12- Layer Chocolate Cake

Ingredients:

For the Chocolate Cake Layers:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 4 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water

For the Chocolate Ganache:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 16 ounces dark chocolate, finely chopped

For the Chocolate Buttercream:

• 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, softened
• 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt

Cooking Steps:

Step 1: Prepare Chocolate Cake Layers Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch cake pans. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients Add eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until well combined. Gradually add boiling water and mix until smooth. The batter will be thin.

Step 3: Bake the Layers Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake layers to cool completely.

Step 4: Make Chocolate Ganache In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream until it simmers. Place the finely chopped dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let it sit for a minute. Stir until smooth. Allow the ganache to cool.

Step 5: Prepare Chocolate Buttercream In a large bowl, beat softened butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar, cocoa powder, milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat until smooth and fluffy.

Step 6: Assemble the Cake Place one chocolate cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a thin layer of chocolate ganache, followed by a layer of chocolate buttercream. Repeat until you have 12 layers.

Step 7: Frost the Cake Frost the entire cake with a generous layer of chocolate buttercream, ensuring a smooth finish.

Step 8: Garnish and Chill Garnish the cake with additional chocolate ganache, grated chocolate, or other decorations. Chill the cake for at least 2 hours before serving to set the layers.

Slice into this 12-Layer Chocolate Cake to reveal the luscious layers of moist cake, chocolate ganache, and creamy buttercream—a chocolate lover's dream come true!