CookPal AI
Checkerboard Cake

Checkerboard Cake

Cost $20, save $15

Source: Recommended by CookPal

  • 90 Min
  • 12 Servings
  • $20

INGREDIENTS

  • Cake Base

    • 1 (15.25 ounce) package devil's food cake mix (such as Duncan Hines®)
    • 🥛 2 cups whole milk, divided
    • 🧈 2/3 cup salted butter, melted, divided
    • 🥚 3 large eggs
    • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, divided
    • Baking spray with flour
    • 1 (15.25 ounce) package white cake mix (such as Duncan Hines®)
    • 🥚 3 large egg whites

  • Frosting

    • 🧈 1/2 cup salted butter, softened
    • 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
    • 1 (32 ounce) package powdered sugar
    • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
    • 🥛 4 tablespoons whole milk, or more as needed
    • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

STEPS

1

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) with racks in middle and lower third positions.

2

Combine devil's food cake mix, 1 cup milk, 1/3 cup melted butter, 3 eggs, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Beat at low speed for 1 minute, then medium for 2 minutes.

3

Spoon batter evenly into 2 nonstick 9-inch round cake pans greased with baking spray.

4

Repeat batter preparation with the white cake mix, substituting 3 egg whites for whole eggs.

5

Bake all 4 cake layers for 20-25 minutes, rotating pans halfway through. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans. Let cakes cool completely (about 1 hour).

6

Trim the tops of cooled cakes to level them.

7

Beat softened butter for frosting until creamy. Add cream cheese and beat until smooth. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar and cocoa powder with milk and vanilla until desired consistency is achieved.

8

Cut and layer cakes to assemble a checkerboard pattern, alternating chocolate and vanilla layers as described.

9

Spread frosting over top and sides of the assembled cake. Chill for 15 minutes before serving.

NUTRIENTS

Per 1 serving

🔥

890

Calories

  • 11
    Protein
  • 134
    Carbs
  • 37
    Fats

💡 Use round cutters to achieve precise rings for the checkerboard effect.Chill the frosting slightly if it becomes too soft during assembly.Swap vanilla extract for almond extract for a subtle flavor twist.