Holy Smoke Cake: A Sweet Tradition from My GiGi
Some recipes are special because they taste amazing. Others are special because of the memories they bring back. My GiGi's Holy Smoke Cake is both!
GiGi had a serious love for chocolate, and this recipe was one of her favorites.
She made Holy Smoke Cake when her children were growing up, and when I started hosting our family gatherings, I happily took over the Holy Smoke duties. It's been a family tradition ever since.
Although GiGi is no longer with us, her Holy Smoke Cake still makes an appearance at our family gatherings. Every time I make it, I think of her and the wonderful memories we shared around the family table. It's a sweet reminder that some of the best family traditions are passed down one recipe at a time.
Layer 1
Grease a 9 x 13 pan and preheat oven to 350°F.
Mix together:
1 ½ cups All Purpose Flour
1 ½ sticks butter, melted
2/3 cup pecans, finely crushed
Press into pan. Bake for 15-20 minutes. Allow to Cool while preparing other layers.
Layer 2
2 – 8 oz Cream Cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 cup Cool Whip
Layer 3
2- packages (3.4 oz each) instant chocolate pudding mix
1 cup Cool Whip
3 cups milk
Layer 4
Remainder of a 16 oz Cool Whip Container
Chocolate Shavings
Pecans
Directions
After all layers have been prepared, begin assembly. To the cooled crust, spread the cream cheese layer.
Add the chocolate pudding layer.
Add the Cool Whip layer.
Refrigerate several hours before serving.
Food Fairy Tips
Double down on the chocolate! Some versions of Holy Smoke Cake use both vanilla and chocolate pudding, but GiGi's version calls for two boxes of chocolate. If you're a chocolate lover, this is the way to go!
Give it time to chill. This is one of those desserts that gets even better after a few hours in the refrigerator. Making it the night before a family gathering is a great way to get a head start on your preparations.
Dress it up! A little shaved chocolate or a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips on top makes this family favorite look extra special when serving guests.
Keep family traditions alive. If you have a favorite recipe from your mother, grandmother or another special person in your life, don't let it get lost. Write it down, share it with the next generation and, most importantly, keep making it. Sometimes the sweetest memories are made in the kitchen.
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