Ugly Duckling Cake

It's back to cake.  Even though I've taken a break on here, from cakes, the girls and I have still been on our cake testing quest.  I am excited because this has spurred the girls on to a cake smack down.  They each have come up with a cake idea and will go head to head to see whose is best.  I will reveal the  recipes (if they actually turn out good) and the winner in a future post.  I already know it will be a tie on my part.  How can a mom pick one daughter's cake over the other?  My honey will have no problem picking so he'll be the determiner.  Both cakes sound like winners to me for sure and I can't wait to try them!  Today's cake has a very interesting name.  I have no idea why the "ugly duckling" part is in there. The only thing I can figure is that when it's done, the coconut frosting looks duck downish, maybe, if you really stretch your imagination.  Here are the main ingredients, minus the cake mix.

It is such an easy cake.  You just add the ingredients to a bowl and blend.  

While the cake is still warm, hot buttered glaze is spooned over the top.  The kids and I agreed, this is definitely the best part of the cake.  I am not sure what the fruit cocktail does.  Maybe it adds a light different flavor to the cake, but the frosting definitely takes the cake.  Or I should say, makes the cake.  Does it look like an ugly duckling?

While the cake cooled, we decided to take advantage of one of the possibly last few days we could do this . . . 

I had to include a picture of myself rollerblading.  Here I am!

Taking this picture was slightly dangerous for me to do since I had already fallen off the path twice trying to get pictures of the kids.  We had a great time!  And, since we got out and exercised, we could come home and enjoy our cake guilt free.

Sending wishes for a lovely day whatever it is you are doing.

Ugly Duckling Pudding Cake


1 yellow cake mix
1 (4 serving size) lemon instant pudding
1 16 oz. fruit cocktail with syrup
1/4 c. oil
1 c. angel flake coconut
4 eggs
1/2 c. brown sugar


Blend all, except brown sugar.  Beat 4 minutes on medium speed.  Pour in 9X13 greased and floured pan.  Sprinkle with brown sugar.  Bake 325 degrees, 45 minutes.  Cool 15 minutes then spoon hot butter glaze over warm cake.


Hot Butter Glaze


1/2 c. butter
1/2 c. sugar
1/2 c. evaporated milk
Combine in a pan and boil 2 minutes.  Stir in:
1 1/3 c. coconut