Sundae Cake

Cake
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup sugar
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 cup milk
1/3 cup Butter, softened
1 egg
2 teaspoons vanilla
1/2 cup mini real semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/4 cup peanuts, chopped

Topping
1 cup whipping cream
1 tablespoon powdered sugar
3 cups fruit (halved strawberries, cut-up fresh pineapple and/or sliced bananas)
1/2 cup strawberry ice cream topping
Mini real semi-sweet chocolate chips, if desired

Heat oven to 375 degrees. Combine flour, 3/4 cup sugar and baking powder in large mixer bowl. Add milk, butter, egg and vanilla. Beat at low speed, scraping bowl often, until well mixed. Increase speed to medium. Beat until well mixed. Stir in 1/2 cup chocolate chips by hand.

Spread batter into greased and floured 8-inch square baking pan. Sprinkle with peanuts. Bake for 28 to 32 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool completely.

Beat chilled whipping cream in chilled small deep mixer bowl at high speed, scraping bowl often, until soft peaks form. Continue beating, gradually adding powdered sugar, until stiff peaks form.

Cut cooled cake into squares. Place each serving onto individual plates. Top with fresh fruit and strawberry topping; dollop with whipped cream and chocolate chips, if desired. Makes 8 servings