Chocolate Cake

Preparation:

Cake Batter:

1

Grease the pan with butter and line the bottom with parchment paper

Set aside

2

In a medium bowl, whisk together the boiling water, cocoa powder, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth

3

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt

4

Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C)

5

Beat the butter and confectioners' sugar in an electric mixer until light and fluffy

6

Add one egg at a time, beating well after each addition

7

Alternate adding the flour mixture and cocoa mixture, starting and ending with the flour

8

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top

9

Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean

10

Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely

Filling and Topping:

1

In a small bowl, whisk together the confectioners' sugar and egg whites until stiff peaks form

2

Add the softened butter, one piece at a time, beating well after each addition

3

Add the vanilla extract and Cointreau liqueur, beating until smooth

4

Cut the cake in half lengthwise and spread with some of the filling

5

Top with the remaining filling and smooth out the top