Pizza Cake

PIZZA CAKE

Looking for a fun dinnertime trick to play on the family this April Fool's Day? How about serving Pizza for dessert? With a little creative decorating, this simple yellow cake can be made to look just like a personal-pan pizza – the perfect April Fool's Day dessert.

Makes one 9-inch cake

1½	cups all-purpose flour
1½	teaspoons baking powder
¼	teaspoon kosher salt
½	cup milk
1	teaspoon pure almond extract
10	tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature, plus more for the pan
1	cup granulated sugar
2	large eggs
½	cup strawberry jelly
¾	cup shredded sweetened coconut
	Assorted candies, cut into pizza topping shapes

1. Preheat the oven to 350ºF. In a mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. In a separate bowl, mix together the milk and almond extract. Set aside.

2. In the bowl of an electric mixer, fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, 3 to 5 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl, as needed, with a rubber spatula. Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, with the mixer running on low, alternate adding the reserved flour and milk mixtures. Mix until everything is well combined.

3. Pour the cake batter into a buttered 9-inch pie plate. Bake in the preheated oven until the cake is golden, and a cake tester inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean, 40 to 45 minutes. Remove and set aside to cool on a wire rack.
   
   
4. If desired, use a serrated knife to level the top of the cake. Then, spread the strawberry jelly over the top of the cake. Sprinkle the cake generously with the coconut, and top with the candy pizza toppings. Cut into wedges and serve.