Step 1

Preheat oven to 350 F.

Step 2

Line 5 (8-inch) round cake pans with parchment paper. (I used 10 disposable pans). Grease the pans and flour lightly. Set aside.

Step 3

In a large bowl, cream together sugar, butter and shortening.

Step 4

Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each egg.

Step 5

Mix in vanilla extract. Set aside.

Step 6

In a large bowl sift together flour, salt, and baking powder.

Step 7

Add dry ingredients into the wet ingredient, alternating with the milk until batter is combined. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl.

Step 8

Pour 1 cup of the batter into each prepared pan and spread into an even layer.

Step 9

Bake for 10-12 minute until edges are lightly golden and center of cake is set. Do not overcook. The cake will continue to cook as it cools.

Step 10

Once pans are warm to the touch, remove cake and place on a cooling rack to finish cooling.

Step 11

Repeat with the next five cakes.

Step 12

While layers are cooling make the frosting (see note about frosting before continuing)

Step 13

To make the frosting, in a large saucepan melt butter in deep skillet.

Step 14

Stir in granulated sugar, brown sugar, cocoa powder, and evaporated milk.

Step 15

Bring to boil until it reaches about 235 F. on a candy thermometer.

Step 16

Reduce heat to low and add vanilla extract and salt.

Step 17

Keep the icing hot while you frost the cakes. Frosting should be the texture of thick chocolate syrup.

Step 18

Place the first layer on a cake board on top of a cooling rack. Place a pan on a baking sheet under the cooling rack to catch the dripping frosting.

Step 19

Spoon about 1/4 cup of frosting (may need a tad bit more) in between each layer and spread it over it out. Repeat until all layers have been stacked and frosted.

Step 20

Next, make up another batch of frosting.

Step 21

When frosting is done pour it over the top of the cake. This will fill in any gaps and give the cake a smooth frosted finish.

Step 22

Let the cake sit until the icing is firm.

Step 23

Slice and serve!