Black Forest Cake

This cake couldn't be more fast and simple to make - and the results are a delicious instant Black Forest Cake! It's the perfect cake for a potluck or a last minute dessert. The cake turns out super moist and decadent.. you'd never guess it was from a box mix and some canned pie filling!

Ingredients:

1 box chocolate cake mix (any variety)

2 and 1/2 cups mini marshmallows

1 can cherry pie filling

1 package Dream Whip, or 2 cups fresh whipped cream or Cool Whip

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9"x13" cake pan with non-stick cooking spray. 

Pour the mini marshmallows evenly in the bottom of the cake pan. Make the cake mix as directed on the box. Pour the prepared cake mix over the layer of marshmallows, then evenly pour the cherry pie filling over the cake mix. Try to spoon it evenly over the cake batter rather than spreading it with a spatula - you don't want the batter and the pie filling to mix together. 

As the cake bakes, the marshmallows will rise up to the top and create a moist, fudge layer, and the cherry pie filling will sink to the bottom. Bake for the time specified on the cake mix box. It may require 15-20 minutes longer than specified (mine did), so just watch the cake carefully and increase the baking time as needed. You will know it is done when the middle is no longer jiggly and when a toothpick inserted into the middle of the cake comes out clean. 

Once it is done, remove from oven and cool completely on a wire rack. Prepare your whipped topping and spread evenly over the cooled cake. For additional garnish you could sprinkle some shaved chocolate or some fresh cherries over the top. Keep refrigerated.

*Recipe by Brooke McMillan