Caramel Layer Cake With Chocolate Filling

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar (for caramel syrup)
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup shortening
• 1 cup cold water
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for cake batter)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup boiling water
• 1 teaspoon shortening (for filling)
• 1 ounce unsweetened chocolate
• 1/2 cup hot water
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for filling)
• Pinch of salt

Method

1. 1 Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans.
2. 2 In a small saucepan, melt 1 1/4 cups sugar over medium heat until brown. Carefully stir in 1/4 cup boiling water and cook until thickened. Cool slightly.
3. 3 Beat 1/2 cup sugar and 1/2 cup shortening until creamy. Add eggs and beat well.
4. 4 Alternately add flour mixture (flour, baking powder, salt) and vanilla to the creamed mixture, beginning and ending with flour. Stir in 3 tablespoons of the caramel syrup and 1 cup cold water. Mix well.
5. 5 Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely.
6. 6 For filling, melt 1/2 cup sugar in a saucepan until light brown. Gradually stir in 1/2 cup hot water, brown sugar, 1 teaspoon shortening, salt, and chocolate. Cook until mixture forms a soft ball in cold water (240°F).
7. 7 Remove filling from heat, stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla, and beat until creamy. Spread between cake layers.