A cake of your own making A cake of your own making (June 01, 2005)

For those of you who would like to a make gift of a homemade cake to the Dad, grad or birthday boy or girl on your list, Almanac senior staff writer Marjorie Mader is sharing her recipe for chocolate fudge cake.

"I have loved this cake from the moment I first tasted this rich, chocolate delight, baked by a friend, about 40 years ago. It's the first choice for family birthday cakes," says Ms. Mader.
Chocolate fudge cake

1/2 cup butter 1-1/2 cup brown sugar 1 cup white sugar 1 cup sour cream 2 eggs 1 tablespoon vanilla 3/4 cup cocoa 1 cup hot water 2-1/2 cups cake flour 1 teaspoon each of baking powder and baking soda Cream butter and sugar after first sifting the brown and white sugar together. Add sour cream, eggs and vanilla. Mix cocoa and hot water; let cool. Add cocoa-water mixture to batter alternately with sifted flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Beat after each addition. Pour into two greased round layer cake pans. Bake at 300 degrees for one hour.
Chocolate frosting

This recipe is from Marjorie's mother's "Circle Cook Book, 1950-51." She uses all butter or butter and margarine. 2 tablespoons Spry (vegetable shortening) 1 tablespoon butter 3 ounces baking chocolate 5 tablespoons hot milk 1-1/2 cup sifted powdered sugar (may use up to 2 cups) 1/2 teaspoon vanilla 1/4 teaspoon salt Mix shortening, butter and chocolate together over hot water. Pour hot milk over sugar, stir until sugar is dissolved. Add vanilla and salt. Add chocolate mixture and beat until smooth and thick enough to spread.

E-mail a friend a link to this story.