Chocolate M&M Celebration Cake

Celebrate with a fun and delicious Chocolate M&M Cake! This rich chocolate cake is layered with creamy chocolate frosting and topped with colorful M&M’s and sprinkles, perfect for any festive occasion.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water

For the Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Decoration:

• 1 cup M&M’s candy
• Sprinkles or additional chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cake:

• Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
• Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
• Combine Wet Ingredients: Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth. Stir in boiling water until well combined.
• Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

2. Prepare the Frosting:

• Beat Ingredients: Beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder, alternating with heavy cream, and beat until smooth. Mix in vanilla extract.

3. Assemble and Decorate:

• Frost Cake: Frost the cooled cake layers with chocolate frosting.
• Decorate: Top with M&M’s and additional sprinkles or chocolate chips if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Baking Time: 30-35 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Servings: 12 slices

Variations

• Flavor Twist: Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the cake batter for a mocha flavor.
• Frosting Options: Use cream cheese frosting for a tangy contrast.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Reheating: The cake is best served at room temperature. Allow it to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of candy for decoration?

• Yes, you can use any type of candy or chocolate chips.

1. How do I prevent the cake from sticking to the pan?

• Grease and flour the pans well or use parchment paper to line the bottoms.

1. Can I make this cake ahead of time?

• Yes, you can bake and frost the cake a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container.

1. What if my cake is domed on top?

• Level the cake layers with a knife before frosting for a smooth finish.

1. Can I freeze the cake?

• Yes, wrap the cooled cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw before frosting.

1. How can I make the frosting thicker?

• Add more powdered sugar to the frosting if it’s too thin.

1. Can I use low-fat ingredients?

• For best results, use full-fat ingredients. Low-fat substitutions may affect the texture and taste.

1. What should I do if the frosting is too sweet?

• Add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.

1. Can I use a different frosting flavor?

• Yes, you can use vanilla or cream cheese frosting instead of chocolate.

1. How can I get the M&M’s to stick better?
   • Press the M&M’s gently into the frosting to ensure they stick well.

Conclusion

This Chocolate M&M Celebration Cake is a delightful treat for any celebration. With its rich chocolate layers, creamy frosting, and festive M&M topping, it’s sure to be a hit at your next party or gathering. Enjoy every delicious bite!