Valentine’s Day Cake

Here’s a fun and straightforward Valentine’s Day recipe that you can make with minimal effort:

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• Cream Together:

  • 1/2 cup Crisco (shortening)
  • 1 1/2 cups sugar

• Add:

  • 2 eggs (beat well)

• Sift Together (3 times):

  • 2 cups flour
  • 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt

• Fold In:

  • 1 teaspoon baking soda dissolved in 1 tablespoon vinegar (do this quickly)

For Baking:

• 2 (9-inch) layer pans (greased and floured)

For the Filling and Icing:

• Cook on Low Flame to Pudding Stage:

  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup flour
  • Dash of salt

• Cream Together:

  • 1/2 cup Crisco (shortening)
  • 1 stick margarine (1/2 cup)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cake:

   • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
   • In a mixing bowl, cream the Crisco and sugar until light and fluffy.
   • Add the eggs and beat well.
   • Sift together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt three times.
   • Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the creamed mixture.
   • Fold in the baking soda that has been dissolved in vinegar quickly.
   • Divide the batter evenly between the greased and floured 9-inch layer pans.

2. Bake:

   • Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
   • Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

3. Prepare the Filling and Icing:

   • Combine the milk, flour, and a dash of salt in a saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens to a pudding consistency.
   • In a separate bowl, cream the Crisco, margarine, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
   • Once the pudding has cooled slightly, add it to the creamed mixture and beat well until combined.

4. Assemble the Cake:

   • Spread the filling between the layers of the cooled cake and on the top and sides.
   • Optionally, sprinkle with coconut for added texture and flavor.

This treat is easy to make, a fun activity for kids, and a delightful treat for your Valentine’s Day celebration! Enjoy!