Cascades Chocolate Bliss Cake

Indulge your senses with our Cascades Chocolate Bliss Cake and Cocoa Falls Manhattan, two decadent treats inspired by coffee and berries from the Pacific Northwest.

This rich chocolate cake, made with high-quality cocoa and a hint of brewed coffee, is layered with creamy cocoa frosting and topped with fresh local berries. It’s the perfect dessert for any occasion, whether you're celebrating a special moment or simply treating yourself to a slice of pure bliss. Get ready to dive into a slice of chocolate heaven!

Ingredients

For the Cake:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk (or substitute with 1 cup milk and 1 tbsp vinegar)
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot brewed coffee (or hot water)

For the Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3-4 tbsp milk

For the Garnish:
- 1 cup fresh raspberries or blackberries (local berries)
- Dark chocolate shavings or chunks
- A sprinkle of powdered sugar (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

2. Make the Cake Batter:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add the eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes until well combined.
- Carefully stir in the hot coffee until the batter is smooth (the batter will be thin).

3. Bake the Cakes:
- Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely.

4. Make the Frosting:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, mixing until combined.
- Add the vanilla extract and enough milk to reach your desired frosting consistency.

5. Assemble the Cake:
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous layer of frosting on top.
- Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the entire cake.

6. Garnish:
- Arrange berries in a natural pile on top of the cake. Sprinkle with powdered sugar for a snowy effect.