SANDY'S CHOCOLATE CAKE

Sandy's Chocolate Cake image

Years ago, I drove 4-1/2 hours to a cake contest, holding my entry on my lap the whole way. But it paid off. One bite and you'll see why this velvety beauty was named the best chocolate cake recipe won first prize. -Sandra Johnson, Tioga, Pennsylvania

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 1h

Yield 16 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 17

Ingredients

1 cup butter, softened
3 cups packed brown sugar
4 large eggs, room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2-2/3 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup baking cocoa
3 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1-1/3 cups sour cream
1-1/3 cups boiling water
FROSTING:
1/2 cup butter, cubed
3 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped
3 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
5 cups confectioners' sugar
1 cup sour cream
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Steps:

Preheat oven to 350°. Grease and flour three 9-in. round baking pans., In a large bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla. In another bowl, whisk flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt; add to creamed mixture alternately with sour cream, beating well after each addition. Stir in water until blended., Transfer to prepared pans. Bake until a toothpick comes out clean, 30-35 minutes. Cool in pans 10 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely., For frosting, in a metal bowl over simmering water, melt butter and chocolates; stir until smooth. Cool slightly., In a large bowl, combine confectioners' sugar, sour cream and vanilla. Add chocolate mixture; beat until smooth. Spread frosting between layers and over top and sides of cake. Refrigerate leftovers.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 685 calories, Fat 29g fat (18g saturated fat), Cholesterol 115mg cholesterol, Sodium 505mg sodium, Carbohydrate 102g carbohydrate (81g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 7g protein.