1. Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

1. Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

**Ingredients:*

*- **For the Cake:**

– 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 cups granulated sugar
– 3/4 cup cocoa powder
– 2 tsp baking powder
– 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 cup whole milk
– 1/2 cup vegetable oil
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 cup boiling water

– **For the Frosting:**
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 4 cups powdered sugar
– 1 tsp vanilla extract

**Instructions:**

1. **Make the Cake:**
– Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
– In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
– Add the milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla to the flour mixture and beat on medium speed until well combined.
– Reduce the mixer speed and carefully add the boiling water to the cake batter. Beat on high speed for about 1 minute to add air to the batter.
– Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
– Let the cake cool completely.

2. **Make the Frosting:**
– In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
– Gradually add the powdered sugar and beat until light and fluffy.
– Stir in the vanilla extract.

3. **Assemble:**
– Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Decorate with chocolate shavings if desired.

### 2. Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Ganache

**Ingredients:**

– **For the Cake:**
– Use the same chocolate cake recipe as above.

– **For the Ganache:**
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped

**Instructions:**

1. **Make the Cake:**
– Follow the same instructions as the chocolate cake with cream cheese frosting.

2. **Make the Ganache:**
– Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan until it begins to simmer.
– Place the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let it sit for 5 minutes.
– Stir until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth.

3. **Assemble:**
– Once the cake has cooled, pour the ganache over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides. Let it set before serving.

### 3. Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

**Ingredients:**

– **For the Cake:**
– 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 tsp cocoa powder
– 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
– 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
– 2 large eggs, room temperature
– 2 tbsp red food coloring
– 1 tsp white vinegar
– 2 tsp vanilla extract

– **For the Frosting:**
– Use the same cream cheese frosting recipe as above.

**Instructions:**

1. **Make the Cake:**
– Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
– In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.
– In another bowl, whisk together the oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vinegar, and vanilla.
– Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until smooth.
– Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
– Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove from pans and cool completely.

2. **Assemble:**
– Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread with frosting. Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake. Decorate with red velvet crumbs if desired.

### 4. Cream-Filled Doughnuts

**Ingredients:**

– **For the Doughnuts:**
– 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 tbsp granulated sugar
– 2 tsp instant yeast
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1 cup whole milk, warm
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs

– **For the Filling:**
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/4 cup powdered sugar
– 1 tsp vanilla extract

**Instructions:**

1. **Make the Doughnuts:**
– In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
– Add the warm milk, melted butter, and eggs. Mix until a dough forms.
– Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
– Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
– Punch down the dough and roll it out to about 1/2 inch thickness. Use a round cutter to cut out doughnuts.
– Place the doughnuts on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover, and let rise again for about 30 minutes.

2. **Fry the Doughnuts:**
– Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C).
– Fry the doughnuts in batches until golden brown, about 1-2 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.

3. **Make the Filling:**
– In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream with the powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form.

4. **Assemble:**
– Once the doughnuts are cool, cut them in half and pipe the whipped cream filling inside. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.

Enjoy these delightful desserts!