Chocolate Cake Recipe

Have you been dying to make a cake from scratch? I used to be very intimidated by homemade cakes, but found that they are actually fairly easy to make… and the flavor…SO much better. Here is an easy recipe to make for that special occasion, or just for a special family dessert. 

Here’s What You Need
2 cups flour
2 cups sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 shortening
1 cup of milk
1/2 cup strong cold black coffee
2 teaspoon vanilla
2 eggs

For The Frosting
1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup room temperature butter
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup of warm water
4 cups powdered sugar
1 cup of chopped walnuts (optional)

Preheat your oven to 350. Spray 2 round cake tins with non-stick baking spray (I prefer the kind that has flour).

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking soda, sugar and cocoa powder. Add the shortening to the flour mixture and beat with a handheld electric mixer. Slowly add in the milk, vanilla and coffee. Beat until well mixed. It should be very creamy. Add in the eggs, and beat for at least 2 minutes.

Split the batter between the two baking tins. Smooth the top of the batter to make it evenly spread, Bake for about 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted to the middle comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool for about 10 minutes, and then turn out the cakes on a wire cooling rack to finish cooling. Make sure the cakes are completely cooled before attempting to frost.

Now onto the frosting. Mix together the cocoa powder, salt, vanilla, butter and corn syrup. Make sure the mixture is thoroughly combined. Add in the water, and mix until completely blended. Gradually beat in the powdered sugar, and beat until the frosting is smooth and creamy. I like to allow the frosting to sit for 5-10 minutes, and mix before spreading. The flavor seems to be of a richer texture.

Place your first cake round, onto a serving platter, bottom side up. Split the frosting in half, and pile one half onto the first layer. Spread evenly, and make sure to get the sides.

Repeat with the second layer. If you desire, you can sprinkle half of the walnuts on the first layer, and the second half on top.

Now, sit back and enjoy!

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