Kahlua Cake

Kahlua Cake another successful pot luck treat. Great crowd pleaser.
Here are the variations I have made with this recipe so pick one you would like to try! They are all easy to do and require a basic box cake mix.

Recipe #1

1 chocolate cake mix
1/2 cup of Kahlua
1 container of Cool Whip
1 package of chocolate pudding
2 cups of milk
Chocolate shavings or chopped pieces of candy: Heath Bar or Skor Candy Bar

Bake cake in a 9" by 13" pan. Let cool

While in the pan, poke holes in the other layer then poor Kahlua over it. Let it sit for one hour in the refrigerator.
Break cake up into chunks.

Make pudding as directed on package.

Assemble in a trifle bowl* or a clear glass bowl the following layers:
First layer: 1/3 of the Cool Whip
Second layer: 1/2 of cake,
Third layer: half of the pudding
Repeat layers.
Top with remaining 1/3 whipped cream.
Sprinkle with chocolate shavings or the Heath Bar or Skor Bar pieces, chopped.

Recipe #2: Another method of assembly:
After cake is baked and cooled, break into pieces and put in the trifle bowl.
Pour the Kahlua over the cake. Let it sit for an hour in the refrigerator to firm it up.
Pour all the pudding over the cake.
Put all the whipped cream on the cake.
Top with the chocolate shavings.

Recipe #3: This one is an all in one, just mix all ingredients bake and serve.
You will need a 10 inch greased and floured bundt pan.

One chocolate cake mix (18.5 oz box)
4 eggs
1 cup of sour cream
1 cup of Kahlua or coffee liqueur
1 - 6 oz package of semi-sweet chocolate chips
3/4 cup of vegetable oil
Cool Whip or the like
Shaved chocolate
Strawberries (optional)

Mix all ingredients except the chocolate chips in a bowl.
Combine, blend then mix on high speed for 3-5 minutes.
Add chocolate chips and mix thoroughly.
Pour into the greased and floured 10 inch bundt pan.

Bake at 350 degrees for 55 to 60 minutes. Test to make sure cake is done.
Let cool in pan for 30 minutes.
Remove from pan and let cool completely on a rack.
Put on a serving dish. Refrigerate until serving time.

Slice cake and add dollop of whipped cream with a strawberry on top and chocolate shavings.

For all three cakes: refrigerate leftovers.

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What is a trifle bowl?
It is a deep bowl that is usually clear and on a pedestal. Trifle was a common colonial dessert of layers of cake, cream and berries brought from English settlers.

Some trifle bowls are very fancy and elegant (like from Waterford, Shannon, Wexford, or Tipperary Glass) so the presentation is stunning. Just make sure you are in good shape to carry these exquisite expensive but heavy bowls.

Less expensive bowls can be bought and are usually priced $12.00 (WalMart) to $50.00 (Macy's) depending on where you buy them. At Christmas, there are many in the stores. Some people leave fruit in them OR for Christmas, fill them with fancy ball ornaments and leave them as a table centerpiece.

There are plenty of recipes out there to put in a trifle bowl: search Trifle recipes to find more