CNYEats Cream Cheese Frosting on top of Poor Man’s Cake

This week we bake for the “Poor Man” (don’t we all claim to be?!).   On page 164 of our book A Taste of Utica, there are two recipes for Poor Man’s Chocolate Cake. You can’t miss especially when you look on page 163 and top those cakes with homemade cream cheese frosting.  Ready?  Here we go.

Poor Man’s Chocolate Cake by Michael & Judith Labombarda

“This is my favorite chocolate cake in the world.  My recipe has been in the family for years.  Whenever I make and bring it to a gathering outside Utica, people go absolutely bonkers and beg for the recipe.  It’s great plain (my favorite) or with confectionery sugar or white frosting on top.  A little vanilla ice cream & coffee and you’re good to go! – by Mr/Mrs Labombarda”

An old family favorite

• 3 cups flour
• 2 cups sugar
• 2/3 cup cocoa
• 2 tsp baking soda
• 1 cup canola oil
• 2 cups water
• 2 tsp vanilla
• dash salt

Put all ingredients into a mixing bowl and beat well.

Bake in a 13 x 9 pan at 350 F for 35 minutes or until done.

When cool, lightly sprinkle powder sugar on top(optional).  It’s suggested to serve with ice-cold milk, freshly brewed coffee and/or vanilla ice cream. ENJOY!

The second recipe is the one I used and is posted by Toni (Leone) Guzski.

• 3 cups flour
• 2 cups sugar
• 1/2 cup cocoa (not instant)
• 2 tsp vanilla
• 2 tsp vinegar
• pinch salt
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 2 tsp baking soda
• 2 cups cold water

Mix all ingredients then pour into a non stick or non stick sprayed 9 x 13 pan and bake at 350 F for 30 – 35 minutes. 

Once again, ENJOY!

Cream cheese frosting, posted by Hj and  “fantastic on carrot cake – works on lots of other desserts too.  Get creative!”

• 1 lb confectioners sugar (I used 4 cups for a soft icing)
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 TBS genuine vanilla extract, if using imitation, use more.

Beat butter and cheese together until smooth.  Beat in vanilla.  Gradually add sugar until desired consistency.  Continue beating 3 minutes.  *The long you beat, the fluffier it will get.

This cake is delicious but now Ted and I have an entire 9 x 13 cake to eat between the two of us.  Great news!  This cake freezes really well!