Making a 16 Layer Chocolate Cake

Yes, you read that right … 16 layers!  I had never heard of this cake until we moved to the area where we live now.  It didn't take us long to learn that it is a very popular cake and once I had made one, that it is labor intensive to make as well.

I made one this morning for a lady in the community and took the time to take pictures as I went along.  At the end of the photos I'll share the recipe …

I made the icing first … this icing has to be stirred continually so that it doesn't stick, burn or scorch!

Next, I prepared the batter and filled 6 pans with 3/4 cup each and placed 3 of them in the oven after I had pre-heated it to 375 degrees.  The layers bake for 10 minutes.  When the first 3 layers came out I placed the next 3 in the oven.  I kept this routine going the entire time.

Here's the first layer.  I worked quickly to get each layer out of the pan and the pans refilled ready to go back in the oven.

I spread a thin layer of icing between each layer and then placed another layer on top.  I kept the layers going in the oven while layering and icing each layer as they came out.

Here's what the layers look like fresh out of the oven.  They are approximately 1/4 thick.

9 layers and adding more

All the layers, stacked with icing, completed.

In the container it goes!

I put it in the refrigerator along side the carrot cake I made on Monday for the same lady.  They are ready for pick-up/delivery!

Here's the recipe ...

16 Layer Chocolate Cake

1 box butter recipe cake mix (I use Duncan Hines)
1 and 1/2 cups self-rising flour
1 cup sugar
2 cups milk at room temperature
8 ozs sour cream
2 sticks butter at room temperature
6 eggs at room temperature
 

Mix all together

Spray cake pans with cooking spray
Put 3/4 cup batter in each pan and cook at 375 degrees for 10 minutes 
Spread frosting between each layer as you stack them.
 

Frosting

2/3 cup shortening
1/4 cup butter
3 cups sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup cocoa powder
3 cups evaporated milk

Mix all together and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until applesauce like consistency. Spread between layers, on sides and top of cake.

It takes me approximately 2 hours of continuous working from start to finish to complete one of these cakes!

Update 6/29/218:  A few comments have mentioned about making the layers thicker and using more icing … if you make the layers thicker, it changes the taste of the cake.  I know it sounds crazy but the combination of thin layers with a thin layer of icing between each gives it a unique flavor and taste.

patsi

A Working Pantry

She looketh well to the ways of her household … Proverbs 31:27

My pantry is intentional, purposeful, simple, practical, frugal and what works for my family.  It’s the food items and household supplies that keep my household running smoothly ready and available when they are needed.  It’s my contribution to our family’s economy and my work-from-home ‘job.'

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If you are encouraged by what you read here, please consider supporting this site via one of these ways. Your expressions of appreciation help me keep my pantry well-stocked!

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Reviving Prudence!

Do you remember Prudence, the sourdough starter I made from scratch last year and yes, I named her.  Last fall, I put her to rest by drying her and then grinding her up into a powder.  She has been in this state until the last few days when I removed a small amount and started the process of reviving a portion of her.  (She's been sitting on a pantry shelf at room temperature in her ground up state since last fall. She has not spent even one night in the refrigerator!)

We don't eat much bread, baked goods or pastry type concoctions so baking bread on a regular basis is not needed.  However, I do not want Prudence to die or become ineffective so every once in a while I revive her, bake a few loaves for various purposes and then put her back to sleep.

I'm in the process of doing that now!  I plan to make some bread crumbs and vacuum seal them in jars for future use.  Also, now that it's summer the twins will be visiting more often so our need for bread will increase.  I'll bake a few loaves, slice them, package them and freeze them individually, I'll take slices out of the freezer on an as needed basis, thaw and use as needed.

Prudence has woken up really well … Here are the instructions I used for 'waking' her up.

It's almost time to make and bake bread!!!

patsi

A Working Pantry

She looketh well to the ways of her household … Proverbs 31:27

You can view my privacy policy HERE.

If you are encouraged by what you read here, please consider supporting this site via one of these ways. Your expressions of appreciation help me keep my pantry well-stocked!

Thank you for using my Amazon affiliate link when placing your Amazon orders. I earn a small percentage that doesn't increase what you pay and it helps me keep my pantry well-stocked!

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links.  This means that if you click on the link and place an order, etc I earn a small fee at no increased cost to you. Thank you for your support through these means.