Gourmet Dirt Cake

Gourmet Dirt Cake

Cake
1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted
1 3/4 cup milk

Frosting:
2/3 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons unsweeted cocoa powder
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted

1 1/3 cups ground Oreo cookies
Gummi worms

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Butter and flour 2 (9-inch) round cake pans, or grease using your preferred method.

In a medium sized mixing bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
In a large mixing bowl, using a mixer on medium speed, beat together butter and sugar until creamy, about 1-2 minutes. Beat in eggs and vanilla until combined; beat in melted chocolate until combined. Reduce mixer speed to low and beat in flour mixture, alternating with milk, until batter is well combined and smooth, about 2-3 minutes; divide batter evenly into prepared cake pans.

Bake for 35-40 minutes, or well risen, cake pulls away from edges, and a toothpick inserted into center comes out with moist crumbs attached; cool for 12 minutes before running a knife around outside edges, and inverting onto wire racks to cool completely.

To make the frosting: In a small saucepan, whisk together sugar, flour, cocoa, salt and milk; bring to a boil, whisking frequently. Boil 1 minute or until thickened; remove pan from heat and strain mixture into a small bowl. Cool completely in the refrigerator or freezer.

Beat the butter until creamy, about 1 minute, in a large mixing bowl, using a mixer on medium speed. Beat in "chocolate pudding" mixture until well combined, about 1 minute. Beat in melted chocolate until well combined and fluffy, about 2 minutes.

To assemble the cake: spread a layer of frosting over one side of cake and top with 1/3 cup oreo cookie crumbs; top with second cake layer. Spread remaining frosting over cake. Pack remaining cookie crumbs into sides and top of cake; decorate with gummi worms.

Makes 10 servings