box cake mix makeover...

are you ever intimidated to bring a dessert to a dinner party?  here is the secret to turning your ordinary boxed cake mix into something special!  the secret is in the pan!  you can find fancy pans all over, but i like the "maryann" pan.

the "maryann" pan has pretty edges and a well in the middle so you can add jam, whipped cream, lemon curd or fudge.  here is how i made my chocolate raspberry cake.

ingredients:

1 box of chocolate cake mix
1 container of raspberries
1 container of blackberries
1/2 cup raspberry jam
1 container of heavy whipping cream
1 t. vanilla extract
2 tb. sugar

how to:

make your favorite chocolate cake mix as instructed on box and make in "maryann" pan...(make sure to butter and flour your pan very well)

after cake has cooled, flip it over onto a pretty plate.  i like to spread the raspberry jam while the cake is still slightly warm, so it absorbs into the cake.

next step is to make the whipped cream.  of course you could substitute store bought whipped cream.  use a handmixer to beat the heavy whipping cream until firm, then add vanilla and sugar.

just for fun, i added a couple drops of red food coloring to make a pretty pink color.

spread a thick and even layer of whipped cream on your cake...

once your whipped cream layer is finished, you can decorate with the berries...

this cake is easy and delicious and everyone will think you are a fantastic baker!

some other flavor combinations could be:

~yellow cake, lemon curd, blueberries
~chocolate cake, orange marmalade, whipped cream, orange zest
~white cake, raspberry jam, whipped cream, strawberries