Can Cookies & Soda Really Become a Cake? Prison Cake Challenge

Welcome to the Living Louder Podcast with Portia Louder! In this episode, Portia shares the story behind her famous prison cake—a simple, creative dessert made from commissary items that became a meaningful way to connect with others during her seven-year federal prison sentence.Using cookies, pudding, milk, soda, and chocolate candies, Portia demonstrates how to make the cake step by step, including the small techniques that helped her perfect the recipe after making it nearly 100 times in prison. She explains why the type of bowl, cooking time, ingredients, and even the number of chocolate candies can make a difference. She also shows how to create a simple chocolate frosting and shares tips for cooling, flipping, slicing, and serving the finished cake.As she cooks, Portia reflects on her life before prison, her conviction for real estate fraud, and the painful lessons that came from her choices. She discusses how cooking became an important part of prison culture—bringing people together, creating community, and offering comfort in a difficult environment. From prison pizzas and tortilla chips to slushies, sushi, and chicken tortilla soup, Portia highlights the resourcefulness and creativity of the women she met.This episode also explores the humanity often overlooked in stories about incarceration. Portia talks about the friendships, acts of kindness, education, music, sunsets, and everyday moments that changed her perspective. She shares how volunteering in GED classes, teaching photography, helping women write resumes, and leading an “Explaining Your Conviction” class gave her a renewed sense of purpose.Portia’s goal is to share a more complete and human picture of prison life—one that goes beyond stereotypes and television portrayals. Her experiences were painful, but they also led to personal growth, meaningful relationships, and a new mission to help others feel less alone.Whether you are curious about prison cooking, interested in second chances, or simply looking for a fun and unusual dessert recipe, this episode offers a mix of storytelling, reflection, and practical instruction. Try making the prison cake with your family or friends and let Portia know how it turns out!Don’t forget to like, comment, subscribe, and share your thoughts. Have you ever made a recipe using limited ingredients? What prison-inspired recipe should Portia feature next?#LivingLouder #PortiaLouder #PrisonCake #PrisonCooking #PrisonStories #LifeAfterPrison #SecondChances #PersonalGrowth #IncarcerationStories #HumanizingPrison #CookingPodcast #DessertRecipe #EasyDessert #NoBakeInspiration #MicrowaveCake #CommissaryCooking #PrisonLife #FoodAndCommunity #Redemption #Storytelling #Podcast #YouTubePodcast #RealLifeStories #HopeAndHealing #CreativeCooking