CONTEST DESSERT: Panic Dessert Cakes

PANIC DESSERT CAKES
Original recipe variations by BumbleBeeBoogie

If you keep these simple ingredients in your pantry, you can make a great dessert for unexpected guests anytime without panic. I've added some fruit variations to the recipe, but you can use your own imagination to design your own special Panic Dessert.

APPLE, PINEAPPLE SPICE CAKE DESSERT

1 box of spice cake mix
1 can of apple pie slices or 1 can of crushed pineapple or pineapple chunks, or a mixture of both
1 cup of chopped raw walnuts or pecans
1 sticks (1/4 pound) of butter

Preheat the over at 350 degrees F.

Drain and retain in a bowl the juice from the canned pineapple. Spread the apples, pineapple and nuts over the bottom of a 9-inch by 12-inch by at least 2-inches high lightly buttered non-stick baking pan. Sprinkle the dry cake mix on top of the fruit/nut mixture. Sprinkle the reserved drained pineapple juice over the dry cake mix, but do not stir. Pinch off pieces of the butter and spread the butter pinches over the cake mix layer.

Bake for about 45 minutes, or until the cake is brown and firm to the touch in the center. You may cut the cake into servings from the pan or you may optionally invert the cake on to a cake plate to create an upside down cake. Cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. May be served warm or cold. I like to top the spice cake dessert with whipped cream that has been sweetened with brown sugar.

COCONUT, PINEAPPLE ORANGE OR LEMON CAKE DESSERT
Substitute an orange or lemon cake mix, and add 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut along with the chopped nuts. Proceed as directed above.

CHERRY, PINEAPPLE YELLOW OR CHOCOLATE CAKE DESSERT
Substitute a yellow or chocolate cake mix for the spice cake mix, and canned cherry pie filling for the apple slices. Proceed as directed above.

CRANBERRY, PINEAPPLE WHITE CAKE DESSERT
Substitute a white cake mix for the spice cake mix, and canned whole cranberry sauce for the apple slices. Reserve 2 tablespoons of the cranberry sauce if you plan to top the cake with whipped cream. Proceed as directed above. Top with whipped cream sweetened the reserved whole cranberry sauce.