Monkeying-Around Cake Recipe

Name: Monkeying-Around Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pkg. (2-layer size) chocolate cake mix; 1 pkg. (3.4 oz.) JELL-O Vanilla Flavor Instant Pudding; 1 cup cold milk; 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter; 1 cup thawed COOL WHIP Whipped Topping; 1/2 cup whipping cream; 4-1/2 oz. BAKER'S Semi-Sweet Chocolate, broken into pieces; 2 vanilla wafers; 2 Mini OREO Bite Size Cookies; 1 piece black string licorice

Servings: persons

1
Heat oven to 350 degrees F.
2
Prepare cake batter as directed on package; pour into greased and floured 2-qt.
3
ovenproof glass bowl.
4
Bake 1 hour or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
5
Cool cake in bowl 15 min.
6
; invert onto wire rack.
7
Cool cake completely.
8
Beat pudding mix and milk in large bowl with whisk 2 min.
9
Add peanut butter; beat until blended.
10
Stir in COOL WHIP.
11
Cut cake horizontally in half; stack cake pieces on plate, filling with half the pudding mixture.
12
(Rounded cake piece should be on top.)
13
Spoon remaining pudding mixture into resealable plastic bag; refrigerate with cake until ready to use.
14
Bring cream just to boil in small saucepan on low heat.
15
Add chocolate; cook until melted, stirring constantly.
16
Cool 10 min.
17
Meanwhile, dip edges of wafers in glaze; place on plate.
18
Let stand until glaze is firm.
19
Spread remaining glaze onto cake.
20
Make 2 small cuts in top of cake; insert wafers in cuts for the monkey's ears.
21
Refrigerate 30 min.
22
Cut small piece off one bottom corner of pudding-filled bag; use to pipe pudding mixture onto cake as shown in photo.
23
Cut 6- to 8-inch length from licorice; place on cake for the monkey's mouth.
24
Cut remaining licorice piece in half; add to cake for the nose.
25
Split OREO Cookies in half; place creme-covered halves on cake for the eyes.
26
Discard remaining OREO halves or reserve for snacking.

1513

kcal

Calories

Fat

133

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Preheat the oven fully and bake on the middle rack for the most even results.
Check for doneness a few minutes early — a toothpick in the center should come out with just a few moist crumbs.
Let it cool before slicing so it sets properly and holds its shape.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
Coconut cream is a reliable plant-based alternative to dairy cream.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 10 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 1 pkg. (2-layer size) chocolate cake mix, 1 pkg. (3.4 oz.) JELL-O Vanilla Flavor Instant Pudding, 1 cup cold milk, 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter, and more.

Yes, Monkeying-Around Cake falls under the Baking & Desserts category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3–5 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months — no need to refrigerate or reheat.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Monkeying-Around Cake

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions