Ingredients:
**For the :* cake*–
1 3/4 cups all-purpose
flour– 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
– 3/4 cup cocoa powder
– 2 cups sugar
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup whole
milk– 1/2 cup vegetable oil
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 1 cup boiling water
**For the chocolate filling :**–
1 1/2 cups heavy
cream– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 3 tablespoons cocoa
powder– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
**For the :* chocolate ganache*–
1 cup heavy
cream– 8 ounces dark chocolate, finely chopped
PREPARATION:
**Cake preparation :**
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter and flour two 9-inch round pans.
2. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cocoa powder, sugar, and salt.
3. Add the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat on medium speed until well combined.
4. Stir in the boiling water until the dough is smooth. The dough will be thin.
5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
6. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove them from the pans and place them on a wire rack to cool completely.
**Preparation of the chocolate filling :**
1. In a medium bowl, combine the heavy cream, sugar, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract.
2. Beat with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form.
3. Refrigerate until ready to use.
**Preparation of the chocolate ganache :**
1. Heat the heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat until it begins to simmer.
2. Place the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl.
3. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let it sit for 5 minutes.
4. Stir until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
5. Allow the ganache to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for about 30 minutes until it thickens slightly but is still pourable.
**Assembling the cake :**
1. Place a layer of cake on a serving plate or cake stand.
2. Spread the chocolate filling evenly over the top of the cake.
3. Place the second layer of cake on top of the filling.
4. Pour the chocolate ganache over the top of the cake, letting it run down the sides.
5. Using a spatula, smooth the ganache over the entire cake.
6. Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the ganache to set.
Enjoy your decadent chocolate layer cake!