Cake… for dinner?
This April Fools Day Cake was a big hit with my kids last year on April Fool’s Day. I set the table with this baby in the middle. One after another my kids came in and asked “Are we having cake… for dinner?!” (You’d think they know me better than that!)
So here’s the trick. The cake is really Meatloaf frosted with Mashed Potatoes!
I have to admit, I was worried they would all protest when they realized it was not really cake. But to my delighted surprise they loved it.
Ingredients:
Meatloaf:
3 lbs ground beef
1 packet onion soup mix (be sure to check labels, Lipton is NOT gluten free.)
1 egg
1/2 cup pureed vegetables or bread crumbs or crushed GF crackers
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup ketchup
Filling: (optional)
3/4 cup chopped carrots
1/4 cup ketchup
Frosting:
4-6 servings instant mashed potatoes
Directions:
- In bowl of heavy mixer combine all Meatloaf ingredients and mix well.
- Spread meat mixture in 2 (8 or 9 inch) round cake pans (sprayed with cooking spray.)
- Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour.
- Meanwhile make filling by cooking carrots until soft and then pureeing them in a blender with the Ketchup. Set aside.
- Make potatoes according to directions on package.
- Place the first meatloaf on plate and top with filling. Place second meatloaf on top and frost the meatloaf, top and sides with the mashed potatoes. Decorate as desired.
I have a large family, so for this cake I doubled the recipe and made it in 3 layers. But it is just as cute with 2.
Happy April Fool’s Day!
