Prep Time : 45 minutes ... ... Baking Time : 30 -- minutes
.................. Cake...................
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 cup milk
1/2 cup cold black coffee
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 eggs
............. Frosting .................
1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup softened butter
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup warm water
4 cups confectioners' sugar
1 cup chopped walnuta divided
1 ... Preheat oven to 350*f . Grease and flour two 9-inch cake pans , in a large bowl , mix the flour , sugar , cocoa powder , baking soda and salt .
2 ... Beat in shortening with an electric mixer on low speed . Beat in milk , coffee and vanila until combined . Increase speed to high and beat for 2 minutes . Add the eggs ; beat for 2 minutes .
3 ... Pour batter into the prepared pans ; smooth with a spatula . Bake the cakes in the middle of the oven until a toothpick inserted in the centers come out clean , 30 to 35 minutes .
...............Frosting ......
4 ... For the frosting , combine the cocoa powder , butter , corn syrup , vanilla and salt in a large bowl . Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes . Add the warm water ; mix well . Beat in the confectioners' sugar in two batches . Beat until smooth .
5 ... Place one layer top side down on a large flat plate . Spread with 1 cup of the frosting ; sprinkle with 2/3 cup walnuts . Top with the remaining cake layer , top side up . Frost the top and sides with the remaining frosting , swirling with a small spatula . Garnish the cake with the remaing walnuts .
