My grandfather loves to eat. It’s one of his cardinal passions. He’s been such a good sport over the last few weeks, going to the hospital, sitting home with me during my sickness. Luckily for him, I love to bake, and everyone needs a cake made for them once in a while. This recipe is a tested winner. The cake is moist like you would not believe, and the frosting is truly decadent- a perfect compliment to the subtle flavor of the base. Mmm.
Ingredients
CAKE:
2 1/2 cups flour
2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 1/3 cups buttermilk (or 1 1/3 cups milk plus 1 1/2 tablespoons white vinegar, stirred)
1/2 butter
1 teaspoon vanilla
4 egg whites
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350F. In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add buttermilk, butter, and vanilla. Beat on low speed for 30 seconds, scraping bowl when necessary. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes, scraping when needed. Add egg whites and beat for 2 more minutes, scraping down sides.
Pour batter into 2 greased and floured 9X1/2 inch (or 8X1/2 inch) round baking pans. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes or till a tester comes out clean. Cool on wire racks for 10 minutes, then use a knife to loosen edges. Remove from pans and cool thoroughly.
Ingredients
FROSTING:
1/2 cup vegetable shortening
1/2 cup butter
3/4 cup cocoa powder
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate pieces (or your favorite chocolate), melted
1 teaspoon vanilla
4 cups confectioner’s sugar
3-4 tablespoons milk
Instructions
In a bowl, cream shortening and butter. Add cocoa, chocolate, and vanilla. Gradually add sugar, beating well on medium speed. Scrape sides and bottom of bowl regularly. When all the sugar has been added, the icing will be dry. Add milk, mixing in between tablespoons, until desired consistency is reached (more milk = thinner). Mix until light and fluffy. Keep bowl covered with damp cloth until ready for use, or in refrigerator if you’re still waiting for the cake to cool.
Putting the Cake Together
When the cake has fully cooled, spread frosting on one top of one of the halves and place the second half on top of it. Then fully cover the cake and store it in a cool location. Best eaten right away!
