"There's No Coconut In It" Cake

This cake doesn't really have a name. The frosting has crushed pineapple in it, and it looks like coconut when you spread it on the cake. But, my dad, sister and I all HATE coconut, so we lovingly call this the "There's NO COCONUT In It" cake. And it is the most delicious cake I have ever eaten!

To make the cake:

1 box of yellow cake mix
6 oz can mandarin oranges (Do not drain)
1 egg
1/2 cup oil

Mix all together, bake in a greased and floured pan according to cake mix directions. (It usually cooks a few minutes quicker than the box says.)

To make the frosting:

12 oz tub Cool Whip
15 oz can crushed pineapple (Do not drain)
1 small box vanilla pudding mix

Stir all together, spread on cake when it is completely cooled.

Crazy Cake with Smoothie Cocoa Frosting

Here's one to get the kids involved in the kitchen! SuperDad's aunt gave me this recipe and the kids LOVE to help me make it. Now that they're a little older (7, 5, and 4), I'm going to start letting them measure ingredients, too. What I love about this is that the cake mix is all mixed into the pan, so there are no extra dishes to wash. And the frosting is all in one bowl, too!

In a 9x13 cake pan, mix together:

3 cups flour

2 cups sugar

2 tsp. baking soda

3 tbsp. cocoa powder

1 tsp. salt

Make three holes in dry mix. Add:

2 tsp. vanilla (in one hole)

2 tbsp. white vinegar (in one hole)

2/3 cup oil (in one hole)

(Since I have three kids, I let them each pour something into a hole. It's all about fairness, you know.)

Pour 2 cups water over the top or everything and let the kids mix until smooth. I give them each a fork and let them go at it. Moms, if you have food OCD like I apparently do, you might have to give it a stir at the end to make sure they get it all mixed.

Bake at 350 for 30 to 45 minutes. Cake is done when toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

While it cools, make the Smoothie Cocoa Frosting:

Melt 1/3 cup butter in medium sized microwave safe bowl. I do it in the microwave.

Add 1/4 cup cocoa and mix until smooth.

Gradually add:

2 1/2 cups powdered sugar

1 tbsp. milk

1 tsp. vanilla

Mix until smooth(ie) and frost your cake. Give the kids each a spoon and let them "clean" the frosting bowl. Go crazy and have dessert!