Decadent Chocolate Layer Cake Recipe

 Ingredients:

**For the Cake:**
– 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
– 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
– ¾ cup cocoa powder
– 2 cups sugar
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup whole milk
– ½ cup vegetable oil
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 1 cup boiling water

**For the Chocolate Filling:**
– 1 ½ 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

 Instructions:

**Making the Cake:**
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round baking pans.
2. In a large mixing 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 batter is smooth. The batter will be thin.
5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared baking pans.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into 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 on a wire rack to cool completely.

**Making 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.

**Making the Chocolate Ganache:**
1. Heat the heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat until it just 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 one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand.
2. Spread the chocolate filling evenly over the top of the cake.
3. Place the second cake layer on top of the filling.
4. Pour the chocolate ganache over the top of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides.
5. Use a spatula to 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!