Dark Chocolate Naked Cake Recipe

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease 2 (9-inch) round pans.

Make the vanilla cake: Sift together cake flour, baking powder, and salt into a bowl. Set aside. Using an electric mixer, cream butter on medium-low speed for 2 to 3 minutes. Gradually add sugar on low speed. Beat on medium speed for 4 to 5 minutes or until mixture is light, soft, and pale yellow. Add eggs one at a time. Add vanilla; mix. Alternately add dry ingredients and milk. Mix on medium-low speed until well combined. Divide mixture between pans. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven; cool. Remove from pans; transfer to a rack.

Make the chocolate frosting: Dissolve cocoa powder in 11/2 cups boiling water. Add coffee; set aside. Melt chocolate in the microwave; let cool. Using an electric mixer, cream butter for 2 minutes. Turn down speed to low; add sugar. Increase speed; cream mixture for 4 minutes. Add melted chocolate; mix well. Add cocoa mixture and vanilla; mix. Chill for 30 minutes.

Slice cakes in half. Spread frosting on top of one layer and top with another layer. Repeat with the rest of the cakes, ending with frosting. Chill before serving.