π« Chocolate Fudge Layered Cake

Ingredients
For the Chocolate Cake Layers:
-
2 cups all-purpose flour
-
2 cups granulated sugar
-
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
-
2 teaspoons baking powder
-
1½ teaspoons baking soda
-
1 teaspoon salt
-
1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
-
½ cup vegetable oil
-
2 large eggs, at room temperature
-
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
-
1 cup hot coffee (or hot water)
For the Chocolate Fudge Frosting:
-
1½ cups unsalted butter, softened
-
4 cups powdered sugar
-
1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
-
½ cup heavy cream
-
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
-
A pinch of salt
For Assembly & Decoration:
-
Melted chocolate, for drips
-
Chocolate truffles, curls, chopped bars, and chocolate crumbs, for garnish
Instructions
-
π§ Bake the Cake Layers
-
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
-
Grease and line several thin cake pans or bake in batches.
-
In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
-
Add in the buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes.
-
Slowly pour in the hot coffee, mixing until the batter is smooth and thin.
-
Divide the batter evenly between pans.
-
Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
-
Let the cakes cool completely before removing from the pans.
-
-
π« Make the Chocolate Fudge Frosting
-
In a large bowl, beat the butter until creamy.
-
Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, beating until well blended.
-
Add in the vanilla extract, salt, and heavy cream.
-
Beat on high speed until the frosting is fluffy, smooth, and rich.
-
-
π Assemble the Cake
-
Place one cooled cake layer on a cake board or serving plate.
-
Spread an even layer of fudge frosting on top.
-
Continue stacking cake layers and frosting until all layers are used.
-
Lightly frost the outside if desired for a semi-naked or fully frosted look.
-
-
π₯ Drip & Decorate
-
Pour slightly cooled melted chocolate over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides.
-
Pipe swirls of fudge frosting on top.
-
Decorate with chocolate truffles, chopped bars, curls, and crumbs for a decadent finish.
-
-
βοΈ Chill Before Serving
-
Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour to help set the layers and make slicing cleaner.
-