Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon vegetable shortening
• 12 ounces semisweet chocolate , chopped
• 16 tablespoons unsalted butter , cut into 1 tablespoons pieces
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup , plus 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder, divided
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon coarse kosher salt
• 1/2 cup stout beer
• 4 eggs
• 1 1/2 cups cream cheese frosting