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1
Preheat the oven to 350F.
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2
Coat two 9-inch round cake pans, including the sides, with nonstick cooking spray.
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3
Cut 2 circles of parchment paper to fit the pan bottoms and place them inside the pans; then spray the paper for added nonstick insurance.
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4
Set the pans aside.
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5
In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
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6
In the bowl of an electric mixer, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
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7
Add the cooled chocolate and beat for 3 minutes to incorporate.
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8
Beat in the eggs one at a time; add the vanilla until well blended.
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9
Scrape down the sides of the bowl and beat for another 3 minutes.
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10
Gradually mix in the dry ingredients in 3 batches, alternating with the ice water.
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11
Beat for 1 minute after each addition to incorporate the ingredients and strengthen the cakes structure.
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12
Mix until the batter is smooth.
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13
Pour the batter into the prepared pans and smooth the surface with a spatula; the pans should be two-thirds full.
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14
Place the pans on the middle rack of the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the cake springs back when touched.
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15
Cool the cake in the pans until completely cool, and I mean completely cool.
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16
Otherwise you run the risk of these extremely light cakes breaking apart when you take them out.
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17
Once cool, turn them out from the pans and remove the parchment paper.
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18
Next prepare the frosting.
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19
In the bowl of an electric mixer, dissolve the confectioners sugar and water at low speed.
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20
Add the cooled chocolate and vanilla.
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21
Mix until everything is completely incorporated.
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22
With the mixer still running, add the butter 1 tablespoon at a time.
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23
Using a spatula, fold in the chocolate chips.
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24
With a metal spatula, spread about 1/2 cup frosting on top of one of the cakes.
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25
Carefully place the other layer on top.
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26
Frost the top and sides of the cake thoroughly.
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27
Refrigerate the cake for 45 minutes before decorating or cutting.