Eric's Chocolate Cake

I had the pleasure of working with a kid named Eric. He was in my program each week and besides having some awesome competitions, I asked him to tell me what his favourite recipe was. He said it was chocolate cake. Eric, I stick to my promises and this one is just for you! I hope you and your family make this chocolate cake so you get to enjoy some time in the kitchen.

Ingredients:

Cake

• 1¾ cups all purpose flour

• 2 cups sugar

• ¾ cup natural unsweetened cocoa powder

• 2¼ tsp baking soda

• ½ tsp baking powder

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 cup milk

• ½ cup vegetable oil

• 1½ tsp vanilla extract

• 2 large eggs

• 1 cup hot water

Chocolate Frosting

• ½ cup butter

• ½ cup shortening

• 3 cups powdered sugar

• ½ cup natural unsweetened cocoa powder

• ¼ tsp vanilla extract

• 4–5 Tbsp water or milk

• Sprinkles, optional

Instructions:

1. Add flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder and salt to a large mixing bowl and combine. Set the mixer aside.

2. Add milk, vegetable oil, vanilla extract and eggs to a medium sized bowl mix.

3. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and beat until combined.

4. Slowly add the hot water to the batter. Mix on low speed to make sure the ingredients are well combined. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to make sure everything is mixed together.

5. Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×13 inch cake pan with non-stick baking spray.

6. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 30-32 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs or comes out clean.

7. Remove cake from oven and allow to cool.

Frosting

1. Combine the butter and shortening in a large mixer bowl and mix until smooth.

2. Add 2 cups of powdered sugar and mix until smooth.

3. Add the vanilla extract and 3 tablespoons of water or milk and mix until smooth.

4. Add remaining powdered sugar and cocoa and mix until smooth.

5. Add remaining water or milk as needed and mix until smooth, keeping an eye on the consistency of the frosting so it doesn’t get too thin.

6. Beat frosting on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until it has lightened in colour and gotten fluffy.

7. Spread frosting evenly onto the cake. Top with sprinkles, if desired.

Ask an adult for help with:

• Cracking the eggs

• Turning on the oven

• Testing the cake

• Removing the cake from the oven

Notes:

• Add frosting if desired

• Other alternatives for homemade frosting is store bought icing. This option may be easier for the little chefs however, not mandatory.

Serves: 12-15 depending on slice size