Ultimate Chocolate Indulgence Cake

Cake Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 tsp. baking powder
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• ¾ cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup hot brewed coffee
• ½ tsp. kosher salt
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract

For the Rich Chocolate Frosting:

• 450g unsalted butter, softened
• 2 ⅔ cups powdered sugar
• ⅔ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 tsp. vanilla extract
• 130g semisweet chocolate, melted and cooled

For the Velvety Chocolate Whipped Cream:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• ¼ cup cocoa powder
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• ⅓ cup powdered sugar

For the Luscious Chocolate Ganache:

• 100g dark chocolate, chopped
• 100g heavy cream

Preparation Steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line three 8-inch cake pans with parchment.
2. In a large bowl, combine eggs, oil, vanilla, sugar, cocoa powder, and buttermilk. Stir in the salt and hot coffee until smooth.
3. Gently mix in the flour, baking powder, and baking soda until just incorporated.
4. Divide the batter among the pans and bake for 25-30 minutes. Let cakes cool completely.
5. For the frosting, whip butter until fluffy, gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa, then stir in melted chocolate until smooth.
6. For the ganache, heat chocolate and cream until melted and whisk until it forms a silky ganache.
7. For the whipped cream, whip all ingredients until stiff peaks form, being careful not to overbeat.

Assembly Instructions:

1. Secure the first cake layer with a dollop of frosting.
2. Apply a generous layer of buttercream on each cake layer, stacking them neatly.
3. Crumb coat the cake and chill to set, then frost with remaining buttercream.
4. Drizzle the ganache over the cake, creating a drip effect.
5. Adorn the top with piped whipped cream using a 1M tip.

Baker’s Wisdom:

• Coffee deepens the chocolate flavor without leaving its own taste.
• Ensure ingredients like eggs and butter are at room temperature for a smoother batter.
• Melting the chocolate for the frosting must be cooled to avoid melting the butter.
• Proper measuring of flour ensures a perfect cake texture.
• Allow the cake to cool before frosting to prevent it from crumbling or the frosting from melting.

Delight in this decadent chocolate cake, a perfect showstopper for any special occasion!