Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups granulated sugar
3/4 cup dark cocoa powder
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup warm water
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 teaspoons instant espresso powder (optional)
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon dark cocoa powder
1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, softened
5 cups powdered sugar, sifted
1/2 cup dark cocoa powder, sifted
1/4 cup heavy cream
8 ounces dark chocolate, melted and slightly cooled
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
2 to 3 cups mini chocolate chips
Instructions
1-Make the chocolate simple syrup: In a saucepan, combine 1/2 cup water and 1/2 cup sugar, bring to a boil, remove from heat, whisk in 1 tablespoon dark cocoa powder, and cool to room temperature.
2-Bake and level the chocolate cake layers: Preheat oven to 350°F, mix dry ingredients with warm water, sour cream, oil, eggs, vanilla, and espresso powder, divide batter into pans, bake for 23-26 minutes, cool, then level the tops.
3-Make the chocolate buttercream: Cream softened butter, then beat in sifted powdered sugar, dark cocoa powder, heavy cream, and melted dark chocolate until light and fluffy.
4-Soak and stack the cake layers: Place a layer on a board, brush with chocolate syrup, spread buttercream, optionally add mini chocolate chips, repeat for all layers, then freeze for 10 minutes.
5-Smooth on a thick layer of frosting: Cover the entire cake with chocolate buttercream, then press mini chocolate chips into the sides and top until completely coated.
6-Decorate the top of the cake: Pipe decorative swirls with leftover buttercream using a star tip, then serve at room temperature.
Last Step:
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🍫 For the deepest chocolate flavor, use dark or black cocoa powder instead of regular unsweetened cocoa.
💧 The chocolate simple syrup can be made up to 3 weeks ahead and stored in the refrigerator for extra convenience.
🌡️ Bring refrigerated slices to room temperature before serving to enjoy the softest, most luscious texture.
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cooling and Chilling: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 55g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 68g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 85mg