Recipe: Easy chocolate cake

This is a tried-and-true family recipe for a simple chocolate cake that's perfect for quick and easy Valentine's Day celebrations.

Easy Chocolate Cake

3/4 cup butter, softened
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups water

In a bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs and vanilla. Beat for one minute at medium speed.

In another bowl, combine the flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt. Mix it together and then add it to the butter and sugar mixture, alternating it with the water. Beat the mixture together so everything is incorporated.

Pour the batter into two greased and floured eight-inch cake bans. I like to put a layer of parchment paper on the bottom of each cake pan to make sure the cake easily comes out once it is baked.

Bake at 350 degrees for 35 to 40 minutes. Don't frost the cakes until they've cooled completely.

I like to frost the outside of the cake with chocolate frosting and put a layer of Nutella or raspberry jam in the middle.

Go Ask Mom features recipes every Friday.