That’s right. I’m about to lose the most important member of my office to maternity leave. For 8 long weeks (or so). To celebrate Melly’s new baby boy, we threw a big shower today at work. This is the celebratory cake that came about as a result. 

A simple 9 x 13 cake baked cake, chocolate based, cinnamon laced, quick icing, blue tinted, rubber ducky topped. It’s light, delicate, and mild – nothing like my last one, the flourless chocolate cake. 

Basically, born to be a hit. 

Just like Baby Boy Melly. Best of luck to you girl! 

Ingredients:: 

• 1 3/4 cup sifted cake flour
• 1 TBS baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 2 ounces unsweetened chocolate
• 1/3 cup boiling water
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 4 large eggs, separated
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 tsp vanilla

Directions:: 

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 9 x 13 inch pan with nonstick cooking spray. Whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. 
2. Melt the chocolate in the microwave in 20 second increments, stirring in between each time. Add the boiling water and stir carefully. Set aside. 
3. In a large bowl, beat the butter on high speed until creamy. Add the sugar and beat until light and fluffy, about 4 minutes. Beat the egg yolks in, one at a time. Add the chocolate mixture and turn the mixer down to low speed. 
4. Add the flour mixture in 3 parts, alternating with the milk. Be sure to end the cycle with the flour mixture. Beat the batter smooth after each addition. Add the vanilla. 
5. Using clean beaters and a new bowl, beat the egg whites on medium-high speed until stiff but not dry. Gently fold them into the batter. Scrape the batter into your prepared pan and bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean. Place the cake in the pan on a cooling rack. Let cool completely before icing (see recipe below). 

For Quick Icing:: 

Combine in a medium bowl and beat together on medium speed 4 cups confectioners’ sugar and 1/2 cup (1 stick) softened unsalted butter. Add 4-6 TBS milk, 2 tsp vanilla, and 1/4 tsp salt and beat until smooth. I suggest using it ASAP! 

Why does the packaging of Rumford Baking Powder always make me feel so domestic? Anyone else?

Cinnamon and chocolate? Trust me on this...try it.

Totally optional, but I threw in a large handful of semisweet chocolate chips, just for fun.

Adorable baby shower plates and decorations? I think yes.

Both functional AND fun, the ducky lets mom know if the bath water is too hot. Honest to goodness. Toys these days...