Old Fashioned Chocolate Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting

Paula Deen recipe. Makes 1 10-inch cake.



1 cup hot water
3 (1 oz) squares semisweet chocolate, chopped
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/2 cups sugar
1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups whole buttermilk
3/4 cup vegetable oil
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
peanut butter frosting (see recipe)

Preheat oven to 350. Spray 2 (10-inch) round cake pans with nonstick baking spray with flour.

In a small bowl, combine hot water and chocolate. Let stand for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chocolate is melted and smooth.

In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Add buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla; beat at medium-low speed with an electric mixer until smooth.

With mixer running, add melted chocolate mixture, beating until combined. Pour batter evenly into prepared pans, and bake for 23-27 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Let cool in pans for 10 minutes. Remove from pans, and cool completely on wire racks.

Spread peanut butter frosting evenly in between layers and on top and sides of cake.