For the first time ever, I am not able to celebrate my son's birthday with him this year. He is away at college, 1000 miles away. We mailed him a card and gifts and we Skype'd so the whole family could be 'together' and we sang happy birthday and watched him open his gifts, but the Mom in me was still sad that we've turned the page to another new chapter in parenting. He turned 20. How is this even possible!?
In honor of my 'baby' boy I'm reposting his cake from the original website post date in 2006. This was his cake that year and is so amazing, so delicious and so like a Ho-Ho that you may just want to make this cake for as many birthdays as you can. Or for holidays. Or random Tuesdays in September.... ha ha. Enjoy.
Ho Ho Cake
Cake:
1 dark chocolate devils food cake mix (brand name, not store brand)
1 1/4 c water
3 eggs
1/2 c canola oil
Make the cake according to directions and bake in (2) 8 or 9 inch round pans. Follow the timing on the box (averages 32 minutes). Let cool completely. Slice the tops off to make them completely flat and even.
Filling:
1 cup sugar
6 oz. evaporated milk
1/2 c butter
1 T vanilla
2/3 c shortening
1/8 t salt
Icing:
1 container store bought dark fudge frosting
Beat the filling ingredients until light and fluffy. With a KitchenAid mixer this only takes about 3 minutes. With a handheld it may take up to 7-8 before it comes together. Spread the filling over the cooled cake and top with the second cake. Press down lightly to flatten and make even.
Microwave the frosting for about 20 seconds until it's pourable. Drizzle the frosting over the sides and then pour 1/2 - 3/4 on top. Smooth with a butter knife, spatula or frosting knife.
Cover loosely and refrigerate at least 24 hours.
