MOCHA MARRY ME CAKE This is a dense, rich cake. I use butter instead of shortening, so one full cup of butter for the cake batter. If you use unsalted butter, add a pinch of salt to the cake batter, otherwise use salted butter. If you don’t have buttermilk, add 2 tsp. vinegar or lemon juice to the milk.
For the frosting, there are two options. My daughter, Bodacious, likes to frost a cake, so I let the butter sit out on the counter until it is soft, then I add the cocoa, vanilla, milk and powdered sugar and mix with a hand mixer so it can be spread on the cake by hand. It is rich and goopy, and you will want to eat it all before you put it on the cake. Momma Becky makes WARM, POURABLE FROSTING that soaks into the cake. You decide, but you won’t go wrong.
CAKE: 9×13 baking pan 2 cups all-purpose flour 2 cups granulated sugar ½ cup butter ½ cup shortening 1 cup strong brewed coffee ¼ cup dark, unsweetened cocoa powder ½ cup buttermilk 2 eggs 1 tsp. baking soda 1 tsp. vanilla
FROSTING: ½ cup butter 2 Tbsp. dark cocoa powder ¼ cup milk 31/2 cups unsifted powdered sugar 1 tsp. vanilla
CAKE PREP: 1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and the sugar 2. In heavy saucepan, combine butter/shortening, coffee and cocoa. Stir and heat to boiling 3. Pour boiling mixture over the flour and sugar in the bowl. Add the buttermilk, eggs, baking soda and vanilla. 4. Mix well using a wooden spoon or hand mixer. 5. Pour into a cake pan that has been well-greased. 6. Bake at 400 °F for 20 minutes or until done in the center.
FROSTING: FOR WARM FROSTING: While the brownies bake, make the frosting. 1. In a saucepan, combine the butter, cocoa and milk. Heat to boiling, stirring constantly. 2. Mix in the powdered sugar and vanilla until the frosting mixture is smooth. 3. Pour the frosting over the brownies as soon as you pull them out of the oven. Let cool and serve. BODACIOUS FROSTING: Let cake cool completely. 1. In mixing bowl, add softened butter, cocoa, milk and vanilla. Mix a little with hand mixer. 2. Then, slowly add powdered sugar while mixing until you get the consistency you like. 3. Dump it onto the cooled cake, slather it about, and let your helpers lick the beaters and spoons before washing everything. Enjoy with a tall, cold glass of milk, or a cup of coffee. Or chardonnay, you know, whatever works for your menu.