CHOCOLATE SPICE CAKE WITH CARAMEL FROSTING

CHOCOLATE SPICE CAKE WITH CARAMEL FROSTING image

Provided by Ellen Bales

Categories Cakes

Time 1h

Number Of Ingredients 19

3 oz unsweetened chocolate, chopped
1/2 c butter, softened
1 c sugar
1 c packed brown sugar
3 eggs
2 c cake flour
3 tsp baking powder
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground allspice
1/8 tsp ground cloves
1 1/3 c milk
FROSTING:
1 c plus 2 tbsp. packed brown sugar
3/4 c heavy whipping cream
6 Tbsp butter, cubed
1 1/2 c confectioners' sugar
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
caramel popcorn with peanuts, optional

Steps:

1. Line the bottoms of two well-greased 9-in. round baking pans with parchment paper; grease paper. In a microwave, melt chocolate; stir until smooth. Cool slightly.
2. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in chocolate. In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, allspice and cloves; add to creamed mixture alternately with milk, beating well after each addition.
3. Transfer batter to prepared pans. Bake in a preheated 350-degree oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans 10 minutes before removing to wire racks; remove paper. Cool completely.
4. In a small saucepan, combine brown sugar, cream and butter. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Cook and stir 3 minutes. Remove from heat; gradually beat in confectioners' sugar and vanilla.
5. Place one cake layer on a serving plate; immediately pour half of the hot frosting over the cake. Top with remaining cake layer. Pour remaining frosting over top of cake. If desired, top with caramel popcorn.