Jesus' Birthday Cake (Chocolate Fudge Layer Cake)

It's a tradition in our family every Christmas day to have a birthday cake for Jesus because He is the reason for this season.  This is something we started last year.  We've decided every year we can change up the flavor of the cake as long as we stay true to the meaning and significance of it.  This year, we made Chocolate Fudge Layer Cake with few modifications.  This cake represents the following...

* The shape of the cake is round to represent the world into which Jesus was born.
* The bottom (inner) layer is black to represent the sin in us, which is why Jesus came to the earth.
* The red coloring is Jesus' blood that was shed on the cross for our sin.
* The pure white frosting is the purity and righteousness of Christ.
* The red candle (not shown on picture) represents Jesus who came into the dark world to bring light and truth to all who are willing to receive it.

Ingredients

1 package (2 oz.) Baker's semi-sweet chocolate
1 package (6 oz. each) Baker's white chocolate (in this recipe I use white chocolate)
1 package (2 layer size) chocolate cake mix
1 package (3.9 oz) Jell-O chocolate instant pudding
4 eggs
1 cup Breakstone's or Knudsen Greek-style sour cream and non-fat yogurt
1/2 cup oil
1/2 cup water
1 tub (8 oz.) Cool Whip whipped topping.  Do not thaw.
2 tablespoons Planter's sliced almonds
small jar of Maraschino cherries (garnish)
red candle (garnish)
red sprinkles (optional)

HEAT oven to 350°F.

CHOP 2 oz. chocolate. Beat cake mix, dry pudding mix, eggs, sour cream, oil and water in large bowl with mixer until blended. Stir in chopped chocolate. Pour into 2 (9-inch) round pans sprayed with cooking spray.

BAKE 30 to 35 min. or until toothpick inserted in centers comes out clean. Cool in pans 10 min. Loosen cakes from sides of pans. Invert onto wire racks; gently remove pans. Cool cakes completely.

MICROWAVE COOL WHIP and remaining chocolate in microwaveable bowl on HIGH 1-1/2 min. or until chocolate is completely melted and mixture is well blended, stirring after 1 min. Let stand 15 min. to thicken.

STACK cake layers on plate, filling and frosting with COOL WHIP mixture. Sprinkle with nuts around it, garnish with cherries on top and a candle.

kraft kitchens tips

VARIATION

Prepare using 1 pkg. (1.4 oz.) JELL-O Chocolate Fat Free Sugar Free Instant Pudding, BREAKSTONE'S Reduced Fat or KNUDSEN Light Sour Cream, and COOL WHIP LITE Whipped Topping.

MAKE AHEAD

The fudge-like texture of this cake improves when it is stored overnight in the refrigerator.

HOW TO STORE

Keep refrigerated.   

Recipe Inspiration: Kraft