Celebrating with the Stuckeys

Friday night, Ted and Sue came to celebrate Tyler's birthday. We hadn't seen each other since our trip to Indiana, so it was nice to catch up and spend time together.

Tyler, opening a present.

Aubrey, trying on Grandpa Ted's coat.

Tyler had originally requested a peanut cake for his birthday. He explained that he wanted it in the shape of a peanut, with peanut butter frosting. We hadn't made a cake for his birthday party, so I decided to make a cake for Friday night. (I didn't make it in the shape of a peanut, though). I chose a couple of simple recipes that used ingredients I had on hand. So, I was able to make this between doing laundry, soccer practice, baths, supper, etc on Thursday evening. It's that easy! And, it was tasty.

Easy Chocolate Layer Cake

-Epicurious

Nonstick vegetable oil spray

3 cups all purpose flour

2 cups sugar

2/3 cup cocoa powder

2 teaspoons baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

2 cups water

2/3 cup vegetable oil

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray two 9-inch cake pans with nonstick spray. Line  pan bottoms with parchment paper. Combine dry ingredients in a bowl. Whisk in liquid ingredients until batter is smooth. (I just used my stand mixer, scraping the sides and bottom of the bowl frequently). Divide into pans (scant 3 cups each).

Bake until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out wiht a few crumbs still attached, about 28 minutes. Cool cakes in pans 15 minutes. Cut around cakes and turn out onto racks. Peel off parchment paper and cool.

Peanut Butter Frosting

-Adapted from AllRecipes.com

1/2 cup butter, softened

1 cup creamy peanut butter

3 tablespoons milk, or as needed

2 cups confectioner's sugar

1/4 teaspoon maple flavoring (optional)

Combine butter and peanut butter and beat until mixed well. Add confectioner's sugar and maple flavoring. Beat to combine. Add milk 1 tablespoon at a time until it reaches the desired consistency.