Graveyard Cake Recipe for Halloween

Ⓒ Provided by Woman's Day Kitchen

From Woman's Day Kitchen

Bury those chocolate cravings for good with this rich layer cake that's spooktacular for Halloween—and (minus the graveyard) a sensational choice year-round with an espresso-tinged batter and bittersweet chocolate frosting.

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• Yields: 20
• Prep Time: 1 hour 25 min
• Total Time: 3 hours 30 min

Ingredients

• 3 c. all-purpose flour
• 3/4 c. unsweetened cocoa
• 1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
• 1/2 tsp. Kosher salt
• 2 c. firmly packed brown sugar
• 1 1/4 c. unsalted butter
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tbsp. pure vanilla extract
• 2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
• 1 c. sour cream
• 1 c. freshly brewed coffee
• 1 1/2 c. heavy cream
• 1/2 c. granulated sugar
• 3 c. bittersweet chocolate chips
• Pastry bag fitted with fine writing tip

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Directions

Step 1

Heat oven to 350°F. Coat two 9-in. round cake pans with cooking spray, line the bottoms with parchment paper and coat the paper with cooking spray. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt.

Step 2

Using an electric mixer, beat the brown sugar and 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) butter in a large bowl until light and fluffy, 3 minutes. Beat in the eggs, 1 at a time, then beat in 1 Tbsp vanilla. Reduce the mixer to low and alternately add the flour mixture and the sour cream, mixing just until incorporated. Add the coffee, mixing until incorporated.

Step 3

Divide the batter evenly into the prepared pans and bake until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean, 30 to 35 minutes. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4

Meanwhile, make the frosting: Heat the heavy cream, granulated sugar and remaining 1/2 cup butter in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat until the butter melts. Remove from heat and add the chocolate chips, stirring until melted and smooth. Stir in the remaining 2 tsp vanilla. Refrigerate, stirring occasionally, until thick and spreadable, 30 to 40 minutes. Remove from refrigerator and let stand at room temperature until ready to frost (refrigerating it for too long will make the frosting

Step 5

Place one of the cakes on a platter and spread 1 cup frosting over the top. Top with the remaining cake and spread with the remaining frosting.

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