Updated Chocolate Layer CakeOne of the tricks of this recipe is adding sour cream to the cake mix. The sour cream addsfabulous moistness and flavor to the cake recipe

Prep Time: 25 minutesCook Time: 35 minutesIngredients:

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1 (18-ounce) package two layer devil's food or chocolate cake mix

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1 cup sour cream

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1/2 cup water

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1/2 cup chocolate milk

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1/3 cup vegetable oil

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3 eggs

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2 (16-ounce) tubs ready-to-spread chocolate frosting

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In large bowl, combine cake mix, 1 cup sour cream, water,vegetable oil, and eggs, and mix to combine. Beat well at high speed for 2 minutes.Pour into 2 greased and floured 9" layer cake pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 25-35 minutes,until cake springs back when lightly touched with finger and cake begins to pull away fromsides of pan.Cool cakes in pans on wire racks for 10 minutes. Carefully remove from pans and coolcompletely on wire racks.In medium bowl combine both cans of frosting and beat well to combine. Fill layers and frostcake. For tips, seeHow To Frost A Layer Cake***. Using a large amount of frosting makesthe whole process easier, especially if you are a beginner.If you feel this is too much frosting, just use the amount you'd like and make GrahamCracker Sandwiches with the leftovers. Spread 2-3 tablespoons frosting between twograham crackers and let stand until set

***How To Frost A Layer Cake

Layer cakes can be intimidating. But frosting them, while an acquired skill, is something youcan do with these easy tips.

Difficulty:

Average

Time Required:

30 minutes

Here's How:

1.Bake a layer cake, using your favorite recipe or a mix, remove layers from pans, and coolcompletely.2.Freeze the layers until solid. This makes it easier to frost them.3.Make frosting according to your favorite recipe, or use canned frosting or a mix.4.Using a lazy susan or turntable will make the frosting process easier, but if you don't haveone, just pick a pretty serving platter to use.5.Tear off four short strips of waxed paper and place them in a square on your serving plate,leaving an open space in the middle.6.Carefully place one cake layer on the waxed paper. Using about 1 cup of the frosting, spreadfrosting over the top of the layer.7.Place the second layer on top of the frosting, aligning the edges.8.Using an offset spatula for more control, spread a very thin layer of frosting on the sidesof the cake to seal in any stray crumbs. This is much easier if you have a lazy susan.9.Then frost the sides of the cake, using the spatula to make peaks and swirls. Build up aslight edge at the top of the cake.10.Finish frosting the top of the cake, pushing frosting to the edges to meet the frosting onthe sides. Have fun swirling the frosting so it's pretty!11.Carefully pull out the waxed paper strips. Now you see why we used them - your servingplatter is perfectly clean!

Tips:

1.I would recommend making more frosting than most recipes call for, especially if you're abeginner. Nothing is more frustrating than running out.

2.Offset spatulas have a kink in the blade that keeps your fingers away from the frostingwhile working.3.Add liquid to thin, or powdered sugar to thicken the frosting as you work if the texturechanges.

What You Need:

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cake layers

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frosting

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waxed paper

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serving plate

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lazy susanWhite Chocolate Pecan PieThis wonderful pie is super easy and quick to make. Serve it frozen in the summertime.

Prep Time: 25 minutesCook Time: 8 minutesIngredients: