Chocolate Cream Layer Cake

Ingredients

**Cake:**
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup buttermilk

**Cream Filling:**
– 1 cup heavy whipping cream
– 1/4 cup powdered sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

**Chocolate Ganache:**
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
– 1/2 cup heavy cream

**Topping:**
– Chocolate shavings or grated chocolate

Instructions

1. **Preheat Oven:**
– Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.

2. **Make the Cake:**
– In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
– Add the melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and buttermilk. Mix until the batter is smooth.
– Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
– Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
– Let the cake cool completely in the pan.

3. **Prepare the Cream Filling:**
– In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
– Spread the cream filling evenly over the cooled cake.

4. **Make the Chocolate Ganache:**
– Place the chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl.
– In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Do not boil.
– Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips and let it sit for a minute, then stir until smooth and glossy.
– Allow the ganache to cool slightly, then pour it over the cream filling, spreading it evenly.

5. **Garnish:**
– Sprinkle chocolate shavings or grated chocolate over the top of the ganache for garnish.

6. **Chill and Serve:**
– Refrigerate the cake for at least 1-2 hours to set the layers.
– Cut into squares and serve.

Enjoy your deliciously decadent chocolate cream layer cake! If you need more variations or tips, feel free to ask.