The Best Birthday Cake in the Whole Wide World

When I was a teen, my mom found a new recipe.  It was called Angel Food Cake Delight.  Consisting of angel food cake, three layers of moussey chocolate filling, frosted with whipped cream and sprinkled with crushed Heath bars, this decadent dessert became my birthday favorite, which my mom would make for me year after year.  To this day, the tradition continues, and the confection has become the most requested birthday cake in my own home.  In recent years I have affectionately dubbed it, "The Best Birthday Cake in the Whole Wide World."

This year, I offered to make my own cake to follow the birthday dinner that we would enjoy at my parents' home.  I had decided that I'd take some pictures of the process and pass on the recipe, since I can't personally make enough for all my friends.  So I hope you will consider this my gift to you.  Seems that all the family and friends to whom I've ever served this have completely enjoyed it.....so I hope you will too.

The Best Birthday Cake in the Whole Wide World

aka Angel Food Cake Delight 

Mixing an angel food cake. 

1.  Start with angel food cake.  

I use a Betty Crocker mix, because it's an easy one-step method.  Of course, you could buy one ready-made (but I don't think they're quite as good) or you could make one from scratch if you're feeling really ambitious. 

It needs to cool upside down.

Ready for the oven in a tube pan.

Why do I cool my cake upside down on a bottle?  I just asked myself that question and realized.....because it's tradition!   My mom always did it that way (but I don't think it's actually necessary!)  :-)

2.  Cut cake into four layers.

I just leave the cake on the inner form while I cut the layers.  First cut it in half all the way around, and then cut each half in half.  (Note:  my mom always rubs off the toasty brown top layer, but this time I decided to just leave it.  I don't think it really matters unless the top gets too dark.)

Loosen from pan.

Cut into 4 layers.  The top becomes the bottom. 

  

3.  Filling:  

          *Melt chocolate chips.  I do this in the microwave because it's so easy.  (Takes 2 minutes in my old microwave, yours may heat faster.)  When the chocolate chips look shiny, stir them up.  Better to under-cook than over-cook. Set aside. 

           *Combine powdered sugar, butter, salt and vanilla;  beat together 5-7 minutes.  It will get very creamy and fluffy.  (For this lengthy part of the process, I am grateful for my old hand-me-down mixer.....from garage sale, to grandma, to my mom, to me!)

           *Then add the eggs, one at a time.  It will start to look curdled, like something is wrong, but it's not.  This is normal.  Lastly, add in the melted chocolate chips and blend. 
(Note:  The eggs will not get cooked, but its never presented a problem.) 

Creamy and smooth.

Combining the filling ingredients.

Looks like it's curdled.....but have no fear.....it's OK.

Frosting the layers:

Flip over one layer at a time onto cake plate.  Divide the filling evenly and spread between the layers of cake.  (Finally......lick the bowl and spatula clean.  Mmmm.....my favorite part of this cake!)

Ready to flip the last layer onto the top.

A little messy?  Who cares!

Whipped cream and crushed Heath - Oh my!

Topping:

Spread with whipped cream.  (Here again, you could make your own whipped cream, but by this point in the process, I am always happy to take the easy route.) 

Finally "sprinkle" on crushed Health bars.  The truth is, that on the sides of the cake, it gets a little messy.  I actually kind of toss and pat the Heath onto the sides.  (For a less messy and easier alternative:  Fold the crushed Heath bars into the whipped cream, reserving some to sprinkle on top, and then spread.)

The most important ingredients:

What really makes this cake "The Best Birthday Cake in the Whole Wide World?"  It's knowing that it's homemade with love, memories and tradition.  This year my mom surprised me with "Birthday Girl" candles, and also made me feel 50 years young with the butterfly plates.....too cute.....I love you, Mom!

I'm ready!

My mom and I.

The Best Birthday Cake in the Whole Wide World

•   1 angel food cake
•  1 cup chocolate chips
•  1 cup powdered sugar
•  3/4 cup butter
•  1/8 teaspoon salt
•  1/8 teaspoon salt
•  2 teaspoons vanilla
•   3 eggs
•  8 oz. carton Cool Whip
•  about 6 oz. crushed Health Bars 

Bake cake.  Cool and cut into 4 layers.

Filling:  Melt chocolate chips;  set aside.  Combine powdered sugar, butter, salt and vanilla;  beat together 5-7 minutes.  Then add chocolate chips.  Divide evenly and spread between layers of cake.

Topping:  Spread whipped cream on top and outside of cake, then top with crushed Heath bars.  (Or fold crushed Heath bars into whipped cream and then spread.)  

Chill before serving.