Everyday Chocolate Cake

Cake is one of those strange baked goods that divides a crowd. Some love it. Some hate it. Some will only eat the icing (my daughter). But I think everyone can agree that a good basic cake is an excellent thing to have in your baking back pocket. I think I have found mine!! *Do not be alarmed by the use of vinegar. It works with the baking soda to create a light and fluffy cake.

The original recipe comes from Bon Appétit (a regular source of inspiration for me), but I played around with the recipe and put my own spin on it. Chocolate cake is good! But chocolate cake made with coffee is better! And the icing - well what's chocolate icing without a good dose of espresso?! Fine, it's fine, you're right, but it's much better with! 

Adapted from Bon Appétit

Cake
¾ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
2 cups sugar
1 egg
2½ cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ cup cocoa powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla
1½ cups brewed coffee
2 scant tablespoons distilled white vinegar

Icing
1½ cups powdered sugar
¼ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
⅓ cup cocoa powder
¼ cup brewed coffee
1 tbsp instant espresso powder
1 oz semi-sweet chocolate, melted

Preheat oven to 350°. In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat together butter, sugar and egg. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, cocoa powder and salt. Slowly add dry ingredients to the butter-sugar mixture and then add vanilla, coffee, and vinegar. Mix until well-combined, scraping down the sides as needed.

Grease a 9″x13″ baking tin and spread batter into an even layer. Bake for 20-30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. (Your oven will determine whether you need more or less time, but try not to over bake.)

Meanwhile, make the frosting. Combine powdered sugar, butter, cocoa, espresso powder, brewed coffee, and melted chocolate. Adjust to desired taste and consistency.

Allow cake to cool completely before icing.

And there you have it! This cake has enough flavour to be a fancy layered cake for any event but is simple enough for every day. Simple doesn't have to equal boring! Remember that.

Happy cake-ing!!

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