Fudge Cake

Directions

1. 1
   Let butter and eggs stand at room temp.30 minutes.Grease and lightly flour a 13x9 baking pan.In a medium owl,mix flour,soda,and salt;set aside.
2. 2
   In a large mixing bowl,beat butter with electric mixer 30 seconds.Beat in sugar until light and fluffy,add eggs,1 at a time,beating well after each addition.Beat in the melted chocolate and vanilla.
3. 3
   Alternately add the flour mixture and water to butter mixture,beating on low speed,until just combined.
4. 4
   Spread into the pan.
5. 5
   Bake in a 350 degree oven for 25-30 minutes.
6. 6
   Cool cake in pan on a wire rack.
7. 7
   Prepare date filling;spread warm on top of cake.Cool completely.
8. 8
   Date cream filling:.
9. 9
   In a small saucepan,whisk together 1 cup milk,1/4 cup granulated sugar,2 egg yolks,and 4 teaspoons all-purpose flour.Stir.
10. 10
    in 1/2 cup dates.Cook and stir milk mixture over med.low heat until bubbly.Cook and stir 1 minute.Transfer filling mixture to a small bowl.Stir in 1/2 cup pecans,1 teaspoons vanilla.Cool slightly.
11. 11
    Chocolate frosting:.
12. 12
    In a saucepan,combine 1/4 cup butter,3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder and 3 tablespoons milk.Bring to a boil,remove from heat.Add the 2 1/4 cups powdered sugar and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla.
13. 13
    Beat until smooth.
14. 14
    Immediately pour over the cake;spreading evenly to cover filling.
15. 15
    Let stand 30 minutes or until frosting is set.Makes 15 servings.