Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup green and black jelly beans
Special Equipment Needed:
- 9-inch round cake pan
- Electric mixer
- Whisk
- Spatula
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. Beat in vanilla extract.
6. Add dry ingredients alternately with buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.
7. Fold in chocolate chips.
8. Pour batter into prepared pan.
9. Arrange jelly beans in a caterpillar shape on top of the cake.
10. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
11. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before turning out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Time:
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Temperature: 350°F
Serving Size: 12
Nutritional Information (per serving):
Calories: 437
Fat: 19 g
Carbohydrates: 58 g
Protein: 5 g
Substitutions for Ingredients
- For the all-purpose flour, you can substitute with gluten-free flour.
- For the butter, you can substitute with vegan butter or coconut oil.
- For the granulated sugar, you can substitute with coconut sugar or maple syrup.
- For the buttermilk, you can substitute with almond milk or coconut milk.
Variations:
- For a different flavor, you can substitute the chocolate chips with white chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, or butterscotch chips.
- You can also use different colored jelly beans to create a different caterpillar design.
Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure the butter is softened before creaming it with the sugar.
- Make sure to mix the batter until it is just combined, but do not overmix.
- Let the cake cool completely before serving.
Storage Instructions:
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions:
Reheat the cake in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes.
Presentation Ideas:
- Serve the cake on a platter surrounded by jelly beans.
- Decorate the cake with edible flowers.
Garnishes:
- Whipped cream
- Chocolate shavings
- Sprinkles
Pairings:
- Ice cream
- Fresh fruit
- Hot chocolate
Suggested Side Dishes:
- Fruit salad
- Potato salad
- Coleslaw
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the cake is too dry, add a little more buttermilk to the batter.
- If the cake is too wet, add a little more flour to the batter.
Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure all ingredients are fresh and not expired.
- Make sure to wash your hands before handling any ingredients.
Food History:
Caterpillar cakes have been around since the 1950s and have been a popular dessert for children's birthday parties.
Flavor Profiles:
This cake has a sweet and buttery flavor with hints of chocolate from the chips and a crunchy texture from the jelly beans.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a scoop of ice cream.
- Serve with a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
- Serve with a dollop of whipped cream.
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Taste: Sweet, Chocolatey, Moist, Creamy, Nutty