- 8 tablespoons shortening
- 2 (1 ounce) squares unsweetened chocolate, melted
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon instant coffee granules
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 6 tablespoons butter
- 5 cups confectioners' sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease one 13×9 inch cake pan.
- Cream together the shortening and the white sugar. Add the melted chocolate and eggs, mix well.
- Sift the flour with baking soda and salt. Add alternately with 1 cup milk to shortening mixture. Mix in 1 teaspoon vanilla. Pour batter into prepared pan.
- Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick stuck into the center of the cake comes out clean. Once cool frost with Coffee Frosting.
- To Make Frosting: Mix together instant or leftover coffee, 1/4 cup milk or cream, cocoa powder, butter, 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract, and confectioners' sugar until of spreading consistency.