Ryan's Favorite Chocolate Cake!

This is a family favorite...and it has a surprising ingredient: cayenne pepper! The cayenne really brings out the chocolate flavor, and gives it a slight kick! The best part? This cake stays moist and delicious for so much longer than other cakes. Try it and you will love it :)

Ingredients:

2 cups white sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup butter
1 cup water
3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup sour cream
2 eggs 1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1/4 cup butter, melted
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 cups confectioners' sugar
1/4 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract


Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.

2. In a large bowl, combine sugar, flour and salt. Set aside.

3. In a small saucepan, bring 1 cup butter, water and 3 tablespoons cocoa to a boil. Remove from heat. Add to flour mixture and beat until smooth.

4. In a separate bowl, Mix sour cream, eggs, baking soda and cayenne pepper. Add to the cake batter. Blend well. Pour batter into 9x13 inch pan.

5. Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 20 to 30 minutes, or until toothpick inserted into center of cake comes out clean. Allow to cool.

6. For the Frosting: Melt 1/4 cup butter, add 1/3 cup cocoa. Add confectioners sugar, milk and vanilla. Mix until smooth and free of lumps.

7. Spread frosting on the cooled cake. Cut into squares and serve.