To C-Man’s dismay, I absolutely love birthdays especially celebrating his. He was out of town for his special day so I decided that we needed to have a little treat upon his return. Growing up, C-Man enjoyed having his mom’s chocolate bundt cake on his birthday. His mom couldn’t make him one this year, but I attempted to carry on the tradition.

(original recipe in C-Man’s mom’s handwriting)

C-Man’s Mom’s Chocolate Bundt Cake Recipe

• 1 pkg. Duncan Hines Deluxe Devil’s Food cake mix
• 1 pkg. Jello instant chocolate pudding (I went with the sugar-free version)
• 1 8 oz. carton sour cream (C-Man’s mom recommends non-fat but the store only had light)
• 4 eggs
• 1/2 cup brewed instant coffee
• 1/3 cup oil
• 1/4 cup rum (optional – I didn’t have any on hand)
• 1 pkg. 12 oz. chocolate chips (I used dark chocolate – 63% cacao)

Preheat oven to 350°F. Mix all ingredients except chocolate chips. Fold in chips.

Pour into greased bundt pan.

Bake at 350°F for 45 minutes. Cool for at least 50 minutes.

This was surprisingly easy to make plus more enjoyable with the vintage bundt pan I found at Goodwill (from the originators of the bundt pan, Northland Aluminum Products. Score!)

C-Man said he liked it, especially with the dark chocolate chips (just not the birthday celebrating part). Glad it turned out well even though I misread the recipe and baked it for 50 minutes instead of 45. Whoops!

(a sleepy birthday boy)