favorite flavors in one treat. Chocolate curls are a simple way to decorate.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 2/3 cup unsweetened baking cocoa
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 (11-oz.) package peanut butter and milk chocolate chips, divided
- 1 (8-oz.) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 (2-oz.) semi-sweet chocolate baking bars, for curls
Preheat the oven to 350° F. Grease and flour two 9-inch-round cake pans.
Combine the flour, granulated sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a large mixer bowl. Add the milk, water, vegetable oil, eggs and vanilla extract; blend until moistened. Beat for 2 minutes (batter will be thin). Pour into the prepared pans. Sprinkle 1/3 cup morsels over each cake.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in the pans on wire racks for 10 minutes; remove from the pans to cool completely. Frost each cake with Creamy Peanut Butter Milk Chocolate Frosting between the layers and on the top and sides of cake. Garnish with chocolate curls before serving.
To make the frosting, microwave the remaining morsels in a small, microwave-safe bowl on MEDIUM-HIGH (70%) power for 1 minute; stir. Microwave at additional 10- to 20-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Beat the cream cheese, melted morsels, vanilla extract and salt in small mixer bowl until light and fluffy. Gradually beat in the powdered sugar.
Carefully draw a vegetable peeler across a bar of semi-sweet chocolate to make the chocolate curls. Vary the width of your curls by using different sides of the chocolate bar.
Tip: Soft chocolate doesn't shave very well, so refrigerate your chocolate bar before making the curls.
- Yields: 12 servings
- Preparation Time: 1 hour