Our Favorite Chocolate Cake

This is the cake my family always traditionally took on picnics and any other family get-together. Cream may be substituted for the milk for a richer cake.

• Calories: 436 Calories

Ingredients

• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 cup milk
• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ¼ cup milk
• 6 tablespoons butter
• 2 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 (1 ounce) squares unsweetened chocolate, melted
• 1 teaspoon instant coffee granules
• 8 tablespoons shortening
• 5 cups confectioners' sugar

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease one 13x9 inch cake pan.

Step 2

Cream together the shortening and the white sugar. Add the melted chocolate and eggs, mix well.

Step 3

Sift the flour with baking soda and salt. Add alternately with 1 cup milk to shortening mixture. Mix in 1 teaspoon vanilla. Pour batter into prepared pan.

Step 4

Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick stuck into the center of the cake comes out clean. Once cool frost with Coffee Frosting.

Step 5

To Make Frosting: Mix together instant or leftover coffee, 1/4 cup milk or cream, cocoa powder, butter, 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract, and confectioners' sugar until of spreading consistency.