The Devil isn't in the details... he's in my cake!

In honour of the fact that researchers at the University of Cambridge have found that high levels of chocolate consumption may reduce the risk of developing heart disease, I decided to share with you my favourite recipe.  It's SO retro it's practically uncool, but I love it.  It always comes out moist and even though it says to use an electric mixer, I have only recently laid my hands on my Pop's old mixer.  Mixing it by hand until just combined is just as good!

This would also be scrumdiddlyumptious as Baby Shower Cupcakes

Devil's Food Cake

2 1/4 cups self-raising flour

1 3/4 cups castor sugar

1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda

2/3 cup cocoa

155g butter

1 cup water

1 teaspoon vanilla

3 eggs

Sift dry ingredients into large bowl of electric mixer.  Add softened butter, water and vanilla.  Beat on medium speed of electric mixer for 3 minutes.  Add eggs, increase speed slightly, beat for further 3 minutes.  Pour into two well-greased deep 20cm cake tins.  Bake in moderate overn 35 to 40 minutes.  When cold, sandwich together with whipped cream, top with chocolate glace icing.

Chocolate Glace Icing

45g dark chocolate

1 teaspoon oil or butter

2 tablespoons water

1 1/4 cup icing sugar, approx

Combine chocolate, oil and water, stir constantly over hot water until chocolate is melted.  Gradually beat in sifted icing sugar, beat until smooth and of good spreading consistency.  Quickly spread over cold cake.

Enjoy making and devouring this delicious retro cake. 

If you have any questions or comments make them below - we'd love to hear your opinions.  And don't forget to visit the Little Treasures website for loads of gorgeous baby stuff!  The website if http://www.littletreasures.net.au/.