Classic Chocolate Cake

The Classic Chocolate Cake is a big favorite in our house. My son is constantly requesting it, however on this occasion we had it for my daughter's 2nd birthday.

We went the simple route - no frills or bells or whistles, just plain and delicious Chocolate Cake!

Ingredients:

1 chocolate cake mix

Frosting:

1/2 cup softened butter

1/2 cup shortening

1 tsp vanilla

3/4 cup cocoa powder

6 1/2 cups powdered sugar

1/2 cup milk - a little more if needed

Start by mixing your chocolate cake mix according to the package directions.

Then take your cake pan (I used two rounds) and trace the bottom on two sheets of wax paper. Cut out the circles.

Use a paper towel and shortening to grease the cake pans. Then place the wax paper circle on the bottom of the cake pans. Grease the top of the wax paper. Then place some flour in the cake pans and swirl around until pans are lightly coated with flour. Pour out the excess flour.

Pour in the prepared cake mix. Make sure that you have equal parts in each pan. Cook according to package directions.

Once the cake is done (you know that toothpick trick?), set them out to cool.  Once the cake is completely cooled, you are ready to frost it.

In a large bowl, cream together the butter and shortening.  Add the vanilla, cocoa and powdered sugar.  Mix until just combined.  Add the milk and continue to mix until everything is throughly combined.  

We like frosting, so this recipe makes a lot.

Now you get to frost the cake.  First, remove the cakes from their pans.  Run a butter knife along the edge between the cake and the pan.  Then turn the pan over.  With the wax paper circle, the cake should easily fall out and unto your surface (usually my hand) - so be prepared.

Place the first cake right side up on your cake plate.  If the top is exceptionally domed, you can use a serrated knife to flatten it out - but do this before you put it on the cake plate.

Frost the top of the cake.





Now place the next cake on top, but this time put it upside down.

Frost the entire cake, making sure to completely fill in all the cracks between the two cakes.

I like to use my offset spatula to create a swirl design on the cake.




Believe me, your family will love this cake!

Perfect for any occasion.

Enjoy!