Birthday Cake

In honor of my wonderful husband's birthday today, I thought I would share our family's "Birthday Cake".  This chocolate bundt cake is our favorite and it is what we make for our birthdays (or anytime we have an excuse, really).  It's SUPER easy to make and really delicious.  I hope you enjoy and, while we're at it, HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARK!!

Cake Ingredients:
~ 1 box chocolate cake mix (I usually choose Betty Crocker's Devil's Food or Dark Chocolate)
~ 1 box chocolate pudding mix (5.9oz)
~ 1 cup veggie oil
~ 1 cup sour cream
~ 1/2 cup hot tap water
~ 4 eggs, beaten


Directions:
~ Preheat oven to 350 degrees (or whatever the cake box says).  Grease your bundt pan really well, including the top of the center divider!  I use Crisco for this (it's about the only thing I use Crisco for ...) and I've never had a problem.  Just put some on a paper towel and wipe the whole surface down.
~  In a large bowl, combine cake mix, pudding mix, oil, sour cream, water, and eggs.  Mix until thoroughly combined.
~  Pour mixture into greased pan and bake for 50-55 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
~  Remove pan from oven and let cool for at least 20 minutes.  Invert cake onto dish.  Drizzle glaze on top. (See recipe below)



Sugar Glaze Recipe

Glaze Ingredients:
~ 1 cup confectioners sugar
~ Approx. 2-3 tbsp milk
~ 1/2 tsp almond extract (you can switch this up to any flavor)

Directions:
~ In a small bowl, mix sugar, extract, and 1 tbsp of milk.  Stir to combine.
~ Slowly add more milk until the glaze becomes the consistency you prefer.  Mix well before adding more milk; a little goes a long way. 
~ Drizzle over cake and serve!