Mary's Chocolate Cake Recipe

Mary's Chocolate Cake is a classic recipe that has been enjoyed by generations. This delectable cake is known for its rich chocolate flavor and moist texture. The combination of grated unsweetened chocolate, brown sugar, and sweet milk creates a creamy and decadent base for the cake.

To start, you will need the following ingredients:

- 1/2 cup of brown sugar
- 1/2 cup of sweet milk
- 1/2 cup of grated, unsweetened chocolate
- 1/2 cup of butter
- 1/2 cup of brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2/3 cup of sweet milk
- Vanilla flavoring to taste
- 2 cups of flour
- 2 teaspoonfuls of baking powder

Begin by preparing the chocolate mixture. In a saucepan, combine the brown sugar, sweet milk, and grated unsweetened chocolate. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens to a creamy consistency, similar to that of cream. Once thickened, remove the mixture from the heat and allow it to cool completely.

In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the beaten eggs and mix well. Then, pour in the sweet milk and vanilla flavoring, and beat until well combined.

Next, gradually add the cooled chocolate mixture to the batter, mixing well after each addition. Sift the flour and baking powder together, and add it to the batter, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense cake.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans. Divide the batter equally among the pans, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

Place the cake pans in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. Remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer the cakes to a wire rack to cool completely.

Once the cakes have cooled, it's time to assemble the cake. You can choose to use either chocolate icing or cocoa filling. Both options will enhance the chocolate flavor of the cake.

For the chocolate icing, you will need:
- 1 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups of powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup of milk
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

In a mixing bowl, sift the cocoa powder to remove any lumps. Add the softened butter and beat until well combined. Gradually add the powdered sugar, alternating with the milk, and mix until smooth and creamy. Finally, add the vanilla extract and mix until incorporated.

To assemble the cake, place one layer on a serving platter and spread a generous amount of chocolate icing on top. Place the second layer on top and repeat the process. Finally, place the third layer on top and cover the entire cake with the remaining chocolate icing. You can also decorate the cake with grated chocolate or any desired toppings.

Now, it's time to enjoy Mary's Chocolate Cake! This irresistible treat is perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any special occasion. The combination of rich chocolate and creamy icing is sure to impress your family and friends.

Fun Fact: Did you know that chocolate cake has been enjoyed for thousands of years? The ancient Mayans and Aztecs were some of the first to consume chocolate in cake form. However, their version was quite different from what we enjoy today. They would grind cocoa beans into a paste and mix it with water and spices to create a beverage called "xocoatl," which was often served cold or frothy.

There are many variations of chocolate cake recipes around the world. For example, the German black forest cake is a chocolate sponge cake soaked in cherry brandy and layered with whipped cream and cherries. The French flourless chocolate cake, also known as "gateau au chocolat," is a rich and dense cake made with almond meal and dark chocolate.

No matter the variation, one thing remains certain – chocolate cake is a beloved dessert enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds. So, the next time you crave a sweet treat, why not indulge in a slice of Mary's Chocolate Cake? It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will satisfy even the most discerning chocolate lover.