Pop Tart Birthday Cake

It's my birthday today. 

I'm not one to shout it from the rooftops, but as I get older, I realize what a fantastic feat it is to celebrate a birthday. Birthdays are a privilege and it really should be something to get excited about. Another year means I've endured and survived a myriad of situations, encounters and emotions, both good and bad. And age? She's just a number, my lovelies. Look at Betty White. She's like 90-something and could still kick my ass. 

However, just because I don't announce it, I also don't shy away from it as much as I used to, especially on the interwebs where I can hide away and pretend I don't see it. Once upon a time, I would have been mortified. Folks that sing in restaurants to the birthday guest? I would have flatlined. Is there anything worse? Nowadays, I would still die, but on a lesser scale. And obviously not so dramatic. 

However, if you're feeling exceptionally generous and wish to shower me with lavish birthday gifts, please send all correspondence to:

Jenny Jack

P.O. Box...

I kid, however, I implore you to file this cake under "Must Make Birthday Cake" for someone special in your life. It's so easy, so good, and so fast. If you can't have sinful treats on your birthday, when can you? They'll be so happy you've made the effort.

Today's gonna be poppin'. 

POP TART BIRTHDAY CAKE

1 white box cake mix - or use your favourite cake recipe, omitting ingredients below

4 large eggs, at room temperature

1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

1¼ cup whole milk

½ cup unsalted butter, melted

6 - 8 Birthday Cake Pop Tarts - you can certainly use any other flavour you wish

Preheat oven to 325ºF. Prepare a 9-inch loaf pan by lining with parchment paper and spray with non-stick cooking spray. 

In a mixing bowl, prepare cake. 

In prepared loaf pan, pour about a 1¼ cup of batter into bottom. Place two Pop Tarts side by side and apply slight pressure. 

Pour another cup or so of cake batter over top of Pop Tarts and smooth over with an offset spatula, ensuring the batter has completely covered the tops.

Continue this process until Pop Tarts have been used. Cake will accommodate 8 Pop Tarts, but I couldn't stop eating them right from the box, so I only had six left. Oops. I don't care, because it's my birthday!

You will also very likely have a bit of cake batter left over. You can make cupcakes with these. 

Place cake in oven and bake for 40-45 minutes.  Remove from oven and allow to cool. 

Once cake is  completely cooled, frost with your favourite vanilla buttercream frosting and add sprinkles and embellishments. 

And party the day away.