Cake Ingredients

• 1-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 4 oz. bittersweet chocolate, roughly chopped
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon Clear Imitation Vanilla Extract, 2 oz.
• 1 cup sour cream

Chocolate Buttercream Ingredients

• ½ cup solid vegetable shortening
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup cocoa powder
• 4 cups sifted powdered sugar (confectioners' sugar)
• 3-4 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Vanilla Buttercream Ingredients

• ½ cup solid vegetable shortening
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups sifted powdered sugar (confectioners' sugar)
• 2 tablespoons milk, heavy cream or water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (pure or imitation)
• Pinch of salt (optional)

Decorating Ingredients

• 8 ounces Dark Cocoa Candy Melts® Candy
• Pretzel rods
• Cornstarch
• Black Icing Color

Tools

• Tape
• Parchment paper
• Decorating bags
• Food-safe scissors
• 6-inch round cake pan
• Cooling Rack
• Cake circles
• Angled spatula
• Round Cake Decorating Tip 10
• Standard coupler
• Round Cake Decorating Tip 2