Pastel de Penuche and Gluten-Free Variation

This is a rich, moist cake. It is seriously intense. In a really great way. Easy to make, and a delicious, creamy caramel frosting that everyone will love. *To make this gluten-free, see the note. I've tried it a couple times successfully.

1-9" Round Chocolate Cake

ingredients 

• 1 cup all-purpose flour 
• 1 cup sugar 
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder 
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 
• 3/4 cup milk 
• 1/4 cup cooking oil 
• 1 teaspoon vanilla 
• 1 egg 

*gluten-free: Simply substitute rice flour for all-purpose and 1/3 cup applesauce for the egg. Make sure to double check that everything else, including your baking powder, applesauce and vanilla, are gluten free too. I know most GF recipes call for other things, but we don't feel like this one needs anything else when we make it.

directions 

1. Preheat oven to 350 degree F. Grease and lightly flour a 9x1-1/2-inch round or 8x8x2-inch baking pan. 
2. In a large mixing bowl combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Add milk, oil, and vanilla. Beat with an electric mixer on low speed just until combined. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes. Add egg (or applesauce if making GF variation) and beat 2 minutes more. Pour batter into prepared pan. 
3. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a wooden toothpick comes out clean. Cool cake on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Remove cake from pan. Cool thoroughly on a wire rack. 

Penuche Frosting

ingredients 

• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar 
• 1/4 cup butter 
• 1/8 cup milk 
• 1-3/4 cups powdered sugar 

directions 

1. In a small saucepan melt butter; stir in brown sugar. Cook and stir until bubbly. Remove from heat. 
2. Add milk; beat vigorously with a wooden spoon until smooth. Add powdered sugar; whisk until mixture is smooth and easy to spread. (add more powdered sugar if you want it thicker, just know it will harden fast)
3. Use frosting immediately. (If frosting thickens, stir in hot water, a few drops at a time, until of spreading consistency again.)