Neiman Marcus Cake Decadent Chocolate Dream Recipe

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, line the bottoms with parchment paper circles.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Melt the unsweetened chocolate according to package directions (microwave or double boiler). Let cool slightly.
5. Gradually add the melted (and cooled) chocolate to the butter mixture, mixing until combined.
6. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
7. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
8. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
10. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and cream cheese until light and fluffy.
11. Gradually beat in the powdered sugar, then stir in the vanilla extract.
12. Stir in the sour cream until smooth and creamy.
13. Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread with a generous layer of frosting. Top with the second cake layer and frost the entire cake.
14. Sprinkle the top of the cake with chopped pecans or walnuts.
15. For best results, chill the cake for at least 30 minutes before serving.