Mom’s Best Layer Cakes- Peter Paul Cake

Everyone loves my mom’s cakes, and this Peter Paul Cake was definitely popular. Mom’s love of sweets is legendary in our extended family. Her brothers and sisters frequently tease her about her sweet tooth. Growing up, hardly a day went by that we did not have home baked goodies in our house. Naturally she always baked a fabulous cake for our frequent big family gatherings.

This cake is amazingly quick and easy, but there is nothing “short cut” about the taste of the Peter Paul Cake. The layers are dark, rich chocolate. The coconut frosting soaks into the layers, making the cake gooey and decadent.

I guess most people refer to the cake as the Peter Paul Mounds Cake, referring to the candy bar. I never made the connection as a kid. I didn’t particularly like the candy bar. I preferred the sister bar, Almond Joy. This cake is in a whole other league from the candy bar.

I would encourage even an inexperienced cook to try this recipe. You could throw a dinner party and really impress your friends. You could whip up this cake in no time. Then turn your attention to your entrée and sides, for a truly impressive dinner party. Any minor flubs on the meal will be forgotten when you end your dinner with Peter Paul Cake.

1 box double dutch cake mix

1 cup buttermilk

1 teaspoon baking soda

3 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla

1- Combine chocolate cake mix, soda, buttermilk, eggs and vanilla with mixer.

2- Pour batter into 3 greased and dusted 9” layer cake pans, evenly divided.

3- Bake at 325 degrees for 25 minutes or until done. Alternatively you could bake in a sheet cake pan for 45 minutes.

4. Cool layers on a towel or cooling rack.

1 c evaporated milk

1 ½ c sugar

20 large marshmallows

2 c flaked coconut

1- Combine milk and sugar in a saucepan and heat to a low boil.

2- To milk-sugar mixture add marshmallows. Cook slowly until the marshmallows dissolve.

3- Add coconut. Stir to combine.

4- Ice tops of layers. The icing will seep into the layers. This makes an incredibly moist cake.