Mist sprayed upon the garden’s flowers, plants and trees while remnant droplets swung on the breeze, landing to cool our arms and necks as the sun kissed them until slightly pink, that day.
We were tired from our travels and the excitement of the magic kingdom the day before and not quite accustomed to so much stimulation and purely concentrated exhilaration in a day, never mind two or five. It was pretty awesome, honestly.
It was about eighty degrees and the pavement under our soles was beginning to sizzle as the sun rose overhead. It was a refreshingly warm change and enjoyment from the snow, rain and cold that waited for us at home only a few days later.
For now, we walked along the well kept garden that lined the sides of the street.
Trey, obviously exhausted from the plane ride and obligatory walking while also fighting the last remaining symptoms of his latest cold began to whine, “I’m tired of walking. This part is boring grown-up stuff. Where are the rides?”
As I meandered through Canada, Japan and into Great Britain appreciating the steak houses, the sushi, the English garden photo spots and quaint pubs and tea shops, I realized that he was right! This was totally “boring grown-up stuff” and I was loving it.
Strange what happens after thirty, I guess. So, how to perk up his spirits? What does he love? Chocolate cake. This thought occurred as I saw the “Eiffel tower” off in the distance and my mommy-brain stirred.
Pastries in Paris might change his mind, if not even give him cause to smile. We stopped at the pastry shop and picked up the “cake of the day”.
It was just an ordinary chocolate cake with chocolate frosting, or so it seemed. Without pause, he devoured the cake as Max fought, amid Trey’s chocolate frenzy, snagging a bite or two with my help. I watched with delighted curiosity as Trey went bite after bite with a sugar craze in his eye that reflected pure chocolate bliss. My eyes met Mike’s and we smiled, knowingly. He is not one to eat anything (not even cake) if he’s not completely satisfied that it’s a purely enjoyable experience worth having. I asked him for a bite. I tasted it. Chocolate it was, indeed!
It was sweet and rich and dark. It was simple yet complex in flavor and texture. It was moist yet perfectly layered and still so pretty. It was rustic yet clean. It was in one word, delicious. This cake was inspired by that cake. We had a wonderful time on vacation: First roller coaster rides, the monorail, parades, free falls, Mickey Mouse, funnel cakes, tea cups, pirates, continental breakfasts, the spa, the fireworks. It was perfected by the look in their eyes and the memories we made. Note to self: Please do that again soon.
- Butter or cooking spray for greasing the pans
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for pans
- 2 cups sugar
- 3/4 cups good cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 3/4 cup buttermilk, shaken
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 2/3 cup freshly brewed hot coffee
- Chocolate Buttercream, recipe follows
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter or spray two 8-inch x 2-inch round cake pans, flour the pans and tap out excess flour. Place prepared pans on sizable baking sheet.
Sift flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, and salt into large mixing bowl. Whisk to combine. In another, smaller bowl, combine the buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla and whisk thoroughly with diligence.
Pour the batter into the prepared pans, evenly between the two, and bake for 30-35 minutes in preheated oven, until center of cake is set and springs back to gently applied pressure. Once cooled to warm, turn out cakes from pans onto a cooling rack. Cool completely.
Place 1 layer, flat side up, on a flat plate or cake pedestal. With a knife or offset spatula, spread the top with frosting. Place the second layer on top, rounded side up, and spread the frosting evenly on the top and sides of the cake.
- 8 ounces semisweet good quality chocolate
- 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 cup unsalted quality butter, room temperature
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 box confectioner’s sugar (about 2-3 cups)
In a large mixing bowl, grate chocolate. Melt in microwave on high, stirring every 30 seconds, until smooth. Add cream cheese, butter and vanilla and beat with electric mixer on high until smooth and combined. Add sugar. Beat until smooth and combined.
What a yummy looking cake! Your description just made my mouth water…oh my! I pinned this straight away and can’t wait to try. I am always trying to find a replica of a choclate cake I had of all places at a hospital in Houston Texas while there with my father in law having surgery. I have yet to find one that tastes as good…but this certainly looks as good so you may be the winner! I will let you know!
woah! that’s a stunner. looks so so delicious.
i like the chocolate cake thanks for sharing
Love chocolate cake and this looks fantastic!
Hi Kate!
the place looks like lots of fun!
gorgeous choco cake, home made is the best!
thx for sharing, wish u a nice weekend.
Hi Kate!
the place looks like lots of fun!
gorgeous choco cake, home made is the best!
thx for sharing, wish u a nice weekend.
What a lovely post, it’s brought your trip alive for the rest of us! Of course the chocolate cake helped – A LOT!
This cake looks so delicious!!!
I have to agree that Disney is the happiest place on earth!!!
Beautiful post.
The looks amazing and delicious. Thanks for sharing. Bookmarked
Sounds like you had a fabulous time!
That’s awesome… the cake looks super delicious! Thank you for sharing your recipe with us… and welcome back, Kate! 
Spectacular cake!!! And how wonderful that it was inspired by a bite from your family vacation. Welcome home~
Your post brought back memories of our trip to Disney when the kids were young. Oh, how time flies! The cake looks TO DIE FOR. I never tire of a good chocolate cake.
This sounds incredible!! The pictures are great, the cake looks delicate & moist. I’ve always loved epcot, even in my teens, of course I love the rides too, and the nestle toll house cookies at the magic kingdom. Wow I’m making myself want some sweets, any cake left?!?
You look like you are having so much fun
But really who wouldnt be with such an exquisite chocolate cake?
Yum!
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Latest: 5 Min Wrap Pizza
I really enjoyed this post! Disney is a great experience for the whole family and your statements here are reflective of that. Also, it does show that the classic flavor of a chocolate cake needs no extras and need not be fancy schmancy to be a true delight to eat! Great post.
Beautiful cake. Looks heavenly. I live near Disney, if you fly in at night you can see that sphere from the air it’s pretty cool.
That looks amazing!!
I loved this Kate! It is the happiest place on Earth!
Looks like you all had such a fantastic time. 