-
1
To make the cake:
-
2
Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees F. Brush two 8-inch round cake pans with oil, line the bottoms with circles of parchment paper, lightly brush the paper and pan with oil, and dust with flour.
-
3
Put the flour, baking powder, and salt into the bowl of a food processor.
-
4
Add the sugar and orange zest and pulse a few times to combine evenly.
-
5
Cut the butter into small pieces and add to dry ingredients.
-
6
Pulse until the mixture looks like coarse sand, with some pea-size bits of butter, about 5 times.
-
7
Whisk the milk, eggs, and vanilla together in a liquid measuring cup.
-
8
With the processor running, pour in the wet ingredients and process to make a smooth batter (this takes less than a minute).
-
9
Divide the batter between the prepared pans and bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 25 minutes.
-
10
Cool the cakes on a rack for 15 minutes.
-
11
Then run a knife around the edges of the pans, turn the cakes out onto a plate, and peel off the paper.
-
12
Flip the cakes upright and cool completely on the rack, about 45 minutes.
-
13
(This is important-icing a warm cake is not a happy thing).
-
14
When ready to ice the cake, make the frosting:
-
15
Put the chocolates in a medium microwave-safe bowl.
-
16
Microwave on medium for a minute, stir, and repeat until chocolate melts, about 3 minutes in all.
-
17
(Or put chocolates in a heatproof bowl set over an inch or so of water at a very slow simmer; set the bowl on the pan; don't let the bowl touch the water.
-
18
Stir occasionally until smooth.)
-
19
Let chocolate cool slightly.
-
20
Stir the sour cream, coffee, and vanilla into the chocolates.
-
21
Beat with a handheld electric mixer until frosting is silky and fluffy.
-
22
(Spread frosting soon after making it; it firms up at room temperature.)
-
23
Set a large flat plate on a large inverted bowl or bottom of a salad spinner (of course, if you have a cake stand, use that).
-
24
Dab a little frosting in the center of the plate and place a cake layer, top side up, on top.
-
25
With an offset spatula, scoop about one-third of the frosting onto the cake and spread it evenly to the edge of the cake.
-
26
Place the other layer on top and press down lightly.
-
27
Spread another third of the frosting around the sides.
-
28
Spread the remaining frosting on the top of the cake.
-
29
Lightly touch the frosting with the back of a spoon to make swirly peaks.
-
30
Serve immediately or set aside at room temperature for up to 2 hours before serving.
-
31
If refrigerating the cake, bring to room temperature 30 minutes before serving.
-
32
Calories: 1010
-
33
Total Fat: 55 grams
-
34
Saturated Fat: 36 grams
-
35
Total Carbohydrate: 116 grams
-
36
Protein: 12 grams
-
37
Sodium: 309 milligrams
-
38
Cholesterol: 162 milligrams
-
39
Fiber: 3.5 grams