Best Ever Chocolate Cake

 

  I had searched for a great chocolate cake recipe for quite some time. You know, the kind that is moist and not to crumbly. My Mom happened upon this recipe and by far it is our favorite! The original recipe called for peanut butter icing, but since I am a die hard buttercream girl I switched it up a little! :)
I made this cake over the weekend for Easter and it was sooo good! I must admit though, that I did not only make this cake once, but TWICE! Really? Yes! My first cakes (it makes three layers) all cracked in the middle and stuck to my cake pans. I called 911..aka Mom. Why is it Mom always knows best and if I had asked her prior to cake number one then I wouldn't have had the redo! :)
She advised me to "always use wax paper on the bottom of your pans, grease and flour well"...why of course.
 Hope you enjoy the experience as much as I did...I mean the eating experience! :)

I wish I had posted a drool worthy picture for you but by cake number two I was not in the picture taking mood! :) I'll try for harder next time! The picture posted was with the peanut butter icing a few months ago!



Double Chocolate Cake with Marvelous Vanilla Buttercream

Set oven to 350

1 cup hot water
3- 1oz squares semi sweet bakers chocolate
2 1/4 c. plain flour( all purpose, i used to get that so confused)
2 1/2 c. sugar
1c. cocoa
2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
1 1/2 cup buttermilk
3/4 c. oil (scant)
3 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla

Combine water with baking chocolate and melt in separate bowl.
In mixing bowl,combine all dry ingredients. (flour, sugar, cocoa,baking soda, baking powder and salt)

In large mixer add buttermilk, eggs, oil and vanilla and beat til smooth. Slowly add dry ingredients.
While mixing add melted chocolate and mix well.

Pour into 3 PREPARED ( see above) pans

Bake 30 minutes or center is firm. Cool in pans for 10 minutes.

Vanilla Buttercream Icing

3 sticks softened butter
5c. powdered sugar
1-2 tsp whipping cream
1-2 tsp vanilla

Cream butter and add powdered sugar slowly! Add half and half to reach desired consistency and vanilla!
I love this recipe, I have tried many and this one is the best! :)

 xo happy baking~ kris


I wanted to add the original icing

Peanut Butter Icing

1/4 c butter
1c. peanut butter
5c. powdered sugar
1/4 c. whipping cream
1 tsp. vanilla