- 1 cup shortening
- 2 cups sugar
- 4 (1 ounce) squares unsweetened chocolate, melted and cooled
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 5 eggs
- 2 1/4 cups cake flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- FROSTING:
- 2/3 cup butter, softened
- 5 1/3 cups confectioners' sugar
- 1 cup baking cocoa
- 1 cup milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- In a large mixing bowl, cream shortening and sugar until light and fluffy. Add chocolate and vanilla; mix well. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Combine the flour, baking soda and salt; add to creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk. Fold in the chocolate chips.
- Pour into three greased and floured 9-in. round cake pans. Bake at 350 degrees F for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely.
- For frosting, in a large mixing bowl, cream butter until light and fluffy. Combine sugar and cocoa; add to creamed mixture alternately with milk. Add vanilla; beat well. Spread frosting between layers and over top and sides of cake.