Heavenly Chocolate Cake Recipe

This has become our family's all time favorite choc. cake!! Wow, it is the best ever. It does take a bit of time, but it is worth every minute spent. Enjoy!!

Filling
1/3 All purpose flour
3 Tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 3/4 cups milk
1 cup chocolate syrup
1 egg lightly beaten
1 Tablespoon butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Batter
1/2 cup butter softened
1 1/4cups sugar
4 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups all purpose flour
1/3 cup baking cocoa
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups chocolate syrup
1/2 cup water

Frosting
2 cups heavy whipping cream
1/4 cup chocolate syrup
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup powder sugar

For filling, in a small saucepan, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Stir in milk and syrup until smooth. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Cook and stir for 1 to 2 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat. Stir a small amount of hot mixture into egg. Return all to the pan, stirring constantly. Bring to a gentle boil. Cook and stir 2 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in butter and vanilla. Cool to room temperature, stirring often.

For Batter:
In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla. Combine dry ingredients. Add to creamed mixture alternately with syrup and water. Beat just until combined.
Pour into 2 greased and floured 9 inch round cake pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes. Remove from pan to wire racks to cool.

Cut each cake in half horizontally. Place one bottom layer on a serving platter. Spread with a third of the filling. repeat layers twice. Top with remaining cake. In a mixing bowl, beat frosting ingredients until stiff peaks form. Spread over or pipe on top and sides of cake. Garnish with bits of shaved chocolate. Store in refrigerator.