Surprise Cake

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Most Helpful Positive Review

Sep 07, 2006

Very good cake like brownies. The only thing I would change is instead of adding water, I would add cold coffee and instead of 1 tsp of cayenne pepper I would decrease it to just 1/2 tsp. The coffee flavor adds just enough mocha that turns this into a terrific authentic mexican chocolate flavor

—Coates

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Most Helpful Critical Review

Jun 23, 2010

I don't know what to think about this cake. The texture seems undercooked yet my toothpicks came out clean in two different areas of the cake. It's beyond moist and I don't know if I like that. However, it didn't stop me from getting up in the middle of the night to sneak a bite;) I like the cayenne pepper addition a lot, the aftertaste had a little mysterious heat to it. It's almost as if you don't know where it came from. I like that and will take it with me to the next chocolate cake recipe. **UPDATE** 24 hours later~~ Much much better the next day and even better than that once chilled in the fridge. The consistency of the cake was more tolerable after some time had passed.

—LouisvilleHugger

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74 Ratings

Nov 28, 2009

I was hosting Thanksgiving this year, and found out pretty last-minute that there was a pumpkin shortage, and was really disappointed... until I found this awesome recipe! I was thinking to myself "Self, how great could a cake really be?" and preceded to make and put this thin, none-too-special-looking cake in the over... and, not expecting too much, I took a bite, and melted. This cake is amazing, and everyone LOVED it. (I even had to hide it when my fiance's band members came over, because darn it, I want awesome chocolate cake for breakfast tomorrow!)

—kristensaurus

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Jun 18, 2008

Very moist, very tasty chocolate cake that has a warmth but there is no way it has any hint of pepper taste. This is a really fantastic cake. The frosting though was runny and I had too add another cup or more of powdered sugar and another Tbl of cocoa and a couple more T of margarine to get it to spreading consistency. Thanks this was a great cake!

—~TxCin~ILove2Ck

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Oct 26, 2009

I made this cake for my husband's birthday, and it turned out amazing. It was extremely moist. I even let it cook about 35-40 minutes, checking it every 5 minutes over 30. Also, I added a cup of coffee instead of the water, and used a different icing recipe. I used the half tsp of cayenne, and it is not noticeable at all except in the most complimentary way. In some gourmet stores you can buy a chili cocoa powder from South America. I plan on using this next time in place of the cocoa and omitting the cayenne. This will definitely become one of my staple cakes.

—GypsyMama

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May 18, 2009

Awesome cake. I used Ancho chili powder and instead of the icing listed made cream cheese icing and topped with pieces of a lindt chili dark chocolate bar (one square of chocolate per piece of cake). My cream cheese icing was made with i container of room temp cream cheese mixed with 2 tsp vanilla, 1 tsp lemon juice, 1/2 cup icing sugar and 1 tablespoon of butter. Add a little milk if this is too thick for you. Stored in the fridge and stayed fresh for a week- everyone said it was the most delicious chocolate cake they ever had!

—Amber

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Oct 01, 2008

What an amazing chocolatey flavor! Everybody loved this cake and nobody guessed the secret ingredient (one of the guests thought it had Pepsi in it!) I used the recipe without making any changes. It was easier than I thought from my first read-through and I'll definitely be making it again. I didn't make the frosting but I'll try it next time. Great cake!

—PunkinUK

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Jun 10, 2010

My 2 year old wanted to make cake last night. I "helped" her make this one, it is an instant family favourite. The consistency is awesome, and the little bite from cayenne (we used 1 tsp) is great. Going to make it for the block party this weekend. So easy a 2 year old can do it! (sorta)

—SKAMP

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Nutrition

Calories
248 kcal
12%

Carbohydrates
36 g
12%

Cholesterol
45 mg
15%

Fat
11.4 g
18%

Fiber
0.9 g
4%

Protein
2.3 g
5%

Sodium
179 mg
7%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Nutritional Information

Surprise Cake

Serving Size: 1/24 of a recipe
Servings Per Recipe: 24
Amount Per Serving
** Calories: 248
** Calories from Fat: 103

% Daily Value *
** Total Fat 11.4g 18 %
** Saturated Fat 7g 35 %
** Cholesterol 45mg 15 %
** Sodium 179mg 7 %
** Potassium 60mg 2 %
** Total Carbohydrates 36g 12 %
** Dietary Fiber 0.9g 4 %
** Protein 2.3g 5 %
** Sugars 26.7g
** Vitamin A 7 %
** Vitamin C < 1 %
** Calcium 2 %
** Iron 8 %
** Thiamin 9 %
** Niacin 9 %
** Vitamin B6 < 1 %
** Magnesium 5 %
** Folate 13 %

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.
(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.