At any large party, there are bound to be guests who aren't excited about the flavor of cake you've chosen. Use a simple method to offer your friends and family a choice of flavors without baking two separate cakes.
Make a half recipe of each flavor you want, and grease a 9-by-13-inch cake pan.
If you aren't concerned about dividing the cake exactly in half or mixing the flavors in the center, try these techniques:
- Pour both batters into the pan at the same time. This method requires some coordination, but if you pour near the edges, the two flavors of cake batter will flow toward the center and meet.
- Place a plate in one end of the cake pan. Pour the first flavor into half of the pan. Remove the plate then pour the second flavor in the empty side, allowing the two flavors to meet.
Tips
If you're concerned about the two flavors getting muddled in the center, use a toothpick to swirl them together. It will look marbleized, like any mixing was intentional.
If getting a straight line of separation between the flavors is important to you, use this technique:
Cover a 9-by-4-inch piece of cardboard in two layers of aluminum foil. Spray the divider with cooking spray, and then insert it width-wise in the center of the cake pan so it is flush with the bottom. Pour the two flavors of cake batter on either side of the cardboard divider.
Bake as directed in your recipe and allow the cake to cool. When the cake is completely cool, use a butter knife to gently separate the divider from the cake without ripping the foil. Remove the divider and discard.
Try these combinations in your next dual-flavor cake:
- Chocolate and vanilla
- Vanilla and strawberry
- Banana and chocolate
- Chocolate and peanut butter
- Strawberry and chocolate.
Get creative when pairing two flavors of cake. Use the icing and decorations to give your guests a clue to the flavors waiting below.