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When I study abroad in Spain, I learned of La Mona de Pascua from my host family. This is an Easter tradition that symbolizes that lent (the 40 days before Easter) is over, where godparents give their godchildren a cake. The cake is typically covered in chocolate eggs and feathers. Originally, because many people refrain from eating meat and dairy during lent, these cakes were adorned with real eggs. The number of eggs matched the godchild’s age. The chocoholic in me is grateful for evolving traditions. Families gather together to celebrate Easter (or Pascua) and enjoy these cakes.
While my family celebrates many Spanish traditions, this was the first I’ve heard of La Mona de Pascua. This year I’ll be making La Mona de Pascua cakes for my family. I love being able to teach my children about their roots and the many colorful traditions that our culture exudes. Traditions tie families together and creates wonderful childhood memories. Even if you don’t have Spanish ties, you can still celebrate in this fun tradition with your family. Letting children experience other cultures through their special traditions is a valuable teaching moment.
Here’s my version of La Mona de Pascua. It’s a delicious yellow cake with chocolate frosting and DOVE® Chocolate Eggs sit on a nest of white chocolate shavings. This is the perfect dessert recipe for your Easter brunch and you can talk about La Mona de Pascua and how families in Spain celebrate. Maybe this is the start of a new tradition.
INGREDIENTS
2 cups flower
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups white sugar
1 cup butter
1 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 eggs
DOVE® Chocolate Eggs
White chocolate bar
Favorite chocolate or fudge frosting
You’ll also need: vegetable peeler
DIRECTIONS
Step 1: Head to Walmart to pick up DOVE® Chocolate Eggs (I found them in the seasonal candy aisle) and your other ingredients. You may also want to pick up a bag of M&M’s® Easter Sundae flavor (exclusive at Walmart for a limited time), M&M’s® varieties with Easter colors and Starburst® Jellybeans (for snacking or decorating purposes). Head to Mars Wrigley for a bundle coupon for special savings.
Step 2: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt. In a separate bowl, combine sugar and butter until fluffy. Add flour mixture, eggs and vanilla.
Step 3: Pour into a cake pan and bake for 35-40 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Allow to cool completely before cutting in half. Place icing in between the layers and ice the entire cake with chocolate frosting.
Step 4: Create chocolate curls by running the vegetable peeler over the white chocolate bar. Place the shavings in a nest-like pile on top of the cake.
Step 5: Unwrap the DOVE® Chocolate Eggs and place on top of the white chocolate nest.
Step 6: Cut a slice and enjoy!
What are your favorite Easter Traditions? Visit Mars Wrigley for more ideas!
