Chocolate Cake (Best Ever)

1. 1

   Allow butter and eggs to stand at room temperature for 30 minutes.

2. 2

   Prepare three 8-inch round cake pans:

3. 3

   Preheat oven to 350°F.

4. 4

   In a medium bowl, stir together the dry ingredients: flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

5. 5

   In a large mixing bowl, beat butter with electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Gradually add sugar, about 1/4 cup at a time, beating on medium speed for 3 to 4 minutes or until well mixed. Scrape side of bowl and continue beating on medium speed for 2 minutes.

6. 6

   Add eggs one at a time, beating after each addition (about 1 minute total). Beat in the vanilla.

7. 7

   Alternately add flour mixture and milk to beaten mixture, beating on low speed just until combined after each addition. Beat on medium to high speed for 20 seconds more. Spread batter evenly into prepared pans.

8. 8

   Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool cake layers in pans for 10 minutes, then remove from pans and peel off paper. Cool completely on wire racks.

9. 9

   Prepare the frosting (see below). Fill and frost the cake layers. Decorate with chocolate curls if desired. <!-- TODO: LINK TO 'chocolate shaving recipe' -->

Chocolate Frosting

1. 1

   In a large saucepan, combine chocolate pieces and butter. Heat over low heat until melted, stirring often. Cool for 5 minutes.

2. 2

   Stir in sour cream, then gradually add powdered sugar, beating on medium speed until mixture is smooth.