Checkerboard Cake Recipe

Checkerboard cake is a delightful and impressive dessert that is sure to wow anyone who sees or tastes it. This visually stunning cake is made with alternating layers of vanilla and chocolate cake, which create a checkerboard pattern when sliced. It's the perfect choice for special occasions, such as birthdays, anniversaries, or holiday celebrations.

While the checkerboard pattern may look complicated, it's actually quite simple to achieve with the help of a special checkerboard cake ...

While the checkerboard pattern may look complicated, it's actually quite simple to achieve with the help of a special checkerboard cake pan set. This set comes with three cake pans – two smaller pans for the different flavored batters, and one larger one to hold the smaller pans and create the checkerboard effect.

The first step in making a checkerboard cake is to prepare the vanilla and chocolate cake batters. Both batters are made with simple, everyday ingredients, such as flour, sugar, eggs, butter, and milk. The vanilla batter is flavored with vanilla extract, while the chocolate batter is made with cocoa powder for a rich, chocolaty taste.

Once the batters are prepared, they are poured into the smaller cake pans, with the vanilla batter in one and the chocolate batter in the other. After baking, the cakes are assembled in the larger pan to create the checkerboard pattern. Once baked and cooled, the cake is then stacked and frosted with a delicious buttercream frosting.

When the cake is sliced, the checkerboard pattern is revealed, showcasing the beautiful layers of vanilla and chocolate cake. It's a delightful surprise for anyone who takes a bite, as they get a taste of both flavors in every mouthful. The impressive presentation and delicious taste make this cake a favorite for any occasion.

Whether you are an experienced baker or just starting out, making a checkerboard cake is a fun and rewarding experience. The process may take a little extra time and effort, but the end result is well worth it. It's a show-stopping dessert that will impress both friends and family, and is sure to become a beloved recipe in your collection. So why not give it a try and add a touch of whimsy and elegance to your next celebration with a homemade checkerboard cake?

Ingredients

1 (15.25 ounce) package devil's food cake mix (such as Duncan Hines®)
2 cups whole milk, divided
⅔ cup salted butter, melted, divided
3 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract, divided
Baking spray with flour
1 (15.25 ounce) package white cake mix (such as Duncan Hines®)
3 large egg whites
½ cup salted butter, softened
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 (32 ounce) package powdered sugar
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
4 tablespoons whole milk, or more as needed
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Information

Prep Time: 45 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Additional Time: 1 hr 25 mins
Total Time: 2 hrs 30 mins
Servings: 12
Yield: 1 9-inch layer cake

Prepare cakes: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) with racks in middle and lower third positions.

Place devil's food cake mix, 1 cup milk, 1/3 cup melted butter, 3 large eggs, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract in the bowl of a stand mixer. Beat at low speed, using the paddle attachment, for 1 minute until combined. Increase speed to medium and beat for 2 minutes.

Spoon batter evenly into 2 (9-inch) round nonstick cake pans, greased with baking spray; set aside.

Repeat procedure with the white cake mix, substituting 3 egg whites for 3 large eggs.

Bake 4 cakes in the preheated oven until a wooden pick inserted in middle comes out clean, 20 to 25 minutes, rotating cake pans from front to back and between top and bottom racks halfway through baking time.

Remove pans to a wire rack and cool for 10 minutes. Remove cakes from pans and cool completely on wire racks, about 1 hour.

Trim the top of the cakes as needed to make sure the top is level.

Prepare frosting: Beat softened butter with a stand mixer at medium speed, using the paddle attachment, until creamy, 1 to 2 minutes.

Add softened cream cheese and mix for 1 minute until combined, stopping to scrape down sides of bowl as needed.

Whisk together powdered sugar and cocoa in a large bowl; gradually add to butter mixture alternately with 4 tablespoons milk, along with the vanilla. Beat at low speed until blended after each addition, stopping to scrape down bowl in between additions. (If needed, add up to 1 tablespoon milk, 1 teaspoon at a time, to reach desired consistency.) Increase speed to medium, and beat 1 to 2 minutes or until light and fluffy.

Assemble cake: Place 1 chocolate cake layer on a cutting board. Using a 6-inch round cutter, cut out center of cake to create a 6-inch cake round; leave 9-inch cake ring intact, and remove center 6-inch cake. Using a 3-inch round cutter, cut out center of the 6-inch cake to create a 3-inch cake round; leave 6-inch ring intact, and remove center 3-inch cake round. Place the 9-inch cake ring on a serving platter or cake stand. Set aside 6-inch ring and 3-inch cake round.

Repeat process with 1 vanilla cake layer to create 1 (9-inch) vanilla cake ring, 1 (6-inch) vanilla cake ring, and 1 (3-inch) vanilla cake round.

Place the 6-inch vanilla ring in the center of the 9-inch chocolate ring. Place the 3-inch chocolate cake round in the center of the 6-inch vanilla ring.

Spread a thin layer of frosting over layer on platter. Place 9-inch vanilla cake ring on frosted layer and place the 6-inch chocolate ring in center of thee 9-inch vanilla ring. Place the 3-inch vanilla cake round in the center of the 6-inch chocolate ring. Spread a thin layer of frosting over layer. Repeat process with remaining chocolate cake layer and vanilla cake layer.

Spread remaining frosting over top and sides of cake. Chill for 15 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

890 cal.

Total Fat: 37g
Saturated Fat: 20g
Cholesterol: 126mg
Sodium: 738mg
Total Carbohydrate: 134g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Protein: 11g
Potassium: 394mg

How to Make Checkerboard Cake - A Step-by-Step Guide

Ingredients

Information

Nutrition

890 cal.

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