1. Prepare the Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients mixture. Beat on medium speed for about 2 minutes until well combined.
- Stir in the boiling water. The batter will be thin but that’s okay.
2. Bake the Cake:
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, remove them from the pans and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
3. Make the Chocolate Ganache:
- In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer.
- Remove from heat and pour over the chocolate chips or chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl.
- Let it sit for 1-2 minutes, then gently whisk until smooth and glossy. If desired, whisk in the butter for extra shine and richness.
4. Assemble the Cake:
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a layer of chocolate ganache over the top.
- Place the second cake layer on top. Pour the remaining ganache over the top of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides.
- Use an offset spatula to smooth the ganache on the sides of the cake, if desired.
5. Decorate (optional):
- Decorate with chocolate shavings, fresh berries, or edible flowers for an extra touch of elegance.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
- Slice and serve the cake at room temperature. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Tips:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs and milk are at room temperature to ensure even mixing and a better texture.
- Boiling Water: Adding boiling water to the batter helps bloom the cocoa powder and create a richer chocolate flavor.
- Ganache Consistency: If the ganache is too thin, let it cool and thicken slightly before spreading on the cake. If it’s too thick, gently warm it up over a double boiler until spreadable.
Enjoy your decadent chocolate cake—perfect for celebrations or indulgent desserts!