Chocolate Cake Cravings

I have been on a baking kick for a couple of weeks now. I think it's because I've realized that it's a healthier alternative than the store bought stuff. Yes, it still has sugar....but, it's still better than shortening and high fructose corn syrup. At least what I make is made of natural ingredients!

I held out for about a week after having made the apple pie. I figured that's not completely terrible. The weather is also warmer. That means more outside time to get some exercise with the kids. This is how I justify eating the sweets. I made homemade bread and chocolate cake today. I'll plan to be a little better using moderation this time! I won't have cake for breakfast. I limit myself to only eating pie at breakfast! :)

I actually decided to share the recipe and pictures of this cake here on the blog. It came out really good. It's a little different kind of recipe since it doesn't actually use eggs. Austin licked the frosting mixer paddle clean. Then when he had a slice of the cake, he actually ate the whole thing. That's how I know he likes it! He's not the biggest cake fan, but this one had his approval. Even Eric, who doesn't like cream cheese, didn't notice it in the frosting...(hopefully he's not reading this) Sorry Honey, if you are!!! :) He really liked the cake as well!

This was a really simple recipe....and came out quite well. It's from one of the Taste of Home Cooking magazines.

Cake
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups sugar
1/3 cup baking cocoa ( I used Hershey's Special Dark Chocolate)
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups water
3/4 cup oil (I like canola)
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 teaspoons vinegar

Frosting
1 small package cream cheese (3 oz size) softened
1/4 cup butter or margarine softened (I used butter)
2 cups powdered sugar
1/3 cup baking cocoa (I used the regular kind for this)

For the cake combine the first five ingredients in a mixing bowl and blend together. Then add the water, oil, vanilla and vinegar; mix well (batter will be thin). Pour into a greased 13 x 9 baking pan. Bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes or until toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. When I baked it, it seemed to take slightly longer. Cool completely

For frosting, in a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter. Add the confectioners sugar, cocoa, salt, milk and vanilla; mix well. Spread over the cake. I added the sugar one cup full at a time and mixed before I added the cocoa and then added the wet ingredients. It just seemed easier to get the frosting well blended that way.

If anyone decides to try this recipe, you'll have to let me know how you liked it! I think this will definitely be a recipe I make again. The frosting was so quick and easy to use!