20 Cake Recipes That'll Earn You Top Dollar At The Church Auction
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
It’s never too early to start planning what to bring to a church event, especially a church auction or bake sale. While we might not have the exact recipe of your aunt's award-winning German Chocolate Cake, we have a few classic cake recipes that will get the bidding up fast. Whether your church is raising money for a new organ or putting together a donation to a favorite charity, everyone's a winner at the event. It’s the best example of a place where you can make your cake and eat it too. We’ve pulled together the perfect combination of our most wow-worthy recipes as well as some simple yet delicious ones that will get people bidding from the moment your cake is up. Don’t worry, even some of the most inexperienced or cautious of bakers can pull some of these recipes together in a snap.
Eclair Cake
If you want to make something easy that will still have everyone requesting more, make the Eclair Cake. The most shocking thing about this "cake" is that it's not really cake at all. Instead, it's a magical combination of pudding, cool whip topping, graham crackers, and a simple chocolate glaze. Just make sure you give everything enough time to set!
Heavenly Angel Food Cake
It's as if angels themselves blessed us with this sweet Angel Food Cake recipe. What takes this a step above are the ornate details of the Gumdrop Rose Petals. Everyone will want to make a bid.
Ivy's Favorite Pound Cake
Frederick Hardy II; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Styling: Mat Gibilisco
We speak from experience when we say this cake is so perfect, even the harshest judges will want you to share the recipe.
Classic Coconut Cake
If this Classic Coconut Cake could talk, we're sure it would have a few sinfully good stories to tell. It has just the right amount of delightful Whipped Cream Frosting that is sure to turn heads on the auction block.
Hummingbird Cake
This cake is searched for and savored all over the South, and it's always the clear winner. This Hummingbird Cake is just about as good as it gets.
Chocolate Delight
Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Styling: Christine Keely
Now, you might know this cake by a name that's not appropriate to say in the house of the Lord, but that doesn't mean that this cake isn't truly delightful and oh-so-easy. This recipe calls for two kinds of instant pudding mix, frozen whipped topping, and an optional (but strongly recommended) helping of chocolate sauce.
Mama's German Chocolate Cake
Everyone in the South has their own prized recipe for pound cake and German Chocolate Cake, but this recipe might just rise above all the rest. The only word for it: indulgent. If you really want to go there, top with chocolate covered toasted pecans and take in all the oohs and ahhs.
Lemon-Coconut Cake
This gorgeous cake is just the thing for those with good, old-fashioned Southern taste. It basically has the trifecta of a good white cake, a zesty lemon filling, and a delicious cream cheese frosting. Toast the coconut flakes for an added touch of nuttiness.
The Lane Cake
Hector Sanchez
The Lane Cake should really be known as everyone's favorite member of the church family. With over 100 years under her belt, The Lane Cake is steeped in so much Southern history (and bible approved booze) everyone will want a slice.
Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake
Alison Miksch; Prop styling: Mary Clayton Carl; Food styling: Mary-Claire Britton
Every Southerner knows that the secret to a good chocolate cake isn't just good quality cocoa: it's the mayo. In fact, mayonnaise gives your cake the most perfect, moist crumb that makes a forkful melt in your mouth.
Orange Chiffon Cake
Chiffon Cake is one of the lightest, most delicate cakes one can make, but all of that effort pays off big time with the delicious results. This fragrant orange flavor transforms your average Chiffon Cake into one to take note of.
Glazed Buttermilk Donut Cake
We're sure everyone will show up to have a slice of this cake that's essentially an elevated version of a doughnut. Covered in an easy glaze made with simply powdered sugar and water, it's just right for a church event.
7UP Bundt Cake
Soft drinks and cake go hand-in-hand, and this classic 7UP Bundt Cake might just be our favorite soda-filled treat. With just enough citrus to balance the sweet, it's sure to bubble up to the top of the most wanted cakes.
Wacky Cake
This Depression-Era cake has stood the test of time and uses ingredients you likely already have.
Sweet Tea-and-Lemonade Cake
If you can usually be found with a glass of sweet tea in your hand in the church parlor, then this cake was made for you. With tea brewed especially for this cake batter, it's just about as Southern as you can get.
Best Carrot Cake
Photography: Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox
Carrot Cake is always a good idea, and this is our best recipe ever. What really makes this dessert so delicious is the easy cream cheese frosting that comes together in just two steps.
Banana Pudding Poke Cake
It seems that every church potluck has Banana Pudding, so why not bring it to the cakewalk? The crumbled vanilla wafer topping makes this cake especially sweet.
Fudge Cake
If you live a-ways from your church, this Fudge Cake recipe is made for you. Perfectly portable, this cake is a fudgy delight.
Lemon-and-Chocolate Doberge Cake
This New Orleans-style multi-flavored, multi-layered cake was made to impress. Unless you live in New Orleans, you'll probably be the only person who thinks to bring this cake to the table, making it all the more memorable.
Old-Fashioned Caramel Cake
Is it really a Southern get together if someone doesn't bring Caramel Cake? We don't think so. Every time we make this tried-and-true recipe, friends and family sing its praises.
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Read the original article on Southern Living.