chocolate cake with chocolate buttercream frosting

i finally did it! my first ever cake & frosting made from scratch. i have to admit that the whole baking process was nerve wracking. [i think any novice at baking will share my sentiment]. but practice makes perfect, so here goes my first attempt.

Ingredients:

Chocolate Cake

• 1 3/4 cups all purpose flour
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 3/4 cups cocoa powder
• 2 tsps baking soda
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup half & half
• 1/2 cup canola oil
• 2 eggs, room temperature
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1 cup freshly brewed hot coffee (1 tsp coffee w/ 1 cup water)

Chocolate Buttercream Frosting

2 sticks of butter, room temperature  

1 1/2 cups confectioners sugar 

1/2 cup cocoa powder 

1 tsp vanilla

5 tbsp half & half 

Instructions:

1. in a bowl, mix flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

2. in a separate bowl, mix half & half, oil, eggs & vanilla.

3. add wet ingredients to dry ingredients. then pour the hot coffee. mix well.

4. pour the batter equally in 2 round pans. bake in a preheated oven at 350F for 25-30 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.

5. cream the butter & sugar for about 3 minutes until it is light & fluffy. slowly add the cocoa. add vanilla & half & half.

6. completely cool the cake before frosting. 

i got the original recipe from baked bree. i cut down the amount of sugar & made substitutions on some ingredients. i need more practice with frosting for sure. this is certainly a recipe keeper for me.

overall, its a very moist cake. my hubby's family enjoyed it as well. i'm giving myself a good pat on the shoulder. i can't help but smile while eating the cake [because honestly, it was delicious].