Recipe for chocolate cake with huckleberries by Mandy Merriman

Mandy Merriman's new book "I'll bring the cake" has sparked great interest among baking fans. The author visited the program "Good Morning America" to present her book and shared one of her favorite recipes from it.

** Mandy prepared one of her favorite treats - a dark chocolate cake with huckleberries. She also shared the full recipe with "Good Morning America" and gave some helpful tips for beginner bakers.

"Dark chocolate cake with huckleberry berries""

"The dark chocolate cake with huckleberry berries has rich cake layers, seasoned with a bit of dark chocolate and huckleberry syrup. Here's the full list of ingredients and a step-by-step recipe:":"

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup kefir-type milk (room temperature)
• 2/3 cup sour cream (room temperature)
• 3 large eggs and 1 egg white (room temperature)
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1 packet of dark chocolate cupcake mix
• 1/2 cup huckleberry syrup.

Ingredients for dark chocolate buttercream:

• 1 cup chocolate shavings
• 1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) butter
• 1/4 cup huckleberry syrup
• 1/4 cup cream (or more if needed)
• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt
• 8 1/2 cups powdered sugar

Preparation:

1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare three 6-inch-diameter round cake molds by greasing and sprinkling with flour to prevent sticking.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together kefir, sour cream, eggs, oil and vanilla until blended. Sift in the cocoa powder and cake mix and mix until smooth. Do not overmix vigorously. Divide the batter equally between the prepared molds.
3. Bake for 30-32 minutes, until the center of the cake is set. Cool the cakes in the molds for a few minutes, then invert them onto a rack to cool completely. Pierce the bottom of each cake with a toothpick and brush with huckleberry syrup. Then wrap and frost the cakes before assembling.
4. For the dark chocolate buttercream: in a mixer, chop the chocolate chips until you have about 1/2 cup. In the bowl of a mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat butter until light and puffy. Add the huckleberry syrup, cream, vanilla and salt, and beat again until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, 1/2 cup at a time, mixing on low speed. If the cream is too thick, add a little cream and continue beating on high speed until light and airy. Add the dark chocolate chunks and mix on low speed until evenly distributed.
5. To assemble the cake: Place the cardboard circle on the cake stand. Spread a small amount of cream in the center of the circle and use a spatula to spread it over the entire surface.

Tips for baking cakes:

• You can make the cake in a 9-by-13-inch rectangular shape instead of a layer cake.
• If the cake recipe seems complicated, you can divide the process into two days. Prepare the cake batter on the first day and put it in the refrigerator. The next day you will be able to spread the cream, which will make the task much easier.
• Freezing the shortcakes and wrapping them in plastic wrap will help retain moisture.
• Use room temperature ingredients for a softer and fluffier cake.
• Check the expiration date of leavening agents. Use the baking soda and baking powder you just bought so they don't sit on the shelf for a long time.
• The basic tools you'll need to bake a cake: a large rectangular plate and a cake stand will help you become a skilled baker if you're a beginner.
• If the cake leans, it may be because of excess filling between the layers. If you are spreading cream, you can insert a wooden pin in the middle to make it stand upright.
• Remember to apply a thin layer of cream before applying the main layer. This will help to keep the shape of the cake. Then place it in the freezer for 5 minutes before applying the next layer.
• When you apply the cream, be sure to be at eye level and make sure the surface of the cake is level before adding the next layer.
• The finished cake can be used to make different candies and variations. Don't be afraid to experiment with adding different ingredients to create your own unique flavor.