Review – Heavenly Manna, Best of Recipe Communities page 192

[Katiej]

I made this dessert on the weekend to take to a family dinner at my in-laws. 

It took a bit of time to make as it has 3 layers (a pineapple cake layer, a cream layer made from philly cream cheese and home-made custard and a layer of chocolate and nuts on top).  I left out the nuts as my OH is allergic.

It was enjoyed by everyone. Nobody could taste any pineapple at all in the cake layer, which was a bit strange.  Still yummy though 

I didn’t realise until I started making it, that the cake was huge (it was the biggest cake I’d ever made  ).   There were 10 of us at dinner and we only managed to eat half.
 
I’d make this again, but next time I’ll at least half the recipe.

Sorry I forgot to take a photo 

[judydawn]

I made this for the current challenge without checking first to see if anyone had made it 

I have to agree with you Katie, it is delicious.  I made half quantity which is 6 large serves or 8 smaller ones (the picture is taken on an entree plate not a side plate). I used a 20 cm square tin.

Don't forget to reduce the heat when you put the tin in the oven, this step could quite easily be missed.

As most cakes rise in the centre no matter what you cook them in, I would level the cake layer next time so that there's an even spread of the delicious creamy filling.   I might freeze a few pieces to see how it goes.
Update - this dessert freezes well

[Aussie Brenda]

Looks delicious Judy, well done girls

[CreamPuff63]

that looks lovely JD, I like the idea of the different layers

[judydawn]

Thanks girls.

[judydawn]

I've made this again today, full quantity this time as I will have over 50 people to serve at a dessert table.  I've made this a month ahead of time as it freezes really well.  I've only just eaten the last of the batch I made 7 months ago and it was as delicious as ever. 

Unless you're making this for a huge crowd, half quantity still makes plenty.  I had to use my Miele oven tray as it was the only tray large enough to hold the full quantity.

I used Costco callibut buttons for the topping and something I've learnt - do not use the butterfly as the buttons end up all over the side of the bowl and are hardly melted at the end of the specified time.  I removed the butterfly and added a few more minutes, they melted beautifully.

[Cornish Cream]

It looks delicious Judy.Lucky Probus group to have this as one of the desserts.

[judydawn]

Thanks Denise. I think it would also make a great birthday cake by cutting the huge slab in half, making more of the cream cheese/custard filling and assembling 2 layers before coating with chocolate.

[Cornish Cream]

That sounds a fabulous idea Judy.

[cookie1]

I like that idea too Judy.

[JulieO]

Sounds great Judy, I think a half serve would be perfect.  Love that it freezes well. 

[trudy]

Looks great Judy.  I bet the group really love have you around with all the goodies!