#42) Chocolate Heart Cake

Well guys, it's almost love day <3

We had an awesome activity at school today for the kids to kick off the love-fest that is Valentine's Day - a cake auction!!!!

Now, I am a cake lover, and I do not discriminate, BUT scratch cakes are the best, and when they are chocolate they are even better - so what better kind to offer up to the cake auction gods than a dark, rich, and moist chocolate cake????

I know the decorating leaves much to be desired, but I am only learning (this is only the 2nd cake I have ever decorated). Please send me along any tips or hints to make it easier or prettier :)

Chocolate Cake

Ingredients

3/4 cup butter
2/3 cup sugar
2/3 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp vanilla
1 cups buttermilk
1/2 cup plain yogurt
2 tbsp strong coffee
1 3/4 cup flour
1 cup cocoa
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt

Steps

-Preheat oven to 350°F and grease and flour your pan.
-Cream butter and sugars. Add eggs, vanilla, buttermilk, yogurt, and coffee.
-Sift together dry ingredients. Add to wet ingredients in three additions, mixing well after each addition. (Try not to lick the spoon yet!!!)
-Pour into prepared pan and bake for 30 minutes.
-Let cool completely before frosting.

Buttercream Frosting

Ingredients

1/2 cup shortening
1/2 cup butter
2 tsp vanilla
4 cups icing sugar
2 tbsp milk

Steps

-Cream shortening and butter together. Add vanilla. Mix.
-Add icing sugar in several additions, mixing well after each addition.
-Mix in milk.
-Decorate :)