3-2-1…Cake!

It’s so much fun to spend time in the kitchen with kids…something I’ve enjoyed doing ever since my boys were little!  It doesn’t matter whether we’re preparing a grand meal or the simplest of snacks…when our family gathers in the kitchen it really does feel like the heart of the home!  I don’t claim to be a great cook or baker…but I LOVE to do both and hope to pass some of that passion along to the boys.   So through the years I’ve always kept my eyes open for fun recipes that will keep them active in the kitchen!  I was reminded recently of one of my favorite baking projects and thought it was definitely worth sharing!  Not only is it easy, but it’s tasty AND fun for kids (or adults) of any age!  Let me share with you how three little steps is all it takes to…

let them eat cake!

several years ago my mom received a fun and easy recipe from a friend…it was titled “3-2-1 cake” and it was passed along to me so that i could make it with my boys when they were little.  neither of us know the original origin of this recipe…but i’m so thankful that it was shared with us!  kids love to help in the kitchen but it’s so hard for them to wait for those goodies to come out of the oven!  (i guess even adults feel that way!)  but this 3-2-1 cake is as easy and quick as it sounds…mix it and pop it in the microwave for ONE MINUTE and out comes a wonderful little cake!  now i’m not suggesting that you’d want to serve this cake at a dinner party, a wedding, or a milestone birthday…but if you’re looking for a fun, kitchen activity to share with your kids–it won’t disappoint!  all you need to prepare the basic mix is two boxes of cake mix:  1 box of angel food cake and another regular cake mix of your liking!

we’ve tried chocolate, strawberry, and spice cake mixes…but you can choose any that you like as long as it’s a traditional dry mix. (no pound cake or brownie mixes)  stir the two boxes together in a bowl and pop it into an airtight container.  i like to store mine in a large mason jar or two…and you can print off a copy of the instructions or write it on a jar label so you won’t forget the simple steps!  you can even just write it directly on the lid of your container with a permanent marker!

now, for the 3-2-1 part…

find a small bowl.  i’ve used regular fruit or small cereal bowls, but the paper variety works too…not only are they really cute but they’re disposable!  put 3 T. of the cake mixture into the bowl, add 2 T. water & mix well…see the pattern? 3-2…

now pop that baby into the microwave for, you guessed it, ONE minute!  and there you have it!  3-2-1 cake!

it looks a little like a sponge but it actually has the consistency of regular cake…and it’s yummy too!

i love the large paper bowls from Hobby Lobby (above) and we also tried some smaller ones…but be careful, if they’re too little the mix could bubble over and run down the side while cooking!

now to top ’em…

a simple assortment of fruit and whipped cream is pretty tasty, looks great, and doesn’t add as much sugar as icing.  but this IS a treat so i would add whatever sounds the best!  ice cream & fudge topping are great options too!

this would be a fun activity at a party for little ones…each guest could create their very own!  it kind of reminds me of playing with an Easy Bake Oven.  even my boys enjoy adding their favorite toppings to this treat which they’ve revived as a favorite after-school snack!  and the best part is that you’ve got everything you need in a jar…just add water and maybe remember to keep a can of whipped cream on hand!

serve it up while it’s warm…and enjoy!

it’s as easy as 3-2-1!

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