Checkerboard Birthday Cake Recipe

Checkerboard Birthday Cake RecipePhoto by: Taste of Home Checkerboard Birthday Cake Recipe Rating 5

Read reviews (4)

Rate recipe

Although this cake from our Test Kitchen does take some time to prepare, no special pan is needed. The different batters are simply added in rings in three 9-inch round pans.

 4
[X]

Rate Checkerboard Birthday Cake Recipe

Click on stars to rate
 
Would you make this recipe again?
[X]
Checkerboard Birthday Cake Recipe
  • Prep: 20 min. Bake: 20 min.
  • Yield: 12-14 Servings
    •
30 20 50

Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter, softened
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 4 eggs
  • 3 cups cake flour, divided
  • 4 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 ounce unsweetened chocolate, melted and cooled
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
  • Red liquid food coloring
  • 1/2 teaspoon lemon extract
  • Yellow liquid food coloring
  • FROSTING:
  • 6 tablespoons butter, softened
  • 6-1/2 to 7-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar, divided
  • 5 ounces unsweetened chocolate, melted and cooled
  • 3/4 cup milk
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Directions

  • Grease three 9-in. round baking pans; set aside. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Combine 2-1/2 cups of cake flour, baking powder and salt; add to the creamed mixture alternately with milk.
  • Divide batter into thirds. To one portion, fold in melted chocolate and vanilla. To second portion, fold in 1/4 cup flour, almond extract and 3-4 drops red food coloring. To third portion, fold in lemon extract, 3-4 drops yellow food coloring and remaining flour.
  • Spoon a ring of chocolate batter around edge of one prepared pan; spoon a ring of pink batter inside chocolate ring and fill center with yellow batter. Spoon a ring of yellow batter around edge of second pan; add a chocolate middle ring and a pink center. Spoon a ring of pink batter around edge of third pan; add a yellow middle ring and chocolate center.
  • Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely.
  • For frosting, in a large bowl, cream butter and 2 cups confectioners' sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in melted chocolate until smooth. Add milk and vanilla. Beat in enough of the remaining confectioners' sugar until frosting achieves spreading consistency. Spread between layers and over top and sides of cake. Yield: 12-14 servings.

Originally published as Checkerboard Birthday Cake in Taste of Home's Holiday & Celebrations Cookbook Annual 2002, p243

Healthy Cooking

Featured Videos

  • Dinosaur Birthday Cake

    If you're having a dino-themed party, celebrate with an easy Edible Rex dinosaur birthday cake.

  • Dinosaur Birthday Cake
  • Train Birthday Cake
  • Rocket Birthday Cake
  • Princess Doll Birthday Cake
  • Rubber Ducky Birthday Cake
  • Butterfly Cake
  • Strawberry Dessert
  • Cranberry Dessert
  • Valentine Dessert
  • Creamy Lemon Blueberry Dessert
  • Ice Cream Sandwich Dessert
  • Raspberry Ice Dessert
  • Chocolate Dessert Calzones
  • Chocolate Tipped Strawberry Dessert
  • Apple Berry Crisp Dessert
  • Zesty Pineapple Kabobs Dessert
  • Poached Pear Dessert Video Recipe
  • Apple Raisin Bread Pudding Dessert
  • Foil-wrap Campfire Desserts
  • Dark Chocolate Hazelnut Souffle

Menus and More

Comfort Food Diet

Try the Taste of Home Comfort Food Diet Online FREE for 7 days! It's an easy-to-follow diet plan you can do while enjoying delicious dishes!

Learn More >

New! Taste of Home Recipe Box

Organize your recipes into folders, personalize with notes, and easily share with friends.

Learn More >

More Ways to get Taste of Home Recipes

Reviews for Checkerboard Birthday Cake (4)

Checkerboard Birthday Cake Recipe

Checkerboard Birthday Cake

Tell us what you think of this recipe.
Did you modify it? Would you make it again? Rate it today! >

Rate and Review this Recipe


Reviewed on Nov. 05, 2011 by CookieBakerElf

I aked this cake several for my god daughter's birthday party. Rave reviews!

Fun to look at and even better to eat.

Friends will think that you are a cake genius. The trick is to find a great recipe such as this and use your checkerboard cake form-have no fear:)


Reviewed on Sep. 29, 2011 by Mssoxy

Superb... tricky yet extremely worth the effort ; )


Reviewed on Jun. 29, 2011 by marie elena

fabulous


Reviewed on Oct. 23, 2008 by mama_S

I always wondered how this was done. Now I will try it then let you know how it turns out.

mama_S

 
 
Healthy Cooking - Try it Risk Free
Simple & Delicious - Free Issue Offer

Top Recipe Collections

Valentine's Day Recipes , Chicken Recipes , Slow Cooker Recipes , Soup Recipes , Pork Chop Recipes , Chili Recipes , Meatloaf Recipes , Banana Bread Recipes , Lasagna Recipes , Macaroni and Cheese Recipes , Chili Recipes , Chicken Wings , Meatball Recipes , Top 10 Chocolate Recipes , Cakes , Mardi Gras Recipes
Advanced Search >   Browse Recipes >
Advertise with us
ADVERTISEMENT

Follow Us
Advertise with us ADVERTISEMENT