CHAMELEON CAKE

Chameleon Cake image

Provided by Maureen Haddock

Categories Cakes

Time 55m

Number Of Ingredients 9

1/2 c vegetable oil (i like canola oil)
1 c granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
1 tsp pure almond extract
1/2 tsp salt
2 c all-purpose flour
3/4 c milk
3 tsp baking powder

Steps:

1. Add sugar to oil in a medium size bowl and mix with an electric hand mixer.
2. Beat the eggs into the sugar and oil. Then add vanilla extract, almond extract, and salt.
3. Set this batter aside. In a separate bowl, combine the baking powder with the flour. Add portions of the flour mixture to the batter, alternating with portions of milk, ending with flour.
4. Now, choose a shape! Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan and bake for 60 minutes at 325° F. OR Spoon batter into well-greased or paper-lined muffin tins (makes 14) and bake at 375° F for 20 to 30 minutes. OR Pour batter into two well-greased eight-inch layer cake pans and bake cakes at 375° for 25 to 30 minutes.
5. Get creative: Chameleon cake is delicious served with fruit and whipped cream, covered in maple syrup, or glazed with a caramel icing. It can be sliced into fingers to serve plain with tea or cubed for dipping into a chocolate fondue. Freeze it in slices for a quick dessert at a later time. For a fun family dessert, serve a platter of cake slices and a tray of sauces, fruit, ice cream, and sprinkles. Tell the children it is "make your own dessert" night. For grown-ups only, splash a little rum over the cake then top with whipped cream and pineapple.
6. Reinvent it! I have friends who skip the almond extract and add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. The expert followers of Just a Pinch will have great substitution ideas. I have used alternate flours such as oat or spelt.