Chocolate cake with frosting

When was the last time you made chocolate cake and frosting from scratch? I swear it tastes way better than the boxed versions. Both recipes were found on allrecipes.com.



Cake recipe:

1 cup water
1 cup unsalted butter
4 (1 ounce) squares unsweetened chocolate, chopped
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups white sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup sour cream
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 9 inch tube pan. In small saucepan, heat butter, chocolate and water until chocolate melts and mixture is smooth, stirring constantly. Set aside to cool.
2. Sift together into a large bowl the flour, sugar and baking soda. In a small bowl, beat egg slightly and combine with sour cream and vanilla. Stir into flour mixture. Pour in the cooled chocolate mixture. Beat at low speed for 5 minutes until completely combined and the consistency of heavy cream.
3. Pour batter into prepared 9 inch tube pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack and cool completely.

Frosting:

• 1/2 cup butter
• 3 (1 ounce) squares unsweetened chocolate
• 1 pound confectioners' sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup milk

1. Melt chocolate and butter in the microwave, or in the top of a double boiler. In a large bowl, combine confectioners' sugar, vanilla and 1/2 cup of the milk. Blend in the melted chocolate mixture. Add remaining milk, a little at a time, until desired consistency is achieved.
2. Let stand until spreadable (frosting will thicken as it cools).