Crown Jewel Layer Cake Recipes

Steps:

• Make the cake: Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Butter two 8-inch-round cake pans and dust with cocoa powder, tapping out the excess. Combine the butter, milk and 1/2 cup water in a saucepan and bring to a simmer. Transfer to a large bowl, add the cocoa powder and granulated sugar and whisk until smooth. Let cool slightly, about 5 minutes.
• Whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a medium bowl; set aside. Whisk the eggs and vanilla into the cocoa mixture, then stir in the flour mixture in two additions until just combined (it's OK if there are a few small lumps). Divide the batter between the prepared pans; tap the pans against the counter to remove any air bubbles. Bake until a toothpick inserted into the centers comes out with a few moist crumbs, about 35 minutes. Let cool 10 minutes in the pans, then run a knife around the edges and invert onto a rack to cool completely.
• Make the frosting: Put the white chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring, until smooth; let cool. Beat the butter and salt in a large bowl with a mixer on medium speed until fluffy, about 3 minutes. Beat in the melted white chocolate until combined. Gradually beat in the confectioners' sugar until smooth and fluffy; beat in the vanilla. (If the frosting is too soft to spread, chill about 15 minutes.)
• Place one cake layer on a platter and spread with one-third of the frosting. Top with the second cake layer; cover the whole cake with the remaining frosting. Top with shaved white and dark chocolate.

Steps:

• Make the cake: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Coat two 8-inch round cake pans with cooking spray; line the bottoms with parchment paper. Coat the parchment with cooking spray and dust the bottom and side of each pan with flour, tapping out the excess. Whisk the flour, baking powder and salt in a medium bowl; set aside.
• Beat the butter and sugar in a large bowl with a mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, 3 to 5 minutes. Reduce the speed to low; add the egg yolks one at a time, making sure each is incorporated before adding the next. Beat in the vanilla. Beat in the flour mixture in 3 batches, alternating with the milk in 2 batches, until just incorporated. (It's OK if the batter looks curdled.) Increase the speed to medium and beat 1 more minute.
• Divide the batter between the prepared pans and spread evenly. Bake, rotating the pans halfway through, until the tops are golden and spring back when lightly pressed, about 40 minutes. Let cool 15 minutes in the pans, then run a knife around the sides of the pans to loosen. Turn out onto a rack to cool completely; discard the parchment.
• Make the frosting: Bring a few inches of water to a simmer in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk the egg whites, sugar and golden syrup in the bowl of a stand mixer. Set the bowl over the saucepan; cook, whisking, until the sugar dissolves, the egg whites become frothy and the mixture is warm, about 5 minutes. Transfer the bowl to the stand mixer and beat with the whisk attachment on medium-high speed until stiff glossy peaks form. Switch to the paddle attachment. Beat in the vanilla, then beat in the butter a few pieces at a time until smooth. (It's OK if the frosting looks separated; keep beating.)
• Cut a 3 1/2-inch hole from the center of one cake layer with a paring knife; set the cake layer and the cutout aside. Score a 3 1/2-inch circle in the center of the other cake layer, then scoop out the middle without going all the way to the bottom; carefully transfer the cake to a serving plate. Spread the top of the scooped-out cake (but not inside the hole) with 1 cup frosting. Top with the other cake layer and pour the M&M's into the hole. Slicing horizontally, cut off the top 1/2 inch from the reserved cutout to make a thin round; place on top of the candies to form a lid.
• Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting. Refrigerate until just firm, about 20 minutes. Dip a small dry brush in luster dust; tap and brush all over the cake.

Steps:

• Prepare the first three Jell-O packages (orange, cherry and lime) using one cup of boiling water and 1/2 cup of cold water for each flavors. Pour each mixture into separate 8-inch square glass pans. Chill overnight until the they are firmed. Combine the lemon Jell-O package, granulated sugar and one cup of boiling water. Stir until the Jell-O and sugar dissolve. Stir in pineapple juice. Chill until it is slightly solidified but not firm. Cut the firm Jell-O into 1/2 inch cubes. Follow the directions in the package to prepare the Dream Whip. Mix the Dream Whip with the lemon Jell-O done previously. Gently fold in the three colors of Jell-O cubes. Spoon into 9-inch springform pan. Chill at least five hours or overnight. Run a knife or a spatula between the edges of the pan to remove sides of cake. Spread additional whipped topping on top and the sides before serving.

Steps:

• 1. Prepare the orange, cherry, and lime gelatin separately, using 1 cup boiling water and 1/2 cup cold water for each. Pour each flavor into a separate 8-inch square pan. Chill until firm - at least 3 hours or overnight. Cut into 1/2-inch cubes. Set aside a few of each flavor for garnish. Dissolve lemon gelatin and sugar in 1 cup boiling water, stir in pineapple juice. Chill until slightly thickened. Prepare both envelopes of whipped topping mix as directed on package. Blend into the slightly thickened lemon gelatin. Fold in gelatin cubes. Spoon into 9-inch springform. Chill until firm - at least 5 hours or overnight. Just before serving, run a spatula around sides of pan; then gently remove sides. Garnish top with reserved gelatin cubes.

Steps:

• Coat a 2 1/2-quart ovenproof bowl with cooking spray. Prepare the cake mix as directed; pour into the bowl. Bake at 325 degrees F until a toothpick comes out clean, about 1 hour. Let cool completely.
• Unmold the cake from the bowl and position rounded-side down. Using a long serrated knife, trim off the domed top to make the cake level.
• Use a small serrated knife to cut a circle into the top of the cake, about 3/4 inch in from the edge and 1 1/2 inches deep. Use your fingers or a fork to pull out the cake in the middle.
• Flip the cake over and place on a cardboard circle or plate lined with wax paper. Cover the rounded side with frosting, leaving the flat base unfrosted.
• Cut out a small cardboard circle and place on the unfrosted base. Flip the cake over onto another piece of wax paper.
• Frost the lip and the inside of the cake (the inside doesn't have to be perfect-it will be covered with ice cream). Transfer to the freezer until the frosting sets, 30 minutes.
• Dip an offset spatula in hot water and wipe dry; smooth out the frosting.
• Microwave the ice cream until softened but not melted. Scoop into the cavity of the cake and smooth with the spatula.
• Sprinkle the cereal on top and gently press into the ice cream. Freeze until firm, at least 2 hours. Add a spoon before serving.

Steps:

• Make the cake: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper, then butter the parchment. Dust the pans with flour and tap out any excess.
• Whisk the flour, malted milk powder, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a large bowl. Beat the butter and sugar in a separate large bowl with a mixer on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 6 minutes. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then beat in the vanilla. Reduce the mixer speed to low; beat in the flour mixture in three batches, alternating with the buttermilk. Beat until smooth, about 1 more minute.
• Divide the batter between the prepared pans; tap on the counter to remove any air bubbles. Bake until a toothpick inserted into the centers of the cakes comes out clean, 30 to 35 minutes. Transfer to a rack; run a knife around the edges of the cakes and let cool 10 minutes, then turn out the cakes onto the rack to cool completely. Discard the parchment.
• Meanwhile, make the frosting: Whisk the milk, malted milk powder, flour, cocoa powder and salt in a small saucepan until combined. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, whisking, until the mixture is thick like pudding, 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and press plastic wrap directly onto the surface. Refrigerate until completely cool, about 11/2 hours.
• When you¿re ready to assemble the cake, finish the frosting: Remove the malted mixture from the refrigerator and whisk until creamy. Beat the butter and sugar in a large bowl with a mixer on medium-high speed until fluffy, about 8 minutes. Add large spoonfuls of the malted mixture, beating 1 to 2 minutes after each addition and scraping down the bowl as needed (the frosting will look separated). Continue beating until the frosting comes together and is light and fluffy, about 3 more minutes. (Do not chill!)
• Assemble the cake: Place 1 cake layer on a platter. Spread with 1 heaping cup of the frosting. Top with the second cake layer. Cover the top and side with more frosting, then build up a ring around the top of the cake with the remaining frosting to create a nest. Refrigerate the cake until the frosting firms up, about 30 minutes.
• Meanwhile, make the topping: Toss the shredded wheat in a large bowl with the melted butter, then add the sugar and toss again. Spread in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees F until lightly browned, about 15 minutes. Melt the chocolate in a large microwave-safe bowl in 20-second intervals, stirring, until smooth, 1 to 2 minutes. Let cool slightly, then stir in the shredded wheat mixture until completely coated. Press the topping all over the top and side of the cake. Refrigerate until set, at least 30 minutes or overnight. Fill the nest with candy eggs.

Steps:

• Make the filling: Combine the grapes, apple and water in a medium Dutch oven over medium-low heat. Cover and cook until most of the grapes pop and shrivel, about 12 minutes. Increase the heat to medium and stir in the granulated sugar. Cook, stirring often and mashing with a potato masher occasionally to crush the apple, until the filling is thick and syrupy, 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool completely.
• Make the cake: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter and flour three 8-inch round cake pans; line the bottoms with parchment paper. Sift the flour, baking soda and salt into a medium bowl. Beat the granulated sugar and vegetable oil in a large bowl with a mixer on medium-high speed until it looks like wet sand, about 2 minutes. Scrape down the bowl and add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the vanilla; beat on high speed until light, about 2 minutes. Reduce the mixer speed to low; beat in the flour mixture in three batches, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the flour. Continue beating until smooth, about 1 minute.
• Divide the batter among the prepared pans and bake until a toothpick inserted into the centers comes out clean, 25 to 30 minutes. Let cool 10 minutes in the pans, then invert onto racks; remove the parchment and let cool completely.
• Meanwhile, make the topping: Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Whisk the egg whites in a medium bowl until just foamy. Spread the granulated sugar in a pie plate or shallow bowl. Dip the grapes in the egg whites, letting any excess drip back into the bowl, then roll in the sugar. Transfer the sugared grapes to the prepared baking sheet. Freeze at least 30 minutes.
• Make the frosting: Beat the butter and salt in a large bowl with a mixer on medium speed until smooth and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Gradually beat in the confectioners' sugar, then the vanilla. Increase the mixer speed to medium high and beat until very light and fluffy, about 2 more minutes.
• Assemble the cake: Put 1 cake layer on a cake stand or serving plate. Spread about one-third of the grape filling on the cake, then top with another cake layer and half of the remaining filling. Top with the third cake layer. Cover the top and side of the cake with the frosting. Refrigerate to set the frosting, 15 to 20 minutes. Spread the remaining filling on top of the cake, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Arrange the frozen grapes around the border.

Steps:

• Prepare lime, orange and 1 package strawberry gelatin separately as directed on package, using 1 cup boiling water and 1/2 cup cold water for each. Pour each flavor gelatin into separate 8-inch square pan sprayed with cooking spray. Refrigerate 4 hours or until firm.
• Add remaining boiling water to remaining dry strawberry gelatin mix in large bowl; stir 2 min. until completely dissolved. Stir in remaining cold water. Refrigerate 45 min. or until slightly thickened.
• Cut gelatin in each square pan into 1/2-inch cubes. Add 1-1/2 cups of each flavor gelatin to thickened strawberry gelatin in bowl along with half the COOL WHIP; stir gently until blended. Pour into 9x5-inch loaf pan sprayed with cooking spray. Refrigerate 4 hours or until firm. Meanwhile, refrigerate remaining gelatin cubes and COOL WHIP until ready to use.
• Unmold dessert onto plate; top with remaining COOL WHIP.

Steps:

• prepare the three flavors of gelatin separately, using l cup boiling water and 1/2 cup cold water for each.
• Pour each flavor into an 8 inch square pan.
• Chill until firm or overnight.
• Then combine the lemon gelatin, sugar and remaining l cup boiling water; stir until gelatin and sugar are dissolved.
• Stir in pineapple juice.
• Chill until slightly thickened (about l hr. l5 minutes.) Meanwhile mix the crumbs and melted butter; press into bottom of 9 inch spring form pan (I buy ready made graham crusts).
• Cut the firm gelatins into 1/2 inch cubes.
• Then prepare whipped topping mix as directed on package,blend with lemon gelatin.
• Fold in gelatin cubes.
• Pour into pan.
• Chill at least 5 hours or overnight.
• If desired, spread additional prepared whipped topping or whipped cream on top and sides.
• (This makes two if you use store bought crusts).
• ---------CROWNJEWEL CHEESE DESSERT----- Prepare Crown Jewel dessert, subsituting cream cheese for the whipped topping.

Steps:

• Prepare jewels: In shallow pans, prepare orange, cherry, lime Jell-O. In each pan add 1 cup boiling water, 1 flavor of Jell-O, and 1/2 cup of cold water. Stir and dissolve Jell-O in each pan. Chill overnight.
• Prepare cake: Over medium heat, mix pineapple juice, sugar, lemon Jell-O until Jell-O dissolves. Then add 1/2 cup cold water. Chill for about 1-2 hours until mixture is syrupy.
• Meanwhile, line a large springform pan with the lady fingers--bottom and sides. Place the lady fingers "standing up" around the side of the pan for best presentation. Then cut the "jewel" Jell-O trays into smallish cubes and set aside. Add heavy cream to the lemon Jell-O mixture. Fold in the "jewels." Then pour into the springform pan. Chill overnight. Serve cold.

Steps:

• Prepare the first three colors of jello using 1 cup boiling water and 1/2 cup cold water for each box.
• Pour each color into an 8-inch square pan and chill overnight; cut into cubes the next day.
• The following day:.
• Dissolve the lemon Jell-O and sugar in 1 cup boiling water; stir in pineapple juice.
• Chill until slightly thickened, about 45 minutes.
• Prepare both envelopes of whipped topping as directed; blend into slightly thickened Jell-O.
• Fold in Jell-O cubes.
• Spoon into a 9-inch spring-form pan; chill overnight.
• To release from pan, run knife around pan and unlatch.
• **use both packages of Dream Whip. I could not remember the size of the packages. It may be more than 1 3/4 cups. Use it all.