For the cake:
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter or margarine, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 large eggs
1 1/3 cups cold water
3 egg whites
3/4 cup confectioners' sugar
For the frosting and topping:
9 tablespoons unsalted butter or margarine, softened
4 1/2 ounces semisweet chocolate chips
confectioners' sugar for dusting
6 tablespoons milk
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the cake:
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter or margarine, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 large eggs
1 1/3 cups cold water
3 egg whites
3/4 cup confectioners' sugar
For the frosting and topping:
9 tablespoons unsalted butter or margarine, softened
4 1/2 ounces semisweet chocolate chips
confectioners' sugar for dusting
6 tablespoons milk
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the cake: grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans
Mix the flour with the dark chocolate and baking soda
Beat the butter or margarine in a mixer until creamy, about 1 minute
Add 1 cup granulated sugar and beat until well combined
Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and beat until smooth
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition
Beat in the cold water and mix until just combined
Beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form
Fold in the confectioners' sugar until just combined
Fold into the cake batter until smooth
Pour into prepared pans and smooth tops
Bake at 350°F for 30-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean
Let cool in pans for 10 minutes before removing from pans
For the frosting and topping: beat the butter until creamy, about 1 minute
Add the confectioners' sugar and beat until smooth
Add the milk and vanilla extract and beat until well combined
Frost and top with chocolate shavings or whipped cream, as desired
To freeze: wrap cake tightly in plastic wrap and place in freezer for a few hours to set
When ready to serve, remove from freezer and let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving
