Monday, November 9, 2009

The Chocolatiest Birthday Cake Ever


Yesterday was my mother and sister's annual joint birthday party. As sister and daughter I volunteered to bake the cake. My aunt recommended Triple Layer Brownie Cake. Oh my! This is a supremely rich and decadent dessert. (You can't really call it just a cake.) Ice cream accompaniment is mandatory because it's just too rich and sweet without some ice cream to tone it down. Yes there is something sweeter than ice cream!

Triple Layer Brownie Cake



1-1/2 cups butter (NO SUBSTITUTES)
6 squares (1 ounce each) unsweetened chocolate
3 cups sugar
5 eggs
1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1-1/2 cups all purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon salt


FROSTING
2 packages ( 8ounces each) semisweet baking chocolate (16 oz total)

3 cups whipping cream
2 milk chocolate candy bars (1.55 ounces each), grated



In a microwave or double boiler, melt butter and chocolate.
Stir in sugar.
Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Stir in vanilla, flour and salt; mix well.
Pour into three greased and floured ( I also use wax paper on the bottom as just greasing and flouring doesn't prevent all sticking) 9-in round cake pans.
Bake at 350 for 20 to 23 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.
Cool for 10 minutes; remove from pan to wire rack to cool completely. Don't be alarmed when the cake (brownie) falls apart a bit. Just stick it back together. The frosting hides all imperfections.


For frosting, melt chocolate in heavy saucepan over medium heat. Gradually stir in cream until well blended. Heat to a gentle boil; boil and stir for 1 minute. Remove from the heat and transfer to a mixing bowl. Refrigerate for 2-3 hours or until mixture reaches pudding-like consistency, stirring a few times. Beat until soft peaks form. Immediately spread between layers and over top and sides of cake.



Sprinkle with grated chocolate.



Store in refrigerator.



Yield 16-20 servings.

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