Chocolate Fudge Layer Cake

Photo: flickr user AlbaInMN

Ingredients

2 cups sifted cake flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

3 squares unsweetened chocolate

2/3 cup water

1 1/2 cups sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla

2/3 cup butter, softened

3 eggs

cup buttermilk

Chocolate Fudge Filling

Preparation

1. Sift flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt onto wax paper; set aside.

2. Cook chocolate, water and 1/4 cup sugar in a saucepan, stirring constantly over low heat until thick and smooth. Transfer to bowl; chill over ice water, stirring often. Add vanilla.

3. Beat butter and remaining sugar in large bowl until fluffy. Beat in eggs, one at a time. Add chilled chocolate mixture; blend.

4. Add sifted ingredients alternately with buttermilk, beating well after each addition, until smooth. Pour into 2 greased and floured 8" round layer cake pans.

5. Bake in preheated moderate oven, 350 degrees, for 35 minutes, or until centers spring back when lightly pressed with fingertip.

6. Remove from pans; cool on wire rack. Split in half. Fill and frost with Chocolate Fudge Filling. Decorate with walnuts, if you wish.

CHOCOLATE FUDGE FILLING: Combine 6 squares semi-sweet chocolate and 3 tablespoons butter in small saucepan. Place over very low heat just until melted. Transfer to bowl; beat in 7 tablespoons milk, 1 teaspoon vanilla until blended. Gradually beat in 3 cups sifted 10X sugar until smooth and spreadable.