Chocolate Fudge Layer Cake

🍫 Chocolate Fudge Layer Cake

Ingredients (for the cake):

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup cocoa powder (unsweetened)
• 2 cups sugar
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp vinegar)
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup hot coffee (or hot water)

For the Chocolate Filling (middle layer):

• 1 ½ cups heavy cream
• 300g (10 oz) dark chocolate, chopped

For the Ganache Topping (shiny glaze):

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 200g (7 oz) semi-sweet chocolate
• 2 tbsp butter (for extra shine)

Instructions:

1. Bake the Cake:
   
   • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch square cake pans.
   • In a large bowl, mix flour, cocoa, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
   • Add oil, eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla. Mix until smooth.
   • Stir in hot coffee (batter will be thin).
   • Divide into pans and bake 30–35 minutes. Let cool completely.
3. Make the Filling:
   
   • Heat cream until hot (don’t boil). Pour over chopped chocolate. Let sit 2 mins, then stir until smooth.
   • Chill for 1 hour until thick, then whip lightly for a creamy consistency.
5. Assemble:
   
   • Place one cake layer on a tray, spread chocolate filling evenly.
   • Place second cake layer on top.
7. Ganache Glaze:
   
   • Heat cream, pour over chocolate and butter. Stir until silky.
   • Pour over cake, letting it drip smoothly.
9. Decorate:
   
   • Garnish with mint leaves, berries, or chocolate curls.