StepGrandma's 4 Layer Cake -- OMG!

Ok, this cake has stories, I tell you, stories, behind it. It is my mother in laws legendary 4 layer cake, JAM packed with everything sinfully good! It is her most requested dish at family and friends functions. And I am lucky enough to have gotten the recipe from her. And she has given me permission to share it with you. Here she is.Meet Geri- My Mother-in-Law. My childrens "StepGrandma" as they love to call her.

Isn't She Lovely?

Isnt She Wonderful?

Well, I know you don't know her, but after trying her cake, you will think she is too. Thanks for sharing with us, StepGrandma!!!

One of the best things about this recipe is that it is pretty easy, and whacks you with a ton of flavor! It is favored by both children and adults. Do you remember my FFHs(Firefighter Husband) Captain -My Darryl-- well, this is another of his favorites . He even requested I make it for his birthday!

Presentation of the cake is gorgeous as it is majestically tall and the chocolate mousse like frosting makes it soo appealing. It does use a boxed cake mix, but so what, sometimes we can get by with a little help from our friends.

StepGrandma's Cake

1 Box yellow cake mix

1 box small instant vanilla pudding

4 eggs

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1 cup water

3/4 cup coconut

**Note about the coconut: Please toast it first. Place coconut in a 350 oven

for 5-7 minutes until lightly browned. Let cool. Definitely adds to the flavor StepGrandma says.

1/2 cup chocolate sprinkles

1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts

**Note about the walnuts: If you buy them packaged, chopped, like this

then you will have to chop them just a bit more finely, like this (lends to better texture, StepGrandma says)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350. Mix the cake mix,

the vanilla instant pudding mix,4 eggs,1/2 cup vegetable oil,and 1 cup water in a large bowl with your mixer. Mix for about 2 minutes on medium speed. For this recipe, I use an electric hand mixer rather than my kitchen aid.. dont know why, just do.

Add the sprinkles, the walnuts, and the toasted cocount to the batter. Fold these into the mixed batter. It starts to smell really good at this point.

Grease 2 round 8 inch baking pans with baking spray. I use this:

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans:

Just look at all those goodies just waiting to be baked!! Nice thick, rich, goody-laden batter.

Bake for about 40 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool and remove from pans.

ANOTHER Hint from StepGrandma, very important hint. Once cooled, wrap these gorgeous cakes in reynolds wrap and stick them in the freezer for a spell. You will be slicing each cake in half to make 4 rounds and the time in the freezer aids in this process!!!

Meanwhile, make the frosting.

You will need:

1 pint heavy cream

1 pint milk

1 large instant chocolate pudding mix

Beat all three ingredients together with an electric mixer until you get some soft peaks.

Take your mixers, and your empty bowl,

and give them to your children to enjoy, before you lick them yourself. Because you will.

Take the cake rounds out of the freezer and cut each in half to from 4 layers.

Lay one on the bottom of your cake dish, and begin to spread with the oh so creamy frosting.

Add another layer, please lay the frosting on thick, it'll do you good.

I know my layers aren't even, but no one will see once its done.

Add another layer of frosting and cake,Yes, it is ok, if you put so much on it oozes out the side, who really cares if its a New Year! After having this cake, just turn to your best friend, like I do. Use it wisely.

Go ahead, make your day and add the final layer!Nope, not done. Continue to frost the sides and smooth it all out. You may decorate any way you like. With more sprinkles, chocolate curls, cherries. Go to town on it.See how tall the cake is. Here is my son trying to steal a bite. Meet RJ.

This cake is best refrigerated before eaten. It is so darn good.

MMMM, look at the layers As Emeril would say,"Oh Yeah, babe."

Come back soon, StepGrandma. We miss you.

And bring the gosh darn cake, too.