Recipe Box: Sour Cream Chocolate Layer Cake

There's a funny story behind this cake; as a somewhat experienced baker, you'd think I'd know better....but I guess not.:)  As I was making the cake, I noticed that my grandma had baking powder written in the ingredients and baking soda in the directions....so I wasn't sure which one to choose.  Of course, I did the baking powder, and my cake turned out a pancake.  Well, that went immediately into the trash, and I started over....goodness.  You have no idea how hard it was for me to throw that cake, with all those ingredients, in that trash can....

Anyway, my second cake turned out delicious after I finally got it right.:)  It's actually from my great grandma's kitchen; in fact, my grandma has written down, "From Mother, Winnie Melton."  I'm so sentimental that I had to share that.  Enjoy this recipe; it's truly delicious!

Sour Cream Chocolate Layer Cake

2 cups flour

1 1/2 cups sugar

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1 cup sour cream

1/2 cup butter or margarine

2 eggs

2 squares unsweetwened chocolate, melted

1/4 cup hot water

1 1/2 tsp vanilla

In bowl stir together flour, sugar, soda, and salt.  Add sour cream, butter, and eggs.  Beat at low speed just 'til blended.  Then beat at medium speed 2 minutes.  Stir in chocolate, and add water; stir 2 more minutes.  Stir in vanilla, and pour into pan.  Now, my grandma used one long glass pan for a one-layer cake, but I used 2 round pans for a round, layer cake.  Make sure to grease pans well, and bake at 350 degrees.  When cool, frost with the following frosting.

This frosting comes from the 1969 Betty Crocker's Cookbook that belonged to my grandma, as well.  I doubled this recipe to make a bit more for my layers.

Cocoa Butter Frosting

1/3 cup soft butter or margarine

1/3 cup cocoa

2 cups confectioners' sugar

1 1/2 tsp vanilla

About 2 tbsp milk

Mix thoroughly butter and cocoa.  Blend in sugar.  Stir in vanilla and milk; beat until frosting is smooth and of spreading consistency.

Enjoy!  It's a decadent dessert that's filled with all kinds of chocolate happiness.