Chocolate Lovers Cake

Instructions

Click to mark complete

1. - Bake cake. Prepare chocolate cake following recipe instructions for two layers. Bake and cool.
2. - Make chocolate buttercream frosting. In a large bowl, cream shortening and butter with an electric mixer. Add cocoa and vanilla. Make sure to mix the cocoa in well to remove any lumps. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well on medium speed. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl often. When all sugar has been mixed in, the frosting will appear dry. Add milk and beat the frosting at medium speed until light and fluffy.
3. - Assemble the cake. To assemble, put one cake layer down, ensuring the top is flat. Spread with chocolate buttercream frosting. Put second layer on top, covering top and sides with the remaining buttercream frosting.
4. - Make chocolate curls. Melt semi-sweet chocolate and butter in the microwave at 30% power for 20 second intervals until smooth. Pour onto a baking pan and using an offset spatula, spread chocolate as thin as possible. Place in the freezer for 3-4 minutes or until firm. Use the offset spatula to scrape the chocolate off the pan and make curls. If chocolate begins to soften too much, pop it back into the freezer for a couple of minutes.
5. - Decorate the cake. Dust the cake with cocoa powder and decorate the top with chocolate curls.