Semi Homemade: “Cinna•Choco•Café” Cake

“Always arrive to a party with a gift- whether for the host/hostess or guest of honor. It’s an expression of gratitude for them extending an invitation and work that was put into the event”~ Angel

Whenever Walmart puts their seasonal cake mixes on clearance, I grab a few and stash them in my pantry. They always come in handy for a bake sale the children may have, or in this case, a hostess gift.
I’m pretty big on etiquette and therefore I never arrive to an event empty handed. I was invited to two parties over the weekend; I was pretty drained from work, and although I responded that I would attend, I was reconsidering. Not showing up is rude so I pushed myself to go and realized I didn’t have time to pick up a dessert for the hostess (I usually bring a dessert or bottle if nothing was requested). I opened my pantry to boxes of instant pudding, Jell-O (great for Jell-O shots), brownie, cake and cookie mixes- VOILA! Although they are boxed items, I add my personal touch which makes it semi homemade! Below is my pull it out the pantry concoction:

TRIPLE LAYER CINNA•CHOCO•CAFE CAKE

1 box Pillsbury Cinnamon Bun cake mix (baked as directed in 2- 9” round pans)
1 box Ghirardelli Dark Chocolate Brownie mix (baked as directed in 1-  9” round pan)

Café Cream Cheese Frosting

4 cups confectioners sugar
4 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 stick of sweet unsalted butter (softened)
2- 8 oz packs of cream cheese (softened)
¼ cup instant coffee
chocolate sprinkles (optional for garnish)

Instructions:
While cakes and brownie are cooling, prepare the frosting:
•In a bowl use electric mixer on medium to blend powdered sugar, vanilla, cream cheese and butter for 3 minutes.
•Add instant coffee and mix 1 minute.
•Trim the round humps off the tops of the cakes (discard or save for the kids to snack on along with the leftover frosting)
•Cover cake plate with wax paper (cut in two, laid side by side on plate)
•Starting with cinnamon cake, place trimmed side up and generously cover the top with about ½ cup of frosting.
•Second, add brownie and do the same, the third layer (cinnamon cake) is placed trimmed side down so the super flat bottom is now the flat top of the cake.
•Slather frosting on the top and sides being sure to fill all gaps on the sides between the layers.
•Top with chocolate sprinkles.
•Lastly, remove the wax paper one sheet at a time leaving a clean plate!

This cake is beautiful and delicious! The cinnamon, dark chocolate and coffee flavored icing all compliment each other as well as the different textures of soft fluffy cake, firm rich brownie and creamy frosting. I suggest slicing the cake for the guests since it’s 3 layers, the slices don’t have to be too thick. Serves 10-12. If you try the recipe and like it please share in the comments and on social media! Bon Appetit!  Be well…Be blessed….Be balanced! C’est la vie!