Chocoholic's Delight Hornet's Nest Cake
Indulge in the rich, decadent flavors of the Chocoholic's Delight Hornet's Nest Cake – a delightful eggless dessert that's not only easy to make but also bakes with its own delicious topping. This moist and dense cake features a luscious layer of butterscotch chips, complemented by your choice of nuts, and is perfectly sweetened to satisfy even the most discerning sweet tooth. The best part? There's no need for frosting! Perfect for celebrations or casual gatherings, this cake is sure to impress guests and is travel-friendly, making it a fantastic addition to any occasion. For chocolate lovers, the Triple Chocolate variation elevates this classic dessert to new heights with rich chocolate flavors. Let your cravings guide you as you create this mouthwatering treat that everyone will love!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cook & serve vanilla pudding mix
1 (3 ounce) box (Use cook & serve pudding. Do not use instant.)
Milk
2 cups (Use as directed for pudding preparation.)
Yellow cake mix
1 (18 1/4 ounce) box (Use a standard yellow cake mix.)
Butterscotch chips
1 cup (No preparation needed.)
Chopped nuts
1 cup (Chop nuts of your choice (walnuts recommended).)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing the pudding according to the package instructions using milk. Allow the pudding to cool once cooked.
2
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
3
Grease a 9x13x2-inch baking pan thoroughly with non-stick spray.
4
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pudding with the dry cake mix. Mix well until the batter is smooth and evenly combined.
5
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
6
Sprinkle the butterscotch chips and chopped nuts evenly over the surface of the batter for a wonderful crunch and extra sweetness.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8
For the Triple Chocolate Variation, simply replace the vanilla pudding mix with chocolate pudding mix, and use chocolate or devil’s food cake mix instead of the yellow cake mix. Feel free to incorporate a mix of chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, or even peanut butter chips, along with any nuts you prefer.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hornet's Nest Cake?
Hornet's Nest Cake is a moist, dense, and eggless dessert that bakes with its own built-in topping of butterscotch chips and nuts.
Is this recipe eggless?
Yes, this recipe is naturally eggless as it uses prepared pudding as the moisture base instead of eggs.
Can I use instant pudding for this recipe?
No, you should use cook and serve vanilla pudding mix rather than instant pudding for the correct consistency.
What type of cake mix is required?
The standard recipe calls for one 18 1/4 ounce box of yellow cake mix.
How much milk do I need?
You need 2 cups of milk to prepare the pudding according to the package instructions.
What kind of baking pan should I use?
Use a 9x13x2-inch baking pan that has been thoroughly greased with non-stick spray.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
How long does the cake need to bake?
Bake the cake for approximately 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Does this cake require frosting?
No, there is no need for frosting because the butterscotch chips and nuts create a delicious topping during the baking process.
What is the Triple Chocolate variation?
The Triple Chocolate variation uses chocolate pudding mix and chocolate or devil's food cake mix instead of the vanilla and yellow options.
Can I use different types of chips?
Yes, you can incorporate chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, or even peanut butter chips into the topping.
What kind of nuts are recommended?
Chopped walnuts are recommended, but you can use any nuts you prefer.
Is the cake travel-friendly?
Yes, because it doesn't require frosting and is baked in a 9x13 pan, it is a fantastic travel-friendly dessert for gatherings.
Do I need to cool the pudding before mixing?
Yes, allow the pudding to cool after cooking it before you combine it with the dry cake mix.
How do I prepare the batter?
Mix the cooled, prepared pudding with the dry cake mix in a large bowl until smooth and evenly combined.
What is the texture of the Hornet's Nest Cake?
The cake is known for being exceptionally moist and dense.
When do I add the butterscotch chips and nuts?
Sprinkle the butterscotch chips and chopped nuts evenly over the surface of the batter after pouring it into the pan and before baking.
Can I use devil's food cake mix?
Yes, devil's food cake mix is perfect for creating the Triple Chocolate version of this cake.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
The base recipe consists of 5 main ingredients: pudding mix, milk, cake mix, butterscotch chips, and nuts.
Is this recipe easy for beginners?
Yes, it is considered a very easy recipe since it uses a cake mix and doesn't require complex frosting techniques.
What happens if I use instant pudding?
The texture may not set correctly; the recipe specifically calls for cook and serve pudding to ensure the cake bakes properly.
Can I make this for a party?
Absolutely, it is designed for celebrations and casual gatherings and is sure to impress guests.
Do I follow the instructions on the cake mix box?
No, ignore the box instructions and only use the dry mix combined with the prepared pudding.
How do I know the cake is finished baking?
The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Can I use 1% or 2% milk?
Yes, you can use the milk of your choice as long as it allows the pudding to set according to package directions.
Does the cake have a crunch?
Yes, the butterscotch chips and chopped nuts on top provide a wonderful crunch.
Is this cake very sweet?
It is perfectly sweetened to satisfy a sweet tooth, primarily from the cake mix and butterscotch chips.
Can I use a mixer to combine the pudding and cake mix?
Yes, you can use a mixer or a large spoon to ensure the batter is smooth.
What size pudding mix box is needed?
You need a 3 ounce box of cook and serve pudding mix.
Can I skip the nuts?
Yes, if you have an allergy or preference, you can leave the nuts out, though they add to the signature texture.