I was blessed these past few weeks by friends. I was asked by three people to created sweet treats for them to pass on to others. First it was Finding Dory cupcakes for a friend’s sweet daughter’s birthday party, then a celebratory cake for a local business celebrating 68 years in business and then a birthday cake for a husband for his 30th!
It is honestly the little things in life that I feel give back the most joy! I was honored and flattered that people took time to find me and ask me to make these fun treats!
First it was a red, white and blue swirled vanilla cake frosted with a simple vanilla buttercream, decked out with a fondant and buttercream logo.
Second was 24 Finding Dory cupcakes – 12 chocolate, 12 vanilla, frosted with vanilla buttercream, topped with cute candy decorations (Pop Rocks, Starburst coral and fondant seaweed, and sticker characters from the movie.
Third was a chocolate and peanut butter explosion cake! Chocolate cake frosted with peanut butter buttercream topped with chocolate ganache and chopped up peanut butter cups.
I was asked recently if I get joy out of baking simply for the act of baking or do I get joy out of the happiness it brings to others. It’s both. I love how I can get lost in baking like I can in a good book. It clears my head, sets my soul at ease and brings my heart all kinds of happiness. I also love the look on someones face as they bite into something I have made them that makes their taste buds do a happy dance. So if you are having a bad day do what brings you joy!
Sometimes I have a deep desire to get my hands dirty. The other day was one such day. I hate gardening so I prefer to dirty my hands while baking; and if I am going to get my hands dirty making it, then I want to make something so good you can’t help but purposely getting it on your fingers so you can indulge in your inner child and lick your fingers! This bundt cake recipe is one such recipe.
Grease and flour a bundt pan ( I used a baking spray and flour). From reading the comments on Baking in Arizona’s page many people stated even using a nonstick bundt pan requires prepping the pan with grease and flour.). Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Mix all cake ingredients together in a mixing bowl with an electric mixer or by hand (but make sure to get all dry ingredient incorporated. Fill bundt pan with half the batter. Spoon half of the raspberry filling in separated spoonfuls over the batter just as you would do for a marbled cake. Use a knife to swirl the filling through the cake without scraping the sides or bottom of the pan. Pour other half of the batter over the raspberry filling. Cook 1 hour and test the center with a toothpick or knife. If it comes out wet cook in 3-5 min. intervals until it does. Remove pan from oven and let cool on a rack. After cooling for 20 minutes, gently run a knife around the outside and inside edges. Place serving dish on top of pan and flip to release. 
Have Sweets, Will Share. 