Treasure chest

Treasure Chest Recipe: Butter, Cool Whip, Gelatin, and Chocolate

| Servings: 8

Introduction

Treasure chest is a fun and creative dessert that is perfect for parties or special occasions. This recipe combines a delicious pound cake with whipped topping and a variety of colorful candies to create a dessert that looks like a treasure chest full of jewels.

History

The treasure chest dessert has been a popular party treat for many years. It is a creative way to turn a simple pound cake into a fun and festive dessert that is sure to impress guests of all ages.

Ingredients

1 pack (12 oz / 340 g) Entenmann's All butter pound loaf
8 oz (227 g) cool whip, thawed
Assorted "jewels" such as fruit chews
Candy necklaces, cubed
Prepared Jello
Brand gelatin, raspberries
gumdrops or other small candies
1 pretzel rod, cut into 3 pieces
Miniature candy-coated semi-sweet chocolate candies
Black licorice
2 pretzels, cut into 3 pieces

How to prepare

Cut a 0.5-inch horizontal slice off the top of the cake and set it aside.
Carefully hollow out the center of the cake, leaving a 0.5-inch shell on the bottom and sides. Keep the removed cake for snacking or other use.
Spoon 1 cup of the whipped topping into the cake shell.
Frost the sides of the cake with 1.5 cups of whipped topping.
Refrigerate the cake until ready to serve.
Just before serving, place assorted jewels over the whipped topping in the cake shell.
Angle the reserved cake slice over the jewels using pretzel rod pieces to resemble an open chest lid.
Frost the slice with the remaining whipped topping.
Decorate with miniature candy-coated semi-sweet chocolate candies and licorice.
Add the remaining pretzels to the ends of the chest for handles.

Variations

Use different types of candies to create a unique treasure chest design.
Add edible gold or silver dust for a shimmering effect.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to hollow out the cake carefully to create a sturdy shell for the whipped topping and candies.

- Use a variety of colorful candies to create a vibrant and eye-catching display.

- Refrigerate the cake until ready to serve to keep the whipped topping firm.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the treasure chest dessert as a fun and festive centerpiece at a party or special occasion.

Cooking Techniques

Hollowing out the cake and decorating it with whipped topping and candies requires careful attention to detail and precision.

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to customize the candies and decorations to suit your preferences.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the cake in advance and decorate it just before serving for best results.

Presentation Ideas

Display the treasure chest dessert on a decorative platter or cake stand for a stunning presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve the treasure chest dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a glass of milk for a delicious treat.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Enjoy within a few days for best taste and texture.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 300 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 45g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 12g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 3g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dessert is not a significant source of vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

Contains: Wheat, milk, soy

Summary

While this dessert is a fun and creative treat, it is high in carbohydrates and fats. Enjoy in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Summary

The treasure chest dessert is a fun and creative way to turn a simple pound cake into a festive and impressive treat. Enjoy this colorful and delicious dessert at your next party or special occasion.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the excitement that washed over me when I first saw this recipe for the Treasure Chest. It was a rainy afternoon, and I had just finished cleaning out the attic when I stumbled upon an old, tattered cookbook that belonged to my great-grandmother. As I flipped through the pages, yellowed with age and splattered with remnants of ingredients past, I came across a recipe that caught my eye.

The title read "Treasure Chest," and the ingredients listed were a mix of familiar and exotic flavors - saffron, cardamom, rose water, pistachios, and dates. The instructions were vague and cryptic, as if the recipe itself was a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered.

I knew that I had to try making this dish, not only to taste its flavors but also to unravel the mystery behind it. I had always been drawn to recipes that had a story behind them, passed down through generations or learned from a chance encounter with a stranger.

I set to work gathering the ingredients, some of which I had to search high and low for in specialty stores. The saffron was the most expensive, but I knew it was essential for the dish's signature golden hue and luxurious aroma.

As I began to cook, the kitchen filled with the warm scents of spices and nuts. I could almost hear my great-grandmother's laughter echoing in the room, guiding my hand as I measured and mixed.

The process was intricate and time-consuming, requiring patience and precision. I ground the cardamom pods by hand, releasing their fragrant seeds into the air. I carefully peeled the pistachios, revealing their vibrant green flesh. I soaked the dates in rose water, allowing them to plump up and soften.

Finally, it was time to assemble the dish. I layered the ingredients in a deep dish, creating a mosaic of colors and textures. The saffron-infused rice formed the base, followed by a sprinkling of pistachios and dates. I topped it all off with a drizzle of honey and a dusting of cinnamon.

As the dish baked in the oven, the aromas grew stronger, filling the house with an intoxicating scent that made my mouth water. I could hardly wait to taste the final product, to see if it lived up to the hype of its name.

When the timer finally dinged, I pulled the Treasure Chest out of the oven, its golden crust glistening in the light. I scooped out a generous portion onto a plate and took my first bite.

The flavors exploded in my mouth, a symphony of sweet and savory, spicy and nutty. The saffron lent a subtle floral note, while the cardamom added a warm, earthy undertone. The pistachios provided a satisfying crunch, contrasting with the soft, sticky dates.

I closed my eyes and savored each bite, letting the flavors dance on my tongue. This dish was truly a treasure, a culinary gem that had been hidden away for generations, waiting to be rediscovered.

I knew that I would make the Treasure Chest again and again, sharing it with friends and family, passing down the recipe just as my great-grandmother had done. It was a dish that held a piece of history within it, a taste of the past that would live on in the future.

And so, as I sat at the kitchen table, savoring the last bite of my first batch of Treasure Chest, I smiled to myself, grateful for the journey that had led me to this moment. Cooking was more than just a means of sustenance - it was a way to connect with the past, to preserve memories and traditions through food.

As the rain continued to fall outside, I knew that I had found a new favorite recipe, one that would hold a special place in my heart for years to come. The Treasure Chest had truly lived up to its name, revealing a wealth of flavors and stories that I would cherish forever.