photos and recipe from the Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls, photo(s) credit & copyright Jim Crotty
If I were to create a list of my favorite ingredients, chocolate would be near the top. Capable of satisfying the most persistent of cravings, eating chocolate is akin to getting away for a much needed vacation: it just feels good. And because I can’t imagine anything sweeter than visiting an inn in a setting like this, I’m combining sweet dreams with a sweet tooth and introducing the Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls.
Located in the scenic heart of Hocking Hills in Logan, Ohio, the Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls is a destination lover’s dream come true. Distinguished by the 1840’s log homes that house the Inn’s gourmet kitchen, dining and sitting rooms, dining at the Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls is an experience not soon forgotten. Constructed with 18-inch wide logs and original plank flooring, the main dining room offers guests a romantic setting beyond compare. Outside, dining on the deck offers guests the opportunity to view hummingbirds at the feeders and dine beneath a blanket of stars.
Spectacular setting aside, what really makes a visit to the Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls unforgettable is dinner prepared at the skilled hands of Executive Chef Anthony Schulz. Featuring entrees such as Roasted Loin of Pork, Butternut Squash Ravioli, Oven Roasted Filet Mignon, Herb Seared Chicken Breast and Atlantic Sole Piccata, Chef Anthony creates a tour de force for inn guests, punctuated by sweet endings such as Chocolate Fudge Cake.
Until you can get away to Ohio and experience a taste of the Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls firsthand, I invite you to give this recipe a try. It’s sure to satisfy even the most relentless chocolate cravings.
Enjoy!
Chocolate Fudge Cake
(featured on Inn Cuisine, recipe from the Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls)
for the cake
- 1/2 cup butter
- 4 ounces unsweetened chocolate, broken up
- 2 & 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 & 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 & 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 & 1/2 cups sour cream
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup water
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
for the frosting
- 4 ounces unsweetened chocolate, broken up
- 1/2 cup solid vegetable shortening
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/3 cup milk
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 box (1 pound) confectioner’s sugar
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
for garnish
- chocolate curls
- fresh berries
- whipped cream
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F for baking. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
For the Cake: In a glass bow, melt butter and chocolate together in microwave on high until melted and smooth, 1 to 1 & 1/2 minutes stirring halfway through. Set aside. Beat on slow speed the flour, granulated sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt until blended. Add sour cream, eggs, 1 cup water, chocolate mixture and vanilla. Beat 30 seconds on low and until dry ingredients are moistened. Increase to medium, then beat 2 minutes. Pour into prepared pans. Bake for 40 minutes or until cake layers spring back when pressed. Cool layers in pans on rack 10 minutes. Remove cakes to rack to cool.
For the Frosting: In a small glass bowl, melt chocolate in microwave on high for 1 minute. Stir until smooth. Set aside. Beat shortening, butter, sour cream, milk, vanilla, salt, 1 cup of the confectioner’s sugar and the cocoa powder in a medium-size bowl until creamy. Gradually beat in remaining confectioner’s sugar and melted chocolate until thick and smooth.
Place a cake layer on pedestal. Spread with about 2/3 cup frosting. Top with second cake layer; spread with about 2/3 cup more frosting. Frost top and sides as desired, swirling decoratively. Garnish with optional chocolate curls, berries whipped cream.
Thank you for visiting Inn Cuisine! Be sure to check out the newly remodeled Recipe Index and subscribe to Inn Cuisine's free RSS feed (also available via email) so you never miss a recipe. Need more ways to stay connected? Follow Inn Cuisine on Facebook & Twitter!
Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.
{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
A friend of mine is looking for a wonderful place to go. Thanks so much for bringing this place to our attention!!!For me it is on the othjer side of the country..insert sad face here.
Recipes like this are not going to help me get rid of my baby fat!
oh, chocolate heaven. and i have to say, those pictures look like paintings, that place is so scenic and gorgeous!
Val – You’re welcome! Let me know if your friend visits the Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls. I’d love to hear all about their experience.
Crystal – I remember those days. “All things in moderation,” and I think you’ll be ok
Grace – I know. Truly gorgeous photos aren’t they? I was thrilled to be able to feature them on Inn Cuisine. Wouldn’t you love to visit in person and see that moon (after, of course, having dinner and enjoying a slice of that scrumptious cake)! Makes me wish I could get away for a fall vacation!
OMG! that cake looks so rich and irresistable! I’m all about chocolate, too!
What beautiful scenes! Everything sounds yummy! While I don’t go overboard with chocolate, I still appreciate it…. more quality over quantity. I find it easy to turn down bad chocolate! This looks like a great recipe… just might try it sometime. (I always use real butter in baking… so much better!)
i miss spa and the treats they have there…this is such a great bday gift to my big baby! haha…thanks for dropping by sandie. =)
The pictures of the Inn are amazing! It looks like a gorgeous place to stay
I am totally making that cake this weekend….wish I could go have it at that beautiful Inn instead though!
I really love sweet foods, like those!irresistably good!