GRANDMA'S CHOCOLATE CAKE AND CHOCOLATE CREME CHEESE FROSTING

 

1/2 cup solid shortening

2 cups granulated sugar
4 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
2 oz unsweetened chocolate, melted and cooled
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 1/2 cups buttermilk

Preheat your oven to 325 degrees. Grease and flour 2 9-inch cake pans; set aside.

In a large mixing bowl cream together the shortening and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition. Stir in the vanilla and the melted chocolate. Sift the flour, baking soda, and salt together and add to the chocolate mixture alternately with the buttermilk. Mix well and pour evenly into the two prepared pans. Bake at 325 degrees for 40 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted in the center of the cakes comes out clean. Cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Remove from the pans and cool completely on a wire rack. Frost with the following Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting.

CHOCOLATE CREAM CHEESE FROSTING

1/2 cup butter, softened
1 pkg (8-oz) cream cheese
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp salt
2 lb powdered sugar
3 tbsp milk or cream
3 oz unsweetened chocolate, melted and cooled

In a medium mixing bowl combine the butter, cream cheese, and vanilla extract. Add the salt; beat until creamy and smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar while beating with electric mixer on low speed. Stir in the milk and melted chocolate; beat until fluffy. Use between the two cake layers and to frost the top and sides. (Don't fight with the kids over licking the beaters!)

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