Two Simple Desserts

Jack and I made two simple desserts this week that are great for a weeknight treat. These are good for a weeknight because you probably have all the ingredients on hand in your pantry. I was feeling a little guilty for serving leftovers two days in a row this week so I thought I would make up for it by having something special for dessert.

The first recipe is one I had not tried before, but that I had seen many times in my cookbook and wanted to try. The reason I never made it until now is because it has coconut frosting and Josh claims that he doesn't like coconut. Well, I am glad I made it anyway because he loved it and said I should make it again!

Busy-Day Cake with Broiled Coconut Topping

Better Homes and Gardens

1 1/3 C. flour

2/3 C. sugar

2 tsp. baking powder

2/3 C. milk

1/4 C. butter, softened

1 egg

1 tsp. vanilla

1 recipe Broiled Coconut Topping (see below)

Grease an 8in. round cake pan; set aside. In a mixing bowl combine flout, sugar, and baking powder. Add milk, butter, egg, and vanilla. Beat on low speed till combined. Beat on med. speed for 1 minute. Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 25 minutes. Spread Broiled Coconut Topping over warm cake. Broil about 4 inches from heat until golden (watch closely, this will go quickly). Cool slightly in pan on a wire rack. Serve warm.

Broiled Coconut Topping

Beat 1/4 C. packed brown sugar and 2 Tbsp. softened butter till combined. Stir in 1 Tbsp. milk. Stir in 1/2 C. flaked coconut and, if desired, 1/4 C. chopped nuts.

The second dessert is even easier than the first. I have made this one a few times because it makes just enough and satisfies my love of chocolate.

Brownie Pudding Cake

Better Homes and Gardens

As this homey dessert bakes, a layer of cake magically rises to the top, leaving a sauce underneath.

1/2 C. flour

1/4 C. sugar

3 Tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder

3/4 tsp. baking powder

1/4 C. milk

1 Tbsp. cooking oil

1/2 tsp. vanilla

1/4 C. chopped walnuts (optional, I have never used them)

1/3 C. sugar

3/4 C. boiling water

In a medium mixing bowl stir together flour, the 1/4 C. sugar, 1 Tbsp. of the cocoa powder, and baking powder. Add milk, oil, and vanilla; stir till smooth. Stir in walnuts. Transfer batter to a 1-qt. casserole. Combine the remaining 2 Tbsp. cocoa powder and the 1/3 C. sugar. Gradually stir in boiling water. Pour evenly over batter. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 30 minutes. Serve warm. Makes 4 servings.