Benjamin's Yellow Birthday Cake with Chocolate Sour Cream Frosting

See this cutie:

This is Benjamin. 

He's my nephew.

And he's so stinkin cute.  Isn't his face is just begging to be covered in kisses?  Look at those pudgy little cheeks.  Gotta love his OK State tee too. 

Two years ago today he was born.  And I had officially experienced love at first sight.  Never felt it before until this little bugger was born.  Yep, he's a cutie.  I think he'd be the perfect Baby Gap model.  I said that two years ago and I'll still say it today:  Baby.  Gap.  Model. 

So in honor of the big T-W-O, I made him a cake.

A classic yellow cake covered in chocolate.  And topped with sprinkles.  And two candles.  It's his birthday, afterall.

So make it, bake it, have a slice and celebrate!

Happy Birthday Benjamin!! 

Benjamin's Yellow Birthday Cake

Makes a two-layer 6-inch cake.  Double the recipe for a two-layer 8-inch cake.

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup shortening or butter or margarine, softened
1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons sugar
1 egg
1 egg yolk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup milk

In medium bowl, with wire wisk, blend together flour, baking powder, and salt.  In large bowl, with mixer at medium speed, beat shortening and sugar until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes.  Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.  Beat in vanilla.  Reduce speed to low; add flour mixture alternatively with milk.  Beat just until smooth.

Divide batter between two greased 6-inch round cake pans.  Bake at 350 for 15-18 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.  Let cool and frost with Chocolate Sour Cream Frosting.

Chocolate Sour Cream Frosting

This makes quite a bit of frosting but leftovers can easily be stored in the fridge.

4 ounces unsweetened chocolate
1/2 cup butter
1 cup sour cream
6 cups powdered sugar

Melt chocolate and butter in microwave-safe bowl in 30 second intervals until combined and smooth. 

Place sour cream in large mixer bowl.  Pour in chocolate mixture and beat at medium speed until blended.  Add in powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating well after each addition until desired consistency is reached.  Spread over cake. 

Yellow Cake adapted from The Good Housekeeping Cookbook.