh after baking to savor the frosting's texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Surprise! Surprise! Cake contains roughly 404 calories, with 5g protein, 83g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is a good source of iron (17% of the Daily Value), protein (10% of the Daily Value), and calcium (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 869mg per serving (38% of the Daily Value).
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 make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cake a day in advance. Bake it, let it cool completely, and then store it covered at room temperature. Add the frosting just before serving to keep it fresh and bubbly.
What can I substitute for cherry pie filling?
If cherry pie filling isn’t available, you can use blueberry or raspberry pie filling as an alternative. Alternatively, homemade fruit compote can also work well for a fresh taste.
Is this recipe suitable for dietary restrictions?
This recipe contains gluten and dairy, so it may not be suitable for those on vegan recipes or gluten-free diets. You can explore gluten-free cake mixes and vegan frosting options to adapt it accordingly.
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).