A Quick-Mix white cake, with a chocolate surprise that gives two layers a four-layer look, was this winning inspiration. This beautiful cake, layered with pecans and chocolate, looks as if it came straight from the gourmet bakery down the street. Created by Lois Kanago of Webster, South Dakota, it garnered the Grand Prize in 1953, BakeOff 05; 1959 Pillsbury best of Bake-Off Collection, page 187.
For easy removal, use parchment paper to prevent the cake from sticking to the pan. Cut rounds of parchment paper to fit the bottom of your cake pans. Simply loosen the baked cake around the edge with the tip of a sharp knife before turning the cake out onto a rack. Carefully peel back the parchment before assembling the cake.