Bruce Cake Recipe: A Decadent Delight

Bruce Cake isn't a formally named cake like a Red Velvet or Victoria Sponge. It's likely a nickname for a specific recipe passed down through families or a beloved creation from a particular baker. This recipe aims to capture the essence of a rich, moist, and delicious cake worthy of the name "Bruce." This recipe focuses on a classic chocolate cake, but feel free to adapt it to your preferred flavors!

Ingredients:

This recipe makes a two-layer 9-inch cake.

For the Cake:

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
• ¾ cup (60g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
• ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup (240ml) freshly brewed hot coffee

For the Frosting:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar
• ¾ cup (60g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• ½ cup (120ml) milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

Making the Cake:

1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. You can also line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract.
4. Combine: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.
5. Coffee Infusion: Slowly pour in the hot coffee while mixing on low speed. The batter will be thin.
6. Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Making the Frosting:

1. Cream Butter: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
2. Add Sugar & Cocoa: Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, alternating with the milk, and beat until smooth and creamy.
3. Vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract.

Assembling the Cake:

1. Level (Optional): If your cake layers are uneven, use a serrated knife to level them.
2. Frost: Once the cakes are completely cool, frost the top of one layer with a generous amount of frosting. Top with the second cake layer and frost the entire cake.
3. Decorate (Optional): Get creative! Add sprinkles, chocolate shavings, or fresh berries.

Tips for the Best Bruce Cake:

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs and butter are at room temperature for optimal mixing and texture.
• Don't Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
• Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh baking powder and baking soda is crucial for proper leavening.
• Cooling Time: Allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.

Variations:

• Nutty Bruce: Add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter.
• Fruity Bruce: Fold in ½ cup of chocolate chips and ½ cup of blueberries into the batter.
• Cream Cheese Frosting: Substitute the frosting recipe with your favorite cream cheese frosting.

This "Bruce Cake" recipe provides a foundation for a delicious and customizable dessert. Experiment with different flavors and frostings to create your own signature version! Remember to share your creations and tag #BruceCakeRecipe on social media!