This cake took first prize in the 1998 Mad River Winter Carnival's "Some like it Chocolate" competition. It's a Dotty orginal recipe.

Makes a triple decker cake that serves 12-16 people.

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Line three 8 inch cake pans with parchment paper (if you choose to omit the paper and grease the pans instead, be prepared for difficulty in removing the layers from the pans).

• Melt
  • 4 oz.of baker's chocolate (unsweetened) Anything over 115 degrees will burn the chocolate- take care. Use microwave on med. high heat or melt over simmering water on stove.
• Mix with
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa
  • 1/4 butter
  • 3 cups sugar
  • beat well and then beat in 3 large eggs
• Add
  • 1 1/2 cups hot strong brewed coffee
  • 3/4 cup plain yogurt or sour cream
  • 3/4 cup vegetable oil
• Mix with the following until no flour streaks remain
  • 2 1/4 cups all purpose flour blended with
  • 1 tsp. baking soda
  • 3/4 tsp. salt

Divide the batter among the three pans. Bake about 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Do not wait for a crust to form around the edges.

Ice the cake with your favorite frosting.

I often use Julia Childs' recipe for uncooked butter cream or Italian Meringue Better Cream, flavored with Grand Marnier Liqueur and grated Orange Zest or with dark or white chocolate.