Chocolate Layer Cake

A  rich chocolate cake, perfect for a birthday party. The addition of a bit of coffee deepens the chocolate flavor and takes the cake from ho-hum chocolate cake to fabulous “this is the best chocolate cake I’ve ever had” chocolate cake.

This is a butter based cake. A few tips:

• All ingredients should be at room temperature;
• Cream butter and sugar well, so that there are no sugar granules in the mix – butter mixture should be very smooth. This results in a light cake;
• Do not overbake. This will result in a dry cake.
• Keep decorated cake covered and chilled to maintain freshness – if you have any left over.

The chocolate frosting is a cooked frosting, very smooth and creamy and spreads easily for a beautiful presentation. Wait for the “oooh’s” when you bring out the frosted cake! Enjoy!

 

Chocolate Layer Cake

The Cake Base:

21/2 cups all purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

1 cup cocoa powder

1 teaspoon coffee powder

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups warm warm water

1 cup butter

2 1/4 cups sugar

4 whole eggs

For the chocolate frosting:

1 cup condensed milk

1 cup evaporated milk

1/4 cup all purpose flour

1/2 cup cocoa powder

1/2 cup butter

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Sift together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In another bowl mix the cocoa powder, coffee powder and vanilla into the warm water.
4. Using a mixer, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy – about 5 minutes.
5. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.  Then alternately add the dry and liquid ingredients, making sure you begin and end with the dry ingredients.
6. Pour the batter into two 9 inch greased and lined (with buttered parchment paper) round cake pans. Bake for 30 minutes or until toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely on cooling rack.

Chocolate Frosting:

1. In a thick saucepan, combine cocoa powder and flour.

2. In a mixing bowl combine all the liquid ingredients, then pour into saucepan. Whisk until well combined.

3. Place the saucepan on low heat and keep whisking the chocolate frosting until the frosting becomes thick and of spreading consistency.

4. Blend in butter.

5. Spread between layers and on the cake top and sides.

Makes one  9-inch double layer cake.  Prep time 30 minutes. Bake time 30 minutes. Cook time 60-90 for the frosting

Tags: cakes, chocolate frosting, chocolate layer cake, creamy icing

Category: Cakes & Tortes