Today is International Cake Day - Coffee, Chocolate & Cream Layered Delight!

Okay, just the name of this recipe is enough to get nearly everyone hungry for dessert! This simple recipe is completely enjoyable . . . and is one with which you are sure to be greeted by happy faces whenever you make it - what could be a better way to celebrate International Cake Day! Yes, today is International Cake Day and actually is National Cake Day, too, so before I get to the recipe, how about some fun cake facts - did you know . . .

• The word ‘cake’ itself is of Viking origin, and is derived from the Old Norse word ‘kaka.’
• Early cakes in England started off as regular bread, with the most obvious difference between them being their shape, that is, the more rounded, flat shape of cakes. 
• Cupcakes as we know them today were first referred to as cupcakes in the 19th century.
• The world record for eating cupcakes is a staggering 72 cupcakes in six minutes.
• In 1989, the city of Fort Payne, Alabama, baked the world's largest cake, weighing over 128,000 pounds! This colossal confection required multiple ovens and a team of bakers to create.
• The introduction of cake mixes in the 1930s revolutionized the baking industry, making it simpler and more convenient to whip up a delicious cake. 
• The most expensive cake ever made was valued at $35 million, created by designer Debbie Wingham. Adorned with over 4,000 diamonds and intricately detailed edible decorations, this cake was truly a masterpiece of culinary art.
• In 2004, a team of bakers in the United States set the Guinness World Record for the tallest cake, standing at a staggering height of 108 feet and 3 inches. 
• During World War II, red velvet cake was made using beetroot to enhance its color and texture when food coloring was scarce. This wartime adaptation gave rise to the popular red velvet cake enjoyed today.
• In 2019, competitive eater Joey Chestnut set the world record for devouring a 12-inch diameter cake in just 32.91 seconds, showcasing his impressive cake-eating skills.

You will find more cake facts at this link and this link. Now for the recipe - 

Ingredients -

• Your favorite chocolate cake - you may use a recipe from scratch or a box cake . . . your pick, but the key to this recipe is to replace the liquid with equal amounts of coffee - this is a tip from my sister, Loretta 
• so of course, coffee is an ingredient
• whipping cream - the real stuff
• pudding - chocolate, of course

Directions -

• bake the cake according to the directions in the recipe or on the box, but be sure to substitute the liquid for coffee
• allow cake to cool and cut into 1 to 2 inch squares
• mix whipping cream
• mix pudding
• in a large bowl put a layer of cake squares
• top with 1/3rd to 1/2 of pudding - depending on if your bowl is big enough for two or three layers
• top with 1/3 to 1/2 of the whipping cream
• repeat layers
• chill in the refrigerator
• enjoy!

This recipe is great fun for you to make with your grandchildren . . . they can help mix the cake, help with layering, and are certainly willing to help with the most important part . . . snatching and tasting! As you make this with your grandchildren, talk with them about the things which delight them. Encourage them to make time every day to bring delight to God by talking with Him because He delights in spending time with us!