Chocolate Chocolate Cake

I have been doctoring store bought cake mix for a few years now ~ adding in sour cream and dry pudding mix mostly (see here and here).  

And this chocolate cake is no different.

This is Actions favorite cake ~ he has requested for 3 years for his birthday and I am happy to make it for him.  

(Action is so little in this picture!  Cute little 9yr old ~ Check him out here with his chocolate cake at the age of 13!)

Cake:

1 box chocolate cake mix
1 small package (3.9oz) instant chocolate pudding
4 eggs
1 cup (8oz) sour cream (I use regular sour cream ~ it's dessert after all)
3/4 cup water
1/4 cup canola oil
4 oz semisweet chocolate, melted

* Mix all of the ingredients together.  Beat on low speed for 30 seconds, medium for about 2 minutes.  The batter will be thick.
* Pour batter evenly into two greased 9" round cake pans  (I also line the bottom of the pans with a
   sheet of parchment paper cut to size.)
*Bake at 350 for about 30 minutes ~ test for doneness with a toothpick
* Cool in pans for 10-15 minutes, remove cakes from pans and place on cooling racks to cool
   completely.

You can also make cupcakes ~ the recipe does make a thick batter so plan on scooping it into your muffin tins.  I use paper liners.  Bake at 350 for about 20 minutes.

Frosting:

2 cups unsalted butter, room temperature
4 cups powdered sugar
3/4 cup unsweetened, baking cocoa
1/2 cup milk, room temperature

* Beat the butter, powdered sugar and cocoa until mixed.  Then add milk, beat until smooth.

Cake Assembly:

Place one of the cakes on a plate.
Top with frosting.
Place 2nd cake on top of the frosting layer.
Use remaining frosting to coat the top and sides of the top and sides of the cakes.

Serve:  

Cut into slices and serve with vanilla ice cream, which in my opinion is the perfect compliment for all of that chocolate.  Oh and top with strawberries, because having a little fruit with this delicious chocolate cake makes it healthy.......right?

 or

Enjoy!!!