Sweet Memories & Delicious Bites: Celebrating a Food Blog Anniversary with Peanut Butter and Jelly Cake
Life can be a whirlwind of deadlines and demands. As I navigate through what feels like “hell week” at school, with only a few more days until the finish line, my mind often wanders to sweeter, more reflective moments. While I’m currently dedicating my focus to wrapping up a challenge round-up (which I hope to post very soon!), I recently found myself in a different kind of joyful preparation: celebrating the anniversary of my beloved food blog, Chocolate Moosey, with a special bake that brought back a flood of memories.
A Year Abroad: Travel, Culture, and Unexpected Culinary Adventures
It feels like just yesterday, yet it was exactly one year ago, that I was fully immersed in the vibrant culture of Limerick, Ireland. My decision to study abroad during my sophomore year was fueled by an insatiable love for travel and a desire to experience life beyond my comfort zone. Financially, it was a practical choice, as tuition costs were comparable to back home; my main concerns were managing expenses for room, board, and, of course, the adventures that awaited me.
During my time there, I was incredibly fortunate to forge connections that transcended the digital realm. I met two of my best friends, Emer and Ida, in person. Emer, a wonderful individual I’d connected with online, lived in Dublin, and her family essentially adopted me throughout my stay, offering warmth and hospitality even though Limerick and Dublin are a four-hour bus ride apart (or a swift two hours by car). Ida, another online friend, flew all the way from Norway to stay with me for a week, making our friendship truly global.
Discovering Culinary Delights and Natural Wonders
My travels across Ireland and Scotland were also a journey for my taste buds. I bravely sampled the infamous black pudding in Ireland, a traditional sausage with a unique, savory flavor that was certainly an experience. In Scotland, I took on the challenge of haggis, another iconic dish, which, despite its description, proved to be surprisingly palatable. These culinary explorations were just a part of the rich tapestry of experiences.
Beyond the food, the landscapes were truly breathtaking. I visited what remains, to this day, the most amazing place I’ve ever seen: the Giant’s Causeway. Pictures simply do not do it justice; the hexagonal basalt columns, formed by ancient volcanic activity, stretching into the sea are far more magnificent and awe-inspiring in person, I swear! It felt like stepping onto another planet, a truly magical and unforgettable sight. And, of course, no travel story from Ireland would be complete without a quirky anecdote – in my case, getting playfully “attacked” by an emo cow, a moment that always brings a smile to my face.
The Birth of a Passion: From Homesickness to Food Blogging
Despite the incredible adventures, there were moments of profound homesickness. Being away from family and the familiar comforts of home, coupled with limited financial resources, meant that my usual baking escapades were put on hold. Baking was always my go-to for comfort and creativity, but without the necessary ingredients or funds, it became an occasional treat rather than a regular activity. Emer and I did manage to whip up a few meals, like this new twist on quesadillas, but it wasn’t the same as having a fully stocked kitchen.
Then, one day, while I was supposedly engrossed in writing an essay for class (cough, cough), I found myself drifting into the alluring world of online recipes. I honestly don’t recall the exact path that led me to discovering food blogs, but once I did, I was captivated. The vibrant photos, the personal stories, the shared passion for culinary creation – it all resonated deeply. It was in that moment that the idea sparked: I wanted to start my own food blog.
The name “Chocolate Moosey” wasn’t new to me. It had been the title of my personal blog back in high school, a quirky name I’d come up with during a chemistry class, of all places! After graduating, that blog had fallen by the wayside, abandoned as life moved on. But I still harbored a deep affection for the title. It felt right, a nostalgic and playful reflection of my personality. So, when the idea of a new food blog took root, there was no question – Chocolate Moosey would live again, this time with a culinary focus.
Celebrating Milestones with a Special Bake: The Peanut Butter and Jelly Cake
Fast forward to the present, and the perfect occasion arose to combine my love for baking with a celebration close to my heart. This past weekend, I decided to bake a cake for two wonderful reasons: first, I was visiting my best friend’s house, and second, it marked the anniversary of Chocolate Moosey! What better way to honor a year of delicious creations and shared recipes than with a cake that evokes sweet memories and pure delight?
For this special occasion, I finally decided to tackle the Peanut Butter and Jelly Cake. This recipe has been calling to me from the pages of a beloved cookbook that Megan and I share for the longest time. I’m hoping this blog post might even convince her to bake it too, as I can assure you, you will not be disappointed with the results!
A few crucial tips for anyone attempting this fantastic cake: First, whatever you do, do not skimp on the jelly! The recipe calls for 1/2 cup, and while I didn’t meticulously measure it myself, I made sure to be generous. The jelly is only present between the layers, so using a good, thick layer not only enhances the flavor but also helps the cake layers adhere beautifully when you’re cutting into it. It creates a wonderful, vibrant surprise with every slice.
Second, a heads-up about the frosting: it makes wayyyy too much! Seriously, I had enough to generously frost this beautiful two-layer cake and even piped some onto 24 cupcakes (from a box – I was too busy to bake more cake layers, but couldn’t let the frosting go to waste!). And even after all that, I still had a significant amount left over! This was my first experience with what I later realized is the famous seven minute frosting. It has a magical, light, and airy texture, tasting just like fluffy marshmallows but with the added bonus of being incredibly easy to spread. It’s the perfect complement to the rich peanut butter and sweet jelly flavors of the cake.
Below, you’ll find the recipe for this delightful Peanut Butter and Jelly Cake, including my adjusted, more manageable amount for the marshmallow frosting. Get ready to bake a cake that’s not only delicious but also full of nostalgic charm!
The Recipe: Peanut Butter and Jelly Cake with Marshmallow Frosting
Peanut Butter and Jelly Cake with Marshmallow Frosting
Cake Ingredients:
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2/3 cup granulated sugar
4 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
1 1/4 cups milk
3 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup your favorite fruit jelly (grape or strawberry works wonderfully), plus an additional 1/4 cup for spreading
Marshmallow Frosting Ingredients (Adjusted Amount):
6 Tbsp granulated sugar
2 Tbsp light corn syrup
1 Tbsp water
1 large egg white
1/8 tsp salt
1/8 tsp cream of tartar
1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans thoroughly.
2. Mix the Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the brown sugar, softened butter, and 1/3 cup of peanut butter to the dry ingredients. Pour in the milk. Beat the mixture on low speed with an electric mixer for 1 1/2 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. Add the eggs and vanilla extract. Continue to beat for another 1 1/2 minutes until the batter is smooth and well combined. Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans.
3. Bake the Cakes: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean, and the tops spring back when lightly touched. Once baked, remove from the oven and let the cake layers cool completely in their pans before attempting to remove them.
4. Prepare the Frosting: While the cakes are cooling, prepare the marshmallow frosting. In the top part of a double boiler, combine the granulated sugar, corn syrup, water, egg white, salt, and cream of tartar. Place this over rapidly boiling water, ensuring the bottom of the top pot does not touch the water. Beat with an electric mixer on medium-high speed. Continue beating for about 7 minutes, or until the mixture becomes thick, glossy, and holds firm peaks.
5. Finish the Frosting: Remove the double boiler from the heat. Add the vanilla extract and beat for another minute or two until the frosting holds deep, beautiful swirls and is ready to spread.
6. Assemble the Cake: Carefully remove the cooled cake layers from their pans. Place one cake layer onto your serving plate or cake stand. Spread the top of this layer with 1/4 cup of peanut butter, then generously spread the 1/2 cup of jelly over the peanut butter. Place the second cake layer on top. Finally, frost the entire cake (top and sides) with the luscious marshmallow frosting.
This recipe yields 1 delicious two-layer cake.
Source: Pillsbury’s 15th Grand National Bake-Off, 1964 p.37
Baking this Peanut Butter and Jelly Cake for Chocolate Moosey’s anniversary was more than just making a dessert; it was a way to reflect on my journey – from an inquisitive student exploring Ireland’s wonders to a passionate blogger sharing recipes and stories. Each bite felt like a little celebration of how far I’ve come and the sweet memories I’ve gathered along the way. I hope you enjoy baking and tasting this delightful cake as much as I did!