Sandy's Chocolate Cake Recipe

Years ago, I drove 4-1/2 hours to a cake contest, holding my entry on my lap the whole way. But it paid off. One bite and you'll see why this velvety beauty won first prize. —Sandra Johnson, Tioga, Pennsylvania


Sandy's Chocolate Cake Recipe

TOTAL TIME: Prep: 30 min. Bake: 30 min. + cooling

MAKES: 16 servings


Ingredients

    1 cup butter, softened
    3 cups packed brown sugar
    4 large eggs
    2 teaspoons vanilla extract
    2-2/3 cups all-purpose flour
    3/4 cup baking cocoa
    3 teaspoons baking soda
    1/2 teaspoon salt
    1-1/3 cups sour cream
    1-1/3 cups boiling water

    FROSTING:
    1/2 cup butter, cubed
    3 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped
    3 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
    5 cups confectioners' sugar
    1 cup (8 ounces) sour cream
    2 teaspoons vanilla extract


Directions

• 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. Add eggs, one 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 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans 10 minutes before removing 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. Yield: 16 servings.

Nutritional Facts

1 slice: 685 calories, 29g fat (18g saturated fat), 115mg cholesterol, 505mg sodium, 102g carbohydrate (81g sugars, 3g fiber), 7g protein.


Courtesy: Taste of Home