DEEP CHOCOLATE CAKE WITH DOUBLE-MALT TOPPING

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350*.
• Grease 3 8x8x2 inch baking pans; lightly dust each pan with 1 tsp of the cocoa powder.
• In medium bowl stir together flour, remaining cocoa powder, baking powder and baking soda; set aside.
• In large bowl beat the butter with an electric mixer on medium-high speed for 30 sec.
• Add sugar; beat until combined.
• Add eggs, one at a time, beating for 20 sec after each.
• Beat in chocolate and vanilla.
• Alternately add flour mixture and milk, beating on low speed until thoroughly combined.
• Divide batter into prepared pans; spread evenly.
• Bake for 17-20 min or until toothpick comes out clean.
• Cool in pans on wire rack for 20 minute Remove cakes from pans. Transfer cakes to wire racks; cool completely.
• Frosting:.
• In saucepan over med-high heat bring cream just to boiling.
• Stir malt powder.
• Add milk chocolate pieces (do not stir). Cover; set aside 5 minutes.
• Stir until smooth. Transfer to large mixing bowl. Mixture will be thin.
• Cover and refrigerate 3 hours or until frosting is thoroughly chilled.
• Set bowl of frosting in a larger bowl of ice water. Beat with mixer on medium speed for 3 minutes or until fluffy and of spreading consistency. (The frosting will turn light brown with beating.).
• Assembly:.
• Spread cup of frosting on two of the layers and stack. Add top layer; frost the top and sides reserving some frosting for the piping. Use this to decorate cake. Decorate the cake with whole, halved, or coarsely chopped malted milk balls.