1 package dark chocolate cake mix (regular size)
1 package (3.9 ounces) instant chocolate pudding mix
4 large eggs, room temperature
1 cup sour cream
3/4 cup canola oil
3/4 cup water
FROSTING:
3-3/4 cups confectioners' sugar
1/3 cup baking cocoa
1 cup butter, softened
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 to 5 tablespoons 2% milk
8 ounces each red, yellow and orange candy coating disks, melted separately
2 black nonpareils
1Preheat oven to 350°. Line bottoms of 3 greased 8-in. round baking pans with parchment; grease paper. In a large bowl, combine the first 6 ingredients; beat on low speed for 30 seconds. Beat on medium for 2 minutes. Transfer batter to prepared pans.
2Bake until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean, 35 to 40 minutes. Cool in pans 10 minutes before removing to wire racks; remove paper. Cool completely.
3For frosting, sift confectioners' sugar and cocoa together. In a large bowl, beat butter and vanilla until blended. Beat in confectioners' sugar mixture. Beat in enough milk to reach desired consistency. Spread frosting between layers and over top and sides of cake.
4For decorations, place each color of melted candy coating in a piping bag fitted with a medium round tip; pipe various size circles of each color onto parchment. Drag the back of an offset spatula through each circle, creating oblong shapes for turkey feathers. Let stand until set.
5Arrange turkey feathers upright into top of cake. Using a small round tip, pipe melted white candy coating into two small discs, adding a black nonpareil in the center for the eyes. With another small round tip, pipe melted red candy coating into a comma shape for the wattle. Cut a yellow candy coating disc into a triangle for the beak. Attach eyes, beak, and wattle to the front of the cake using extra frosting.
Total Time
Prep: 30 Min. Bake: 40 Min. + Cooling
Switch things up this Thanksgiving with a whimsical turkey cake that will delight your guests. This fun dessert is a fantastic alternative to the traditional pies, as well as a creative baking project for getting the kids involved.
Nutrition Facts
1 slice: 736 calories, 40g fat (23g saturated fat), 82mg cholesterol, 440mg sodium, 91g carbohydrate (74g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.