Nutella Bundt Cake

You all should know of my love for Nutella; I've spoken about it a lot. It might even be considered an addiction, at times. I have no regrets, though. (Ok, well, this is pregnant me talking, not trying-to-lose-the-baby-weight me.) I even got my grandma going on it, although I still think that's her own fault. (Really! We went down to Florida to visit them, and she bought TWO jars for the week we were there. Her reasoning is that they were buy one get one free. So, this pregnant lady ate a lot of Nutella that week, and of course Grandma had some too!) 

I've made this Nutella Bundt Cake a couple times, and it is always a HUGE HIT. Even before it gets into the oven, because I practically lick out the bowl for both the cake and the frosting. ;) It's very rich, but not so rich you can't eat a really big piece. Or two.  OK, maybe I'm the only one who could eat two, but baby LOVES Nutella. It makes her happy.

Anyways, back to the cake... this was my contribution to Easter dinner yesterday, and the reason Mama always lets me make desserts for everything. It was, of course, a huge hit. I recommend making it for any and all upcoming occasions, because everyone loves it. And that's without even getting into JUST how easy this is. You literally just mix all the cake ingredients together for a few minutes, then pour into a well-greased bundt pan and bake it. The frosting is just as easy-- mix the 3 frosting ingredients together for a few minutes, then spread over the cake. Delicious, easy, and a crowd pleaser!

Remember, comments are loved! What's your favorite Nutella dessert?

Printable Recipe

Nutella Bundt Cake

Ingredients

Cake:

• 1 box chocolate cake mix (Devils food)
• 1 small box chocolate pudding mix (3.9 ounces)
• ½ cup Sour Cream
• ½ cup Nutella
• ¾ cup Oil
• ¾ cup Water
• ½ cup Sugar
• 4 Eggs
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla

Frosting:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• ¼ cup Nutella
• chopped hazelnuts for garnish, optional

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°, heavily grease a large bundt pan.
2. In a large bowl, mix all cake ingredients together for 3 minutes on high. Pour into pan.
3. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let sit in pan for 5 minutes, then invert onto a cooling rack.
4. While cake is cooling make frosting: In a medium bowl combine cream cheese, powdered sugar, and Nutella; beat on high until creamy.
5. Scoop frosting into a large ziplock bag and cut a hole in the corner of the bag, or use a piping bag with a large round tip. (Or, do what I do, and just spread it over til it looks kinda pretty.)
6. When cake is completely cooled, pipe the frosting over the cake in a back and forth method. Sprinkle chopped hazelnuts over the top if desired.

Yield/Time

1 hour 15 minutes

Approximately 20 servings

Nutrition Facts

372

Note:

You can make double layer (for a VERY LARGE GROUP): make 2 cakes, then when both are cooled place one cake upside down on serving tray. Spread layer of frosting over the top, then place second cake on top. (Makes a sphere-like cake.) Drizzle frosting over top as directed.

Source (for original): Chef in Training

Easter Oreo Bark

Easter is coming up shockingly fast. The whole month of March, I kept telling myself I had lots of time for Easter goodies, none of that is til after our vacation anyways...

Well, we've been back for a week, and Easter is next week. Time to get on top of it! I'm still planning my contributions to Easter dinner with the family, but I wanted to get a few fun goodies for the kids going.

I have a couple things that are fun for the boys to make-- Easter Marshmallow Bark, and Easter Oreo Bark. (Similar... kinda.) I know my mom really enjoys things similar to the oreo bark, so I made that tonight as a thank you for some stuff she's done lately! I had two super cute helpers, too. They were both pretty excited, they love making things like this.

(This picture is actually from last year, when I didn't add peanuts.)

Oh, and FYI: All measurements are rough. I just add things until it looks like enough. ;) This is really something that you can just add whatever you have to, and it'll be yummy. I've done similar things subbing pretzels, Reese's Pieces... I can't even remember. Whatever I had handy!


Remember, comments are loved! (And show me that people are actually reading this.) What's your favorite Easter treat?

Printable Recipe

Easter Oreo Bark

Ingredients

• 1 package vanilla candy coating
• ¼ cup Easter/Spring M&Ms
• 8 Oreos, crushed
• Easter Sprinkles
• ¼ cup peanuts (salted)

Directions

1. Line a 13”x9” baking pan with aluminum foil. 
2. Melt package of candy coating in double boiler, stirring frequently until all melted. Pour into prepared pan, spread thinly.
3. Sprinkle on M&M’s, Oreos, sprinkles, and peanuts. Place in freezer for half hour. Break into pieces.

Yield/Time

30 pieces

1 hour

Nutrition Facts

107

Source (for original): Lil Luna

Chili Cheddar Penne

Sorry for no post last week, we were on vacation! My plans of having a post or two prepared before we left went out the window with prep for vacation, so I'll try to make it up this week. :) (On the plus side, we thoroughly enjoyed spending a week in the sunshine state!)

This entree/side dish is something that has been one of my favorites for a LONG time. The boys love it too! When I made it last, Gabriel had 4ish helpings... Nate, however, just isn't very fond of it; I've never figured out why. I try not to make it too often, knowing that he's not a fan, but I can't resist sometimes! I tone the spice down a little while making it for my family, but you could definitely add as much seasoning as you wanted!

To make this into more of a one-dish meal, add some grilled chicken!

Remember, comments are loved! What's your favorite one-dish meal?

Printable Recipe

Chili Cheddar Penne

Ingredients

• 2 ⅔ cups uncooked penne pasta
• ⅔ cup frozen corn, thawed
• 1 ½ tablespoons butter
• ½ green pepper, diced very small
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 cup milk
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 roma or 1 regular tomatoes, diced (or 1 can, drained)
• ½-¾ tablespoon taco seasoning
• Sliced avocado, optional

Directions

1. Cook pasta according to package directions, adding corn approximately 4 minutes before done. 
2. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, saute green pepper until crisp-tender in butter. Set aside. 
3. Stir in flour until smooth; gradually add milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened.
4. Reduce heat to medium. Stir in cheese, tomatoes, and taco seasoning. Cook and stir for 2-3 minutes or until cheese is melted. 
5. Drain pasta; stir into cheese sauce. Garnish with avocado if desired.

Yield/Time

6 Servings

Prep/Total Time: 25 min.

Nutrition Facts *I calculate nutrition facts for reference only, this is not done scientifically

179 per ½ cup.

Source (for original): Taste of Home