CHOCOLATE BUTTER CAKE w QUICK CHOCOLATE FROSTING

CHOCOLATE BUTTER CAKE w QUICK CHOCOLATE FROSTING 4 TBL dark cocoa powder 1 cup hot water 4 oz. unsweetened dark chocolate bar, chopped or broken into chunks 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour, sifted 1 TSP baking soda 2 TSP baking powder ¼ TSP salt A couple dashes of cinnamon 1 cup unsalted real butter, softened to room temp. 2 TSP Vanilla Extract 1 cup granulated white sugar 1 cup light brown sugar 3 LRG eggs 1 cup whole milk, room temp., divided 350° OVEN *Using two round 9" cake pans, spray inside with Bakers Joy. In a small bowl, stir the dark cocoa powder with the water to make a paste and set aside. Melt the chocolate pieces by putting bowl over a saucepan of simmering water, or use a double boiler if you have one. Stir and scrape the side of the bowl with the rubber spatula until the chocolate is smooth and melted. Cool to warm room temperature but still pourable In a bowl, using a sifter, sift the flour, salt, cinnamon, baking powder and baking soda together. Set aside. IT’S IMPORTANT TO SIFT! Using a mixer and a medium bowl, on medium speed, beat the butter and both sugars together until smooth, about a minute. Scrape sides of the bowl and mix in the eggs, 1 at a time, until combined. On LOW speed, add the cocoa paste, add the melted chocolate and mix until thoroughly blended. On low speed, add half of the sifted flour, mixing thoroughly, then half the milk. Repeat with the remaining flour and then the remaining milk, mixing well. Pour the batter evenly into two round 9” cake pans or a Bundt. Bake approx. 30-35 minutes. Use a toothpick and make sure it comes out clean, if not, bake an additional three to five minutes. Cool the cake completely on wire rack before frosting. QUICK CHOCOLATE FROSTING: 2-12 oz. jars Smucker’s Topping, Chocolate Fudge 2 TSP Vanilla Extract Heat jars of chocolate fudge in microwave about 20 seconds until creamy. In a bowl, blend warm chocolate and vanilla really well until smooth. Using a rubber spatula, cover the bottom cake layer on top really thick, then top with other cake and spread frosting to cover entire cake top and sides. Mister likes thick frosting!