Mandi's Garden

Delicious chocolate cake designed to look like a carrot garden.

stand mixer, stove/oven, rolling pin, spoons/spatulas, piping bags

Heat the oven to 350 degrees and prepare a 9 inch baking pan with baking spray.

In a large mixing bowl combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder. baking soda, salt, and espresso powder. In a second and slightly smaller bowl mix together milk, oil, eggs, and vanilla. Then combine the two mixtures together.

Measurements

2 cups flour

2 cups sugar

3/4 cups cocoa powder

2 tsps baking powder

1 1/2 tsps baking soda

1 tsp salt

1 tsp espresso powder

1 cup milk

1/2 cup vegetable oil

2 eggs

2 tsps vanilla

Pour the mixture into the pan, bake in oven for 30-35 minutes then let cool. Once adequately cooled cut the top of the cake to create a flat surface.

Using a plastic bag and then a food processor, puree the berries (blackberries, blueberries, and strawberries). Add pureed berries, butter, and powdered sugar into stand mixer and mix on a lower setting to avoid spilling.

Measurements

1/2 cup blackberries

1/2 cup blueberries

1/2 cup strawberries

1/2 cups (3 sticks) butter

6 cups powdered sugar

Melt marshmallows, water, and shortening in the microwave for 20 seconds. Pour into stand mixer and combine with dough hook. Add powdered sugar and mix until combined. Once the fondant becomes too thick too use the mixer begin to knead it on the counter. Cover counter in shortening to keep fondant from sticking. Separate fondant into three parts, use food coloring to color one green and another orange, the final batch should remain white. Use a rolling pin to roll out the green fondant in such a way that it covers the sides of the cake. Use hands to shape the fondant into the shapes of carrots and a bunny.

Measurements

16 oz marshmallows

32 oz powdered sugar

1 tbsp water

1 tsp shortening

Cover the sides of the cake with fondant and the top with frosting and crumbled up pieces of left over cake from shaping the top of the cake. Place carrot and bunny fondant figures on top of the cake. Enjoy the adorable final product!!!