Divine Layered Chocolate Ganache Cake

Backstory: This cake is a celebration of chocolate in its most divine form. The rich, moist chocolate layers, complemented by silky chocolate cream and a glossy ganache, will have everyone begging for seconds.

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Cake:

• 1 ¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
• ¾ cup (75g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
• ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup (240ml) boiling water

For the Chocolate Cream Filling:

• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• 8 ounces (226g) semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Chocolate Ganache:

• 8 ounces (226g) semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (optional for gloss)

Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare for Baking:

   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

2. Make the Chocolate Cake:

   • In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
   • In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla until well combined.
   • Add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture and mix until just combined.
   • Carefully stir in the boiling water. The batter will be thin—this is normal!
   • Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

3. Make the Chocolate Cream Filling:

   • In a saucepan over low heat, warm the heavy cream until it begins to steam (do not boil).
   • Remove from heat and add the chopped semi-sweet chocolate. Let it sit for 5 minutes, then whisk until smooth.
   • Stir in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Allow it to cool until it thickens (you can refrigerate it for quicker cooling).

4. Make the Chocolate Ganache:

   • Heat the heavy cream in a saucepan until it’s steaming, then pour it over the chopped chocolate in a bowl. Let it sit for 5 minutes, then whisk until smooth. If you want extra gloss, stir in the butter until melted and smooth.