Broiled frosting takes the cake

This recipe comes from Delores “Dee” Davis, whose mother made this cake for picnics because “it travels well.

“The frosting will not melt under the hot sun. It is perfect for picnics, camping trips or any outdoor gathering,” she said.

The original recipe featured a scratch-made cake. She isn’t sure where it came from, only that her mother made it as early as the 1940s. Over the years, Davis said, the family “has skipped that process and used a packaged yellow mix with equal outcome.”

That’s because, she said, “the broiled frosting is what makes the cake.”

Picnic Cake

From Delores “Dee” Davis of Spokane

For the cake:

Your favorite yellow cake mix

For the frosting:

1/2 cup butter

1 cup loosely packed brown sugar

2 tablespoons milk

3/4 cup chopped walnuts

3/4 teaspoon vanilla

Make the cake according to package instructions.

Make the frosting: In a pot over medium heat, melt butter. Remove from heat. Add brown sugar and milk. Return to heat and bring to a boil. Remove from heat. Mix in nuts and vanilla. Spoon mixture over hot cake. Broil 5 to 7 inches from the broiler, watching carefully and rotating the pan if necessary, for even browning, about 1 to 2 minutes.