1. Preheat and Prepare:
a. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. Make the Chocolate Cake:
a. In a large bowl, sift together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
b. Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Mix on medium speed until well combined.
c. Reduce the speed and slowly add boiling water to the batter. Mix until smooth. The batter will be thin, but that’s okay.
d. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans.
e. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
f. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
3. Prepare the Filling:
a. In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream until it just begins to simmer.
b. Place the chopped dark chocolate in a bowl. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let it sit for a minute. Stir until smooth.
c. Add the butter and stir until fully incorporated. Let the filling cool to room temperature.
4. Fill the Cake:
a. Once the cakes are completely cooled, spread the chocolate filling evenly over the top of one cake layer.
b. Place the second cake layer on top, creating a chocolate-filled sandwich.
5. Make the Chocolate Ganache:
a. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream until it just begins to simmer.
b. Place the chopped semisweet chocolate in a bowl. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let it sit for a minute. Stir until smooth.
c. Add the butter and stir until fully incorporated.
6. Frost with Ganache:
a. Pour the chocolate ganache over the assembled cake, letting it drip down the sides.
b. Use an offset spatula to smooth the ganache over the top and sides of the cake.
7. Chill and Serve:
a. Place the cake in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours to allow the filling and ganache to set.
b. Slice and serve this decadent Filled Chocolate Cake, savoring the layers of rich chocolate goodness.
Conclusion:
This Filled Chocolate Cake is a celebration of decadence, bringing together moist chocolate layers, a luxurious chocolate filling, and a glossy ganache finish. The combination of textures and flavors creates a dessert masterpiece that will captivate anyone with a sweet tooth. Whether shared at a special occasion or enjoyed as a delightful indulgence, this cake is bound to become a favorite in your repertoire of dessert creations. Bon appétit!