✅ YIELDS: One 3-layer, 8-inch cake

⏱ TIME: ~2.5 hours (includes cooling & decorating)

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🧁 Chocolate Cake Layers

Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups (310g) all-purpose flour

• 1 cup (85g) unsweetened cocoa powder

• 2 tsp baking powder

• 1 ½ tsp baking soda

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk

• 1 cup (240ml) strong brewed coffee (cooled)

• 1 cup (240ml) vegetable oil

• 2 ½ cups (500g) granulated sugar

• 4 large eggs

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease and line three 8-inch round cake pans with parchment.

2. In a large bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

3. In another bowl, mix buttermilk, coffee, oil, eggs, vanilla, and sugar until smooth.

4. Gradually add the dry mixture to wet and beat just until combined.

5. Divide evenly between pans and bake for 30–35 mins, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

6. Let cool completely on wire racks before assembling.

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🍫 Chocolate Whipped Buttercream

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups (340g) unsalted butter, softened

• 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar, sifted

• ½ cup (60g) cocoa powder

• 3 tbsp heavy cream

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Beat butter until light and fluffy (3–5 mins).

2. Add powdered sugar, cocoa powder, salt, and vanilla.

3. Add cream, 1 tbsp at a time, and beat until light, fluffy, and spreadable.

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🍫 Chocolate Ganache Drip

Ingredients:

• 200g dark or semi-sweet chocolate (chopped)

• 150ml heavy cream

• 1 tsp butter (for shine, optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat cream until just simmering.

2. Pour over chopped chocolate. Let sit 2 mins.

3. Stir until smooth. Let cool slightly (not too hot when dripping).

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🍬 Decorations

• Assorted chocolate truffles

• Chocolate bars (broken into chunks)

• Chocolate pearls or balls

• Chocolate curls or shavings

• Optional: crushed Oreos or chocolate chips

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🎂 Assembly Instructions

1. Layer cake with generous swirls of chocolate buttercream between each layer.

2. Apply a crumb coat all around the cake. Chill 15–20 mins.

3. Frost the outer layer smoothly and pipe decorative swirls on top.

4. Gently drizzle ganache over edges to create the drip effect.

5. Top with chocolate truffles, bars, curls, and pearls for a stunning finish.

6. Chill until set. Slice & serve!

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💡 Tips:

• You can make the cake layers a day ahead and chill overnight.

• Use a squeeze bottle or spoon for precise ganache drips.

• Want it extra rich? Add crushed chocolate cookies between layers!