Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter, softened
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup dark rum
  • 2 cups flour
  • 1 cup cocoa
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 cup hot water
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Mousse Frosting
  • 2 cups whipping cream
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 cup cocoa
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup dark rum

Method

  • Beat butter until fluffy, gradually add sugar, beating well. Add eggs, one at a time, beating until blended after each. Add rum. Beat till blended.
  • Combine flour, cocoa, powder, soda, salt and nutmeg. Add to sugar mixture alternately with hot water, beginning and ending with dry things. Beat at low until blended after each addition; stir in extracts.
  • Pour into 2 greased and floured 9-inch round cakepans. Bake at 350 for 27 minutes. It will test not quite done. Cool in pans on rack 10 min; Remove from pans and then cool completely on them.
  • Spread 1 cup frosting between layers; frost top and sides with rest. Cover and chill 8 hours. Store in fridge.
  • Frosting: Beat cream until foamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, cocoa and extracts, beating until blended. Add rum; beat until thick and smooth.