Mystery Cake

This recipe has a note on it - "Came from Aunt Ruth's." There is no title; nothing signifying what you are actually making, so I had to call my mom and read the ingredients to her. I got as far as "one of the ingredients is hot coffee" and she knew right away it was one of her favorite cakes.


For the topping, you mix together 8 ounces of cream cheese, 1/3 cup sugar, 1 egg, and 1/2 tsp vanilla. Beat until soft, and then add 6 ounces chocolate chips. I finally got to use my new mixer, and it made my life so much easier.


In another large bowl, you need to mix the following:

2/3 cup oil (I used vegetable oil)
2 cups sugar
2 eggs
3 cups flour
1/2 cup cocoa
1/2 tsp salt
2 tsp baking soda
2 tbsp vinegar
1 tsp vanilla
2 cups hot coffee (or water, but I would definitely recommend the coffee)


After you mix this, pour it into a 9x13 greased pan.


Then pour the topping on top, and then sprinkle 1/4 cup sugar on top.


Next it says to bake at 350 degrees, but it doesn't give an amount of time. I searched online for typical cake baking times for a 9x13 pan at 350, and the average seemed to be around 35 minutes. My mom suggested I leave it in about that long, and then turn the oven off but leave it in for a few more minutes, which is what I did. I also tried to put a toothpick in and see if it came out smoothly. It did in some areas and not in others. I always have a tough time with that one.


It was delicious. The only thing I think i will do differently next time is take a knife and swirl in the topping after I pour it on, so it covers the entire surface. And I probably could have left it in the oven a few more minutes (my mom said she found a copy of the recipe she had, and it said to bake for 45 minutes).

My mom confirmed, it tasted just as it should, while we had some wine and read each other trivial pursuit questions. It was like old times.


Next week - sweet potato biscuits!