CRÈME DE CACAO CAKE

By Vanetta

Ingredients

• Cake Ingredients:
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup LAND O LAKES® Butter, softened
• 4 egg whites
• 3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 6 tablespoons creme de cacao
• Filling Ingredients:
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup LAND O LAKES® Butter, softened
• 1 (1-ounce) square unsweetened chocolate, melted, cooled
• 1 tablespoon LAND O LAKES® Heavy Whipping Cream
• Frosting Ingredients:
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup LAND O LAKES® Butter, softened
• 3 ounces white chocolate, melted, cooled
• 2 tablespoons LAND O LAKES® Heavy Whipping Cream
• White and dark chocolate leaves

Preparation

Step 1

Heat oven to 350°F. Combine all cake ingredients except creme de cacao in large bowl. Beat at low speed, scraping bowl often, until all ingredients are moistened. Beat at high speed, scraping bowl often, until smooth.
Pour into 3 greased and floured (8-inch) round cake pans. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 5 minutes; remove from pans. Cool completely.
Combine all filling ingredients in small bowl. Beat at high speed, scraping bowl often, until light and fluffy; set aside. Combine all frosting ingredients in small bowl. Beat at high speed, scraping bowl often, until light and fluffy. To assemble cake place 1 layer on serving plate. Poke top of cake all over with fork; sprinkle with 2 tablespoons creme de cacao. Spread with 1/2 filling. Place second cake layer on top. Poke top of cake all over with fork; sprinkle with 2 tablespoons creme de cacao. Spread with remaining filling. Place third cake layer on top. Poke top of cake all over with fork; sprinkle with 2 tablespoons creme de cacao. Frost entire cake with frosting. If desired, garnish with chocolate leaves.