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Mile-High Chocolate Layer Cake




Source of Recipe


Source: Casual Cuisines of the World - Diner


List of Ingredients




For Cake:

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder

4 oz unsweetened chocolate, coarsely chopped

3/4 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature

1 3/4 cups sugar

3 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

3/4 cup milk


For Frosting:

2 cups heavy cream

15 oz semisweet chocolate, coarsely chopped

1/3 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature

1 1/2 tablespoons vanilla extract



Recipe



Preheat an oven to 350 degrees. Butter three 9-inch cake pans.


FOR CAKE: In a bowl, mix together the flour, baking soda, salt and baking powder. Set aside. In the top pan of a double boiler or a heatproof bowl set over (not touching) simmering water in a pan, melt the chocolate, stirring until smooth. Remove from the heat and let cool to room temperature.


In a large bowl, using an electric mixer set on medium speed, beat together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, 3-5 minutes. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then add the cooled chocolate and the vanilla and mix until blended. Reduce the speed to low and beat in the flour mixture in three batches, alternating with the milk and beginning and ending with the flour.


Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans. Tap them on a countertop to rid the batter of any air pockets. Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center of each cake comes out clean, 25-30 minutes. Transfer to racks and let cool in the pans for 15 minutes, then invert the cakes onto the racks to cool completely.


FOR FROSTING: In a heavy saucepan over high heat, bring the cream to a boil. Remove from the heat and add the chocolate, butter and vanilla, stirring constantly until both the chocolate and butter are melted and the mixture is smooth. Place the pan in the refrigerator and stir every 15 minutes. The frosting will begin to set after about 50 minutes and will be quite thick. Check every 5 minutes near this point for a spreadable consistency. (If the frosting becomes too thick, let stand at room temperature, stirring occasionally, until it softens to a spreadable consistency.)


TO ASSEMBLE: Place 1 cake layer, flat side up, on a 12-inch cake plate. Spread the top with one-fourth of the frosting. Place the second cake layer, flat side up, on top of the first, and flatten gently with your hand. Spread the top of the second layer with one-third of the remaining frosting. Place the third layer, flat side up, on top and again flatten gently. Frost the top and sides of the cake quickly, using all of the remaining frosting. Using a flat-edged knife or icing spatula, make quick movements to create swirls on the top and sides of the cake. Let stand for about 1 hour to set the frosting, then serve at room temperature.