Ladies Home Journal Their Best Chocolate Cake Recipes

SANDY'S CHOCOLATE CAKE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°. Grease and flour three 9-in. round baking pans., In a large bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla. In another bowl, whisk flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt; add to creamed mixture alternately with sour cream, beating well after each addition. Stir in water until blended., Transfer to prepared pans. Bake until a toothpick comes out clean, 30-35 minutes. Cool in pans 10 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely., For frosting, in a metal bowl over simmering water, melt butter and chocolates; stir until smooth. Cool slightly., In a large bowl, combine confectioners' sugar, sour cream and vanilla. Add chocolate mixture; beat until smooth. Spread frosting between layers and over top and sides of cake. Refrigerate leftovers.

LADIES HOME JOURNAL - THEIR BEST CHOCOLATE CAKE

Steps:

• Cake: Place the cocoa powder in a small saucepan.
• Gradually stir in the buttermilk.
• Turn on heat and bring to a boil, stirring nonstop until smooth.
• Let stand until completely cooled.
• In a large bowl beat the butter until creamy.
• Slowly add the sugar, beating until light and fluffy.
• Add the eggs and mix well.
• Add vanilla and blend.
• Add all of the dry ingredients.
• Stir.
• Add the cooled cocoa mixture and beat until well blended.
• Bake in two 9" cake pans for 28-30 minutes.
• Cool completely.
• Frosting: Bring the powdered sugar and the cream to a full boil in a medium-size saucepan, stirring until smooth.
• Remove from heat.
• Add the chocolate and stir until completely smooth.
• Add vanilla and mix.
• Stir occasionally until the mixture has the consistency of thick mayonnaise.
• Beat the butter until creamy and gradually blend the butter and chocolate mixture together.
• Frost the cake.