I wanted to wish a very Happy Birthday to my wonderful new assistant! She’s turning 21 and I’m sure we can all remember what it was like at that age. While she is out living it up I thought I would share with you all one of my favorite cake recipes in honor of her birthday. This cake is not healthy by any means but it’s nice to indulge from time to time, and this recipe delivers on all fronts! Also, chocolate cake? Need I say more!

Sandy’s Chocolate Cake

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 3 cups packed brown sugar
• 4 eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2-2/3 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup baking cocoa
• 3 teaspoons baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1-1/3 cups sour cream
• 1-1/3 cups boiling water
• FROSTING:
• 1/2 cup butter, cubed
• 3 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped
• 3 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
• 5 cups confectioners’ sugar
• 1 cup (8 ounces) sour cream
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°. Grease and flour three 9-in. round baking pans.
2. In a large bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla. In another bowl, whisk flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt; add to creamed mixture alternately with sour cream, beating well after each addition. Stir in water until blended.
3. Transfer to prepared pans. Bake 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans 10 minutes before removing to wire racks to cool completely.
4. For frosting, in a metal bowl over simmering water, melt butter and chocolates; stir until smooth. Cool slightly.
5. In a large bowl, combine confectioners’ sugar, sour cream and vanilla. Add chocolate mixture; beat until smooth. Spread frosting between layers and over top and sides of cake. Refrigerate leftovers. Yield: 16 servings.

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