Special Chocolate Cake With Double Frosting
Indulge in this rich, moist chocolate cake layered with luscious frosting, perfect for celebrations or a decadent treat. Its deep cocoa flavor and smooth textures appeal to chocolate lovers and dessert enthusiasts alike, making it a standout centerpiece for any occasion.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine cocoa, boiling water, and butter, stirring until the mixture is smooth; set aside to cool.
- In a mixing bowl, combine sugar, sifted cake flour, baking soda, and salt; add the cocoa mixture and shortening, beating at medium speed until blended.
- Add buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla; beat for 2 minutes or until blended.
- Pour batter into three waxed paper-lined and greased 8-inch round cake pans.
- Bake at 350°F for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool in pans for 10 minutes; then remove layers from pans and let cool completely on wire racks.
- Spread the never-fail frosting between the layers and on top of the cake.
- Spread chocolate frosting over the top and sides of the cake.
- Garnish with chocolate curls, if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer chocolate flavor, consider using high-quality cocoa powder. You can substitute buttermilk with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice if needed. To ensure even baking, rotate the cake pans halfway through. If you want a lighter cake, sift the flour and cocoa together to aerate them before mixing. This cake is often a crowd-pleaser, reminiscent of the Rave Reviews Cake.
Serving Suggestions
This special chocolate cake is perfect for celebrations, served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk. Consider serving it alongside a light salad like Church Supper Potato Salad to balance the richness of the cake.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover chocolate cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to freeze it, wrap the cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, storing for up to three months. To serve, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Special Chocolate Cake With Double Frosting contains roughly 595 calories, with 3g protein, 31g carbohydrates, and 41g fat. It is a good source of calcium (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 477mg per serving (21% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of frosting for this cake?
Absolutely! While the never-fail frosting is delicious, you can experiment with cream cheese frosting or a simple ganache for a unique twist. Just ensure the frosting complements the rich chocolate flavor of the cake.
How can I make this cake gluten-free?
To make this cake gluten-free, substitute the cake flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Additionally, ensure that all other ingredients, including baking soda, are gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
What can I do if my cake sinks in the middle?
A sinking cake can be caused by underbaking or overmixing. Ensure that you bake the cake until a toothpick inserted comes out clean, and mix the batter just until combined to avoid incorporating too much air. If it happens, you can still serve it as a trifle!
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).