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Holidays » Day of the Dead » Dia de Los Muertos – Chocolate Skull Cake

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Dia de Los Muertos – Chocolate Skull Cake

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Today I want to share a Holiday that is very dear to my heart, Dia de Los Muertos.  A time to reflect on the loved ones we have lost, celebrate their lives and rejoice in knowing their legacy will be carried on with our children.  Sugar skulls and Cempasúchil (marigolds) are a placed on the Altar to honor the dead. With my familia being in town for an extended Halloween Fiesta we took the chance to explain this Holiday to the children.  As the kids worked on making papel picado and handmade marigolds my mom spoke of this Holiday’s rich history.  To end the evening on a sweet note instead of sugar skulls I baked one of my favorite chocolate cakes in shape of a skull.

 

Dia de Los Muertos is an ancient Aztec celebration of death, the  bittersweet companion to life.  All life must come to an end, so why not  celebrate death as we do life?  As the Europeans arrived in Mexico,  both the Catholic religion and the Aztec celebration intertwined.  Dia de  Los Muertos is celebrated on from October 31 to November 2.  In these days  the lives of our dead are celebrated.  These celebrations include  festivities, food, a family altar, sharing favorite stories of the  deceased and joyful visits to the grave sites.  In the United States  families of Mexican descent are celebrating Dia de Los Muertos more and more  each year, making for Dia de Los Muertos in becoming a widely  popular holiday.

A Glossary for Dia de los Muertos 

Altar – A display honoring departed love one, built in homes throughout  Mexico each year during Day of the Dead celebrations. Offerings are placed on  the altars. 

La Noche de Duelo – The Night of Mourning, the beginning of Dia de los  Muertos in Mexico. On this night, friends and relatives bring food, flowers, and  decorations to the cemetery in a candlelight procession. 

Los Angelitos – Children who have died, remembered on All Saints’ Day  Nov. 1st 

Ofrenda – Offerings placed on the altar, sometimes representing the four  elements of earth, air, fire, and water. Earth is represented by food placed at  the altar; air is symbolized by papel picado, elaborate paper cutouts that  flutter on the breeze. fire is represented in scented candles that decorate the  altar, and water is often left in a bowl. Other offerings include personal  mementos of the deceased. 

 

Our family celebrates this yearly tradition with a week long  celebration of honoring our loved ones with a family altar.  In our  altar we showcase favorite family photos of our departed, papel picado,  candy skulls, flowers and personal  mementos.  Tiny sculptures of their favorite food or  beverage made of Alfeniquen are also placed on the  altar.  During this festive week we as a family recreate their  favorite meals to enjoy as we share their lives with our  children.  This week long celebration fills my heart with  great joy as I honor my departed all while introducing  my children to loved ones they were not fortunate to meet.  As my  children grow they will in turn gain knowledge of their  heritage and begin learning how to cope with future  loss as our altar continues the addition of family members.  I  hope when they are adults they will learn to celebrate death as part of life,  knowing that each year on Dia de Los Muertos our departed with return to  shower us with love.

 

Chocolate Cake

from MI Chita’sMexican Chocolate Dessert Recipes

by Teresa Cordero Cordell and Robert Cordell

cake

6 eggs separated

2 cups light brown sugar

2 cups flour

1/2 cup cocoa

2 tsp baking powder

2/3 cups milk

2 tsp vanilla

Preheat oven to 350

lightly grease and dust with cocoa powder 2 cake pans (9inch). (skull pan)

combine flour, cocoa, baking powder in a large bowl.

In a separate bowl combine milk and vanilla.

Beat the 6 eggs whites until stiff.

Reduce speed and gradually ad the brown sugar to beaten egg whites.

After sugar dissolves add yolks and beat for three minutes.

On medium low speed, alternate flour and milk mixture to eggs until  blended.

Pour equally into prepared cakes pans.

bake 30 to 35 minutes.

Serve with sweet whipped topping or ice cream.

Source: Amazon for skull pan

Wilton Skull Cake Pan

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Baked Goods// Day of the Dead// Mexican34 Comments



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Comments

  1. Jennifer Erickson says

    November 18, 2011 at 12:34 pm

    Awesome post about the Dia de Los Muertos traditions. I love your chocolate skull cake and the way you displayed it so gorgeously with the tissue paper flowers! Pinned it for next year. Now I’ve gotta track down one of those pans.

    Jenn
    Jennifer Erickson recently posted..Eggnog Fudge with Dark Chocolate GanacheMy Profile

    Reply
    • Vianney says

      November 18, 2011 at 12:55 pm

      Thanks Jennifer for stopping by!! here’s the link to the pan

      http://www.amazon.com/Wilton-Dimensions-Nonstick-Skull-Pan/dp/B003XKZSDI

      Have a great week!!

      Reply
  2. fattydumpling says

    November 16, 2011 at 12:14 am

    Wow, I cannot believe that I’ve been reading your blog for over a year—I remember reading your post about Dia De Los Muertos last year. Anywho,I really like hearing about it because it sounds like a great time of gathering: celebrating life :] That’s a spooky looking cake.
    fattydumpling recently posted..Harry Potter’s Pumpkin PastiesMy Profile

    Reply
  3. Blond Duck says

    November 9, 2011 at 4:33 am

    I love your guava bars!
    Blond Duck recently posted..Shimmer 33My Profile

    Reply
  4. Roxana GreenGirl says

    November 7, 2011 at 7:17 pm

    Such a beautiful written post. I’ve heard from this Mexican holiday only from other bloggers and movies. I wish one I get to visit Mexico around this holiday and enjoy all the celebrations.

    The cake looks great, you did such an amazing job! Congrats!

    Reply
  5. DessertForTwo says

    November 7, 2011 at 1:21 pm

    I loved reading about this!

    Although my family is not Latino, my grandparents are buried in a cemetary that is predominantly Latino, and we always LOVE to watch the joyful celebrations at the cemetary this time of year! We’ve alway said “hey, they have it figured out! we should celebrate life and be happy, not be tearful at the graves.” I think we shall take part this year!

    Thanks for sharing part of your history and heritage 🙂
    DessertForTwo recently posted..Banana BreadMy Profile

    Reply
  6. Joanne says

    November 6, 2011 at 8:49 pm

    I really love this holiday and I wish it were celebrated more throughout the US! There’s such a great message behind it! (And such delicious cake to be eaten!)

    Reply
  7. Moinette says

    November 5, 2011 at 2:44 pm

    Aww, how beautiful. I was looking forward to your post on Dia de los Muertos this year. I hadn’t heard about the marigolds before, but it seems so nice. Such a vibrant flower to celebrate the life once lived. I also love the sugar on that skull!

    xx

    Reply
  8. Heavenly Housewife says

    November 4, 2011 at 7:53 am

    What a fascinating holiday. I’d love to see it being celebrated. Beautiful chocolate cake and awesome presentation. I just love all that colour.
    *kisses* HH
    Heavenly Housewife recently posted..A Parkin for Guy Fawkes NightMy Profile

    Reply
  9. MaryMoh says

    November 4, 2011 at 1:17 am

    What a celebration though I feel a little scared of the skull cake 😛 Thanks very much for sharing! It’s always lovely to know of what other cultures do. Thanks very much for dropping by my blog. I know, I really have to get back to more blogging. The days just pass by too fast. Hope you have a great day today and great weekend. Mary
    MaryMoh recently posted..Homemade Salted Salmon With Fried Rice And Rice Noodle SoupMy Profile

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  10. Monet says

    November 3, 2011 at 8:40 pm

    I wish my family celebrated this holiday…Happy Dia De Los Muertos! This skull cake looks just beautiful. Almost too pretty too eat. Thank you for sharing it with me!
    Monet recently posted..Vegetarian Breakfast StrataMy Profile

    Reply
  11. Yvette - Muy bueno says

    November 3, 2011 at 7:45 pm

    Love the cake mold! Such a great idea. My chocolate loving kids would love this!!!
    Yvette – Muy bueno recently posted..Pan de Muerto (Bread of the Dead)My Profile

    Reply
  12. Pamela Pajuelo says

    November 3, 2011 at 9:26 am

    What a beautiful way to celebrate Dia de los Muertos. Thanks for sharing your recipe and story. And I LOVE the photos!
    Pamela Pajuelo recently posted..Vinos and cheeses of España – a match made in pairing heavenMy Profile

    Reply
  13. Pamela Pajuelo says

    November 3, 2011 at 9:24 am

    What a beautiful way to celebrate Día de los Muertos. Thanks for sharing the story and the recipe. and I LOVE your photos!
    Pamela Pajuelo recently posted..Vinos and cheeses of España – a match made in pairing heavenMy Profile

    Reply
  14. Morena says

    November 3, 2011 at 9:02 am

    This is such a great holiday. I think it makes all the sense to try be at peace with death, and celebrate it! After all, dying is the most natural thing there is! The cake looks kinda creepy, haha, but hey, I would never say no to a piece of chocolate cake! And it’s perfect for the ocassion.

    Reply
  15. Maura at The Other Side of The Tortilla says

    November 3, 2011 at 5:40 am

    What a beautiful cake! Feliz día de los muertos! Any suggestions on where to buy a cake mold like that? I’m not a big cake-making person but I definitely want to try this one.
    Maura at The Other Side of The Tortilla recently posted..Celebrating Día de Los MuertosMy Profile

    Reply
  16. Unknown Mami says

    November 2, 2011 at 7:28 pm

    It really is edible art.
    Unknown Mami recently posted..Speed HumpMy Profile

    Reply
  17. Justice Jonesie says

    November 2, 2011 at 2:22 pm

    This cake is a work of art! Love how you also described the history behind the holiday. Thanks for sharing!
    Justice Jonesie recently posted..Comment on Ladies Who Lunch: Michelle Obama & Me Part II by Eliana TardioMy Profile

    Reply
  18. Eliana Tardío says

    November 2, 2011 at 2:12 pm

    It looks amazingly well done! delicious! y felíz día de los muertos, porque sí, la muerte es parte de la vida!

    Reply
  19. [email protected] says

    November 2, 2011 at 1:45 pm

    I love reading all these posts about Dia De Los Muertos. It’s such a wonderful time of reflection and family.

    The cake looks good too 🙂

    Reply
  20. Ericka says

    November 2, 2011 at 12:09 pm

    Love this! I’m definitely getting the pan!
    Ericka recently posted..Sweet Potato Soufflé Recipe & Nestle Kitchens Recipe ContestMy Profile

    Reply
  21. Paz says

    November 2, 2011 at 10:53 am

    “celebrate death as part of life” — that is important to do. i especially love the last photo.
    Paz recently posted..Black and White Wednesday: The Fruit StandMy Profile

    Reply
  22. 5 Star Foodie says

    November 2, 2011 at 9:19 am

    Great to learn more about Dia de los Muertos. The skull shaped chocolate cake looks very neat!
    5 Star Foodie recently posted..Steaks with Kefir Pine Nut and Rosemary Sauce and Spiced Roasted Butternut Squash Puree with Dried ApricotsMy Profile

    Reply
  23. Kitchen Belleicious says

    November 2, 2011 at 5:45 am

    That cake looks delicious. Never seen a skull pan before- very cool
    Kitchen Belleicious recently posted..Shrimp StewMy Profile

    Reply
  24. [email protected] says

    November 2, 2011 at 4:18 am

    wow What a surprising treat!
    [email protected] recently posted..Yeast Corn Bread with Chilli, Capsicum and CheddarMy Profile

    Reply
  25. yummychunklet says

    November 1, 2011 at 6:19 pm

    How creative and fun! Great looking cake!
    yummychunklet recently posted..Almond Bread PuddingMy Profile

    Reply
  26. Heather @girlichef says

    November 1, 2011 at 4:54 pm

    That is beautiful, I think I need to get one of those molds. Lovely post, as well 🙂

    Reply
  27. Belinda @zomppa says

    November 1, 2011 at 3:43 pm

    What an awesome cake!!
    Belinda @zomppa recently posted..How to Feed 7 Billion People: TidBit of the DayMy Profile

    Reply
  28. FOODESSA says

    November 1, 2011 at 12:59 pm

    What an endearing family tradition.

    Your cake and its surroundings are unique and quite elegantly scary at the same time. Well done Bonnie.
    Skulls are not my favourites…but chocolate is sure dear to my heart ;o)

    Have a great celebratory week ahead ;o)

    Flavourful wishes,
    Claudia
    FOODESSA recently posted..swanky SCALLOPS on SQUASH web for HALLOWEENMy Profile

    Reply
  29. Lia says

    November 1, 2011 at 11:56 am

    Its amazing how some cultures are so similar because I’m portuguese and in Portugal we celebrate “O dia dos mortos” more or less in the some way as you just describe yours.
    The cake must be a very enjoyable treat after such an emotional day :))) – and it looks spooky and delicious…!!
    Cheers,
    Lia.

    Reply
  30. Rosa says

    November 1, 2011 at 11:51 am

    Lovely! Happy Dia De Los Muertos.

    Cheers,

    Rosa

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Dia de Los Muertos | Sweet Life says:
    October 31, 2012 at 9:52 am

    […] Chocolate Skull Cake […]

    Reply
  2. Easy Mexican Hot Chocolate | Sweet Life says:
    October 24, 2012 at 11:03 am

    […] are slowly putting together our altar this year for Dia de Los Muertos.  This day is dedicated to reflecting on the lives of loved ones we have lost.  We celebrate […]

    Reply
  3. DIY ~ Dia de Los Muertos Mugs | Sweet Life says:
    October 12, 2012 at 10:22 am

    […] Dia de Los Muertos is fast approaching and I wanted to share an activity I did with the kids.  I found this gem on Pinterest and knew it would be perfect for hot chocolate.  Few supplies are needed which is always a plus.  I picked up a few coffee mugs at our local dollar store, handed the kiddos a few sharpies and we were on our way! […]

    Reply

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Welcome to Sweet Life.

I'm Vianney, an Award-Winning Food Blogger, Recipe Developer and the Author of The Tex-Mex Slow Cooker and Latin Twist. Here in South Texas, we love to entertain and spend time in the company of good people. Sweet Life is a celebration of that connection and the vibrant, unique culture of South Texas.

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