September 25, 2009

Yellow Butter Cake with Chocolate Frosting


Yes, another cake, AGAIN!

This is a rehearsal cake (that's why it looks rustic). I have an once-in-a-lifetime celebration coming up next month. This celebration is so important that I wouldn't forgive myself for my whole life if this cake flops. And so I'm taking a test drive a month in advance just to make sure.

Two things:
1. A better plate. No, actually this plate is too worse to compare. I need a decent footed cake plate.
2. Make sure the cake is all gone on the big day. Though we've already given a big slice to our neighbor, it took both me and my husband DAYSSSSSSSS to finish this whole trial cake. And it didn't taste as good!
 
(makes one 9" layer cake)
Ingredients:
Yellow Butter Cake:
6 large egg yolks
1 cup milk
2 tsp vanilla extract
3 cups sifted cake flour
1 1/2 cups granulated white sugar
2 tbsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
12 tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature and cut into pieces

Chocolate Frosting:
225 grams bittersweet chocolate, chopped 
1/4 cup cocoa powder
3/4 cup milk
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces
3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350F. Grease two 9" cake pans, line bottoms with parchment paper. Set aside.

In a bowl, lightly combine the egg yolks, 1/4 cup milk and vanilla extract.

In the bowl of your electric mixer, combine flour, sugar, baking powder and salt on low speed. Add butter and remaining 3/4 cup milk. Mix until the dry ingredients are moistened.

Increase the mixer speed to medium and beat for about 2 mins. Scrape down the sides and the bottom of the bowl.

Gradually add the egg mixture, in 3 additions, beating well to incorporate the egg.

Divide the batter and pour into the prepared pans, smoothing the surface with a spatula. (Pans will be about half full) Bake 25 to 35 minx or until a toothpick inserted into the cake comes out clean.

Place the cakes (in the pans) on a wire rack to cool. Then invert the cakes onto a greased rack. To prevent splitting, re-invert cakes so that tops are right side. Cool completely before frosting.

To prepare the frosting, in a stainless steel bowl placed over a saucepan of simmering water, put in the chopped chocolate, cocoa powder, milk and butter. Stir until the chocolate has melted and the mixture is smooth. Remove from heat and whisk in powdered sugar and vanilla extract.

Cover and place in refrigerator until it's firm, around 2 to 3 hours.

Once the frosting is firm, remove from refrigerator and place in the mixing bowl. Beat the frosting for a min or two until it's smooth and of spreading consistency.

To assemble the cake, place one cake layer on your serving plate and spread with about 3/4 cup of frosting. Place the other cake layer on top of the frosting and cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting. Cover and refrigerate the cake until serving time.

29 comments:

Divina Pe said...

That's a lovely butter cake. It would be perfect by the time you make it again.

MaryMoh said...

I thought that's a successful trial. Any cake that doesn't sink to me is a successful cake. So cheer up. I'm sure the actual one is going to turn out awesome. Can't wait to see it on your blog next month.

Cristian Borod said...

Lovely cake!

Angie's Recipes said...

The butter cake with chocolate frosting looks perfect.

Angie's Recipes

My Little Space said...

Hey Lulu, what else are you asking for? This is a good one! Or probably, you can try out sponge cake with chocolate frosting!

ann low said...

I think this is lovely cake.

Jessie said...

do not apologize for another cake! I love simple cakes like yours because they always satisfy the sweet cravings :)

Chris Stewart said...

When I read the words butter and chocolate in the same sentence I almost exploded with glee.

Tasty Eats At Home said...

This cake does look lovely, whether it is a trial cake or not! I too need a cake plate.

Fearless Kitchen said...

This looks wonderful. It makes a lot of sense to do a trial run before a big event, too. You can't be too careful sometimes!

Drick said...

hey is this the cake recipe from your first attempt? I use my Mom's birthday cake recipe and it is almost identical with ingredients and technique. What differs is she used 2 1/2 teaspoons vanilla, 4 teaspoons baking powder, 3/4 teaspoon salt and salted butter. The prep method is the same...and it is pretty darn good...

KennyT said...

next time, when anything takes you dayssssss to finish, pls gimme a call.

Jophine said...

Can't wait to see the enhanced version!
Counting down to the big day... exciting :D

The Duo Dishes said...

We have a few things in Oct coming up that require a cake. Yikes! A good butter cake recipe is nice to have on hand.

Kathy Gori said...

looks good to me..think I might give it a try.

janet said...

It looks lovely and I wouldn't mind a taste!

Nicole said...

This is my husband's favorite kind of cake, but it usually comes from a box. I'll have to try to make it from scratch!

Simply Life said...

WOW, that cake looks amazing! Can I have a piece now, please? :)

Deepa said...

yummy..I want this cake :)))..nice work...

Rico said...

Yummy delicious and well presented ,Rico

Southern Grace Gourmet said...

Looks beautiful! The nuts look elegant

Short and Bald said...

a test drive ^^ very cute! it looks/sounds wonderful. I'll sing LULULU after a piece of this. ^^

theUngourmet said...

Practicing before a big occasion is a very good idea. Don't worry, you get it just right when it's time for the big event.

I love this flavor combination!

lisaiscooking said...

Yellow cake with chocolate frosting is a perfection combination for a celebration!

Talita said...

Wow! What a gorgeous cake, dear! Looks great!

Cookin' Canuck said...

Your cake looks wonderful! If you want a cake that will stay moist for several, you could try a recipe that has sour cream or buttermilk in the batter. Good luck on the big day!

Donna-FFW said...

Gorgeous gorgeous cake..

John Newman said...

Rehearsal cake? Next time you have a rehearsal, invite me over. I'll be happy to be a taste tester for something and nice as this. :-)

Family Cuisine Food And Recipe said...

Nice. Thank you for sharing. Cheers !