BAKER’S GERMAN’S Sweet Chocolate Cake

INGREDIENTS
CAKE
1 4oz package BAKER’S GERMAN’S Sweet Chocolate
1/2 cup water
4 large eggs separated
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
1 cup butter softened
2 cups sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
1 cup buttermilk

INSTRUCTIONS
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Cover bottoms of two 9 inch round pans with waxed paper; spray sides with cooking spray.
Microwave chocolate and water in large microwaveable bowl on HIGH for 1-1/2 to 2 min. or until chocolate is almost melted, stirring after 1 min. Stir until chocolate is completely melted.
Mix flour, baking soda and salt. Beat butter and sugar in large bowl with mixer until light and fluffy. Add egg yolks, 1 at a time, beating well after each. Blend in melted chocolate and vanilla. Add flour mixture alternately with buttermilk, beating until well blended after each addition.
Beat egg whites in small bowl with mixer on high speed until stiff peaks form; set aside. Add egg whites to cake batter and gently fold in until blended but do not over mix. Pour into prepared pans.
Bake for 30-35 minutes or until toothpick inserted in centers comes out clean. Immediately run small spatula around cakes in pans to loosen the cake from the sides to prevent sticking. Cool cakes in pans 15 minutes. Remove from pans and transfer to wire racks. Cool completely prior to frosting with Coconut Pecan Frosting.