This is my 15 yo son’s masterpiece.  He had made it several times for home but once he made it for church birthday night his reputation was made.  The old ladies at church brag about him whenever he makes this cake.  I tell him that if the old ladies at church think its good then it is a real winner.  Here is the basic recipe then our changes at the bottom.  (Easier to make than write)

Snickers Cake*

1 box German chocolate cake mix

1 – 14 oz package. caramels

3/4 c. chocolate chips

1 stick oleo

1/3 c. milk

1 cup pecans

Prepare cake mix as directed on package.  Pour half of batter into greased 9×13 pan.  Bake in 350F degree oven for 20 min.  Meanwhile melt caramels, oleo and milk together in double boiler.  Remove cake from oven and pour caramel mixture over it and top with chocolate chips and pecans.  Dot remaining cake batter over the top and return cake to oven for 20 minutes at 250F and then turn oven to 350F for 15-20 min.

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Our changes:  Use your favorite chocolate cake mix.  We don’t measure the chocolate chips anymore–just sprinkle until it suits you, but not a double layer. 

We melt the caramel, margarine and milk in the microwave.  Due to different microwaves just nuke for about a min. then stir–repeat until all caramels are melted.  If it sits it will need a last stir before using with cake.  If fill the empty bowl with hot water it will clean right up–remember caramels are just sugar and sugar will melt in water.  We have used real butter but it is better with margarine (imho).

Use whatever nuts you have in whatever amount.  We haven’t used peanuts but others have been fine.

If the first cake layer has a big hump then use a spatula and cut the hump off to smooth things out.  If not the caramel will run off to the sides–great if you get a side piece, but better if even.  We do both and just give the less caramel to small children with dental work. 

Umm…we missed the temperature change so we bake at 350F for 20-30 min or so.  Sometimes the top still looks ‘wet’ but is done.  Use  your best judgement.

The cake looks plan if baked as directed so we use squeeze ice cream toppings to make a pattern on the top.  Ds likes chocolate which we usually have, and caramel when we have it. Look for lines for decoration not solid topping.

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Try and see if it meets your ‘old church ladies’ standards.

*Sneakers cake if you are 4yo & describing siblings eating cake.

Once my mil mentioned that there was a song she really liked but had not heard in years and had not been able to find in stores.  For her services dh tried to google the title with no success.  So, has anyone one heard of a song called “Russian/Rushing Rain/Reign”?  I’m guessing it is “Rushing Rain”.  If you have please post in the comments.  Though it is to late for services, I thought he might like a copy anyway.