Recipe for making close-up of a chocolate layer cake:
Ingredients:
For the cake:
2 cups of all-purpose flour
3/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder
2 cups of granulated sugar
2 teaspoons of baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons of baking soda
1 teaspoon of salt
1 cup of buttermilk
1/2 cup of vegetable oil
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
1 cup of boiling water
For the frosting:
1 cup of unsalted butter, softened
3 1/2 cups of powdered sugar
1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon of salt
2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
1/2 cup of heavy cream
Instructions:
For the cake:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9-inch (23 cm) round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Add the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix everything together with an electric mixer until well combined.
Add the boiling water to the mixture and beat until the batter is smooth and well combined.
Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans.
Bake the cakes for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cakes comes out clean.
Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove them from the pans and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
For the frosting:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until it's creamy and smooth.
Sift the powdered sugar and unsweetened cocoa powder into the bowl with the butter.
Add the salt, vanilla extract, and heavy cream to the bowl.
Mix everything together with an electric mixer until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
Assembling the cake:
Place one cake layer on a cake stand or plate.
Spread a generous layer of frosting over the top of the cake layer.
Place the second cake layer on top of the first, and spread another layer of frosting over the top.
Use an offset spatula to smooth the frosting on the top and sides of the cake.
Decorate the top of the cake with additional frosting, chocolate shavings, or other decorations, if desired.
Refrigerate the cake for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving.
Enjoy your close-up of a delicious chocolate layer cake!
