The Funeral Cake- It's to Die For!

     In one of my previous blogs, "Southern Funeral Customs that Make Me Proud to be from the South"  food was one that I mentioned. Everyone including myself loves food, and when I stumbled along an old recipe online called the Funeral Cake that originated from the south, I just had to do some research. The cake originated years ago when funeral homes brought the deceased back to the home for viewing and services. It was a very popular dish that was made for families who had lost a loved one. After getting the recipe, and spicing it up a little to make it my own, I have to say that it is absolutely delicious and something that I will definitely make again. Now I will warn you, this cake is not for the ones who have a healthy conscious. The icing is completely homemade, there's loads of chocolate (even chocolate chips), butter, powdered sugar and of course my favorite; some bourbon thrown in to top it off. This cake would be perfect for any occasion, and for those who love to bake will enjoy making this. If you're interested in making this (you'll be glad you did) the full recipe and directions are below. Happy baking everyone, and have a wonderful week! 

The finished product of the Funeral Cake. 

 Cake Ingredients

1 box of Chocolate cake mix

1 box of chocolate instant jello pudding mix

3 eggs

8 oz of sour cream

2/3 cup of water

2/3 cup of oil

1 cup of buttermilk

2 cups of chocolate chips (12 oz bag)

1 teaspoon of vanilla

1/3 cup of bourbon or rum (whichever you prefer) 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix all ingredients together and put into greased pan. Bake 50 -60 minutes depending on your oven. To ensure that cake is done, just stick a toothpick in the center of the cake and if it comes out clean then its done. (There will be some chocolate on the toothpick due to the melted chocolate chips, but as long as the toothpick doesn't have any cake on it then it is done.)

Icing Ingredients 

1/2 cup of butter (one stick)

1 teaspoon of vanilla 

1/3 cup of milk

2/3 cup of unsweetened cocoa

3 cups of powdered sugar

Melt butter in microwave. Add the cocoa and mix well. Slowly add some milk and powdered sugar to mixture. (I found it easier to alternate adding in some of the milk then a cup of the powdered sugar until all of it was in. I also recommend sifting the powdered sugar to remove any clumps before adding it into your mixture so you will have smooth icing.) Then add vanilla. Stir well to make sure that it is all blended. 

 *Make sure your cake has cooled completely before applying the icing.*

Top it off with some extra chocolate chips then you're ready to eat your way into a sugar coma. (But its well worth it!) Enjoy!