I know July Fourth is tomorrow and this definitely qualifies as a last minute recipe idea, but this year I’ve been simultaneously aching to share this cake with you, and really dreading sharing it as well. I’ve wanted to share it with you because, well it’s completely and utterly delicious in every way, easy to make, and has festive coming out the wazoo. And I’ve been dreading it because if I’m sharing this cake that means July is here and it’s been one year since my nephew’s accident. You may or may not have been following me on social media when I shared some very brief thoughts about my nephews sudden passing in a car accident on July 3rd last year. He was seventeen years old. Maybe you’re close with your nephews, maybe you’re not. But if you’ve had someone close to you disappear in an instant, you might know that every emotion known to man – and a whole slew of new ones you’ve never experienced before – come with an event like this. I was so unready for each and every one of them. And I’m so unready for the one year anniversary of it all. One year later, I don’t even know what to do with myself today. It feels uncomfortable to be doing “normal” things, like planning BBQs and shopping for burger buns, putting the flag out and dressing in red, white, and blue. And eating cake. But honestly nothing feels right today. So I guess cake it is. Red white and blue cake with lots of sprinkles and a swirl in the middle. Because I think that’s what you do in a situation like this. You keep on keeping on. You keep eating cake. So I’m sharing this cake, so incredibly last minute, and I hope you’ll forgive me for procrastinating. It’s worth the wait, I promise you. And don’t judge me but it starts with a cake mix. It’s not cheating, it’s really just taking a shortcut right? And my secret ingredient, plus homemade brown butter cream cheese frosting, turns a simple white cake mix into the tastiest Fourth of July treat to ever grace your star spangled tablecloth covered patio table. Spoiler alert: the secret ingredient is almond extract. DON’T SKIP IT.
