Ina Garten’s Chocolate Cake

Ingredients:

1. 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
2. 2 cups sugar
3. 3/4 cup cocoa powder
4. 2 teaspoons baking soda
5. 1 teaspoon baking powder
6. 1 teaspoon kosher salt
7. 1 cup buttermilk
8. 1/2 cup vegetable oil
9. 2 large eggs
10. 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
11. 1 cup hot coffee

For the Frosting:

1. 6 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
2. 1/2 pound unsalted butter, room temperature
3. 1 large egg yolk
4. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
5. 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar
6. 1 tablespoon instant coffee granules

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350° F. Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans.

Sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, combine the buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla.

Gradually incorporate the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, followed by the hot coffee.

Pour the batter into the prepared pans and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. Cool.

For frosting, melt chocolate, and allow it to cool. Cream butter until light and fluffy. Add in the egg yolk and vanilla.

Slowly incorporate powdered sugar, melted chocolate, and coffee granules. Spread frosting equally over cooled cake layers.

This chocolate cake is rich, full of deep, intense flavors. It’s the most classic dessert in a set and is sure to be the centerpiece for any celebration.