A Divine Chocolate Birthday Request!

"There's nothing better than a good friend,

except a good friend with chocolate." ~ Linda Grayson

July Birthdays are upon us...three to be exact!

Let the baking begin and the eating be divine!

Happy Birthday Darlings!

 

Chocolate Italian Cream Cake

5 large eggs, separated

1/2 cup butter, softened

1/2 cup shortening

2 cups sugar

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 cup buttermilk

1 cup sweetened flaked coconut

2/3 cup finely chopped pecans

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Beat egg whites at high speed with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form; set aside. Beat butter and shortening until creamy; gradually add sugar, beating well. Add egg yolks, 1 at a time, beating until blended after each addition. Combine flour, cocoa, and baking soda; add to butter mixture alternately with buttermilk, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Beat at low speed until blended after each addition. Stir in coconut, chopped pecans, and vanilla. Fold in egg whites. Pour batter into 3 greased and floured 8-inch round cakepans. Bake at 325° for 25 to 30 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans 10 minutes. Remove cake layers to wire racks, and cool completely.

CHOCOLATE CREAM CHEESE FROSTING

1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup butter, softened

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 (16-ounce) package powdered sugar

1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa

1/4 cup buttermilk

2/3 cup finely chopped pecans

Beat first 4 ingredients at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy. Combine powdered sugar and cocoa; gradually add to butter mixture alternately with buttermilk, beginning and ending with powdered sugar mixture. Beat at low speed until blended after each addition. Stir in pecans.