Maple Chocolate Cake Food

MAPLE-WALNUT CHOCOLATE CAKE

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350°F (325°F for dark or nonstick pan). Generously grease 2 (8- or 9-inch) round pans. Make cake mix as directed on box using water, oil and eggs. Pour into pans.
• Bake 28 to 32 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes in pans; remove from pans to cooling racks. Cool completely, about 1 1/2 hours.
• In large bowl, mix powdered sugar and butter with spoon or electric mixer on low speed until blended. Stir in 4 tablespoons maple syrup and the whipping cream. Beat until smooth and spreadable, adding additional 1 to 2 tablespoons maple syrup if necessary for desired consistency. If frosting is too thick, beat in more maple syrup, a few drops at a time.
• In small food processor, place walnuts and 1 to 2 tablespoons maple syrup. Cover; process until mixture forms a smooth paste. Stir in 1/3 cup of the frosting until well combined.
• On serving plate, place 1 cake layer top side down. Fill cake with walnut filling. Top with second layer top side up. Frost cake with frosting. Use a teaspoon to make S-shaped swirls on sides and top of cake. Top with chocolate leaves, chopped walnuts and a drizzle of maple syrup.

CHOCOLATE MAPLE BARS

Steps:

• In a large bowl, cream the shortening, syrup and sugar until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes. Beat in the eggs, milk and vanilla. Combine the flour, baking powder and salt; add to creamed mixture and mix well. Remove half the batter to another bowl., Combine melted chocolate and pecans; stir into 1 bowl of batter. Spread into a greased 13x9-in. baking pan. Add coconut to remaining batter. Spread carefully over chocolate batter. , Bake at 350° until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 25 minutes. Cool completely on a wire rack., For frosting, in a small bowl, beat butter until smooth. Gradually add the confectioners' sugar and cocoa. Gradually add syrup, beating until smooth. Fold in marshmallows. Frost bars.