Death by Chocolate Cake

Love chocolate? Then this Death by Chocolate Cake is for you! Featuring moist, rich chocolate cake layers and a decadent dark chocolate buttercream, this indulgent treat is a chocoholic’s dream.

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Additional Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes

Ingredients

Chocolate Simple Syrup

• ½ cup water (120g)
• ½ cup granulated sugar (100g)
• 1 Tbsp dark baking cocoa powder (6g)

Dark Chocolate Cake

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (260g)
• 2 cups granulated sugar (400g)
• ¾ cup dark cocoa powder, sifted (75g)
• 2 tsp baking powder (8g)
• 1½ tsp baking soda (9g)
• 1 tsp fine salt (6g)
• 1 cup warm water (240g)
• 1 cup sour cream, room temperature (255g)
• ½ cup vegetable oil (110g)
• 2 large eggs, room temperature (112g)
• 2 tsp vanilla extract (8g)
• 1 tsp instant espresso or coffee (1g) (optional – enhances chocolate flavor)

Chocolate Buttercream Frosting

• 2 cups (or 4 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature (434g)
• 1 cup dark baking cocoa, sifted (100g)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (4g)
• ½ tsp fine salt (3g)
• 5 cups powdered sugar (625g)
• ¾ cup heavy cream, room temperature (180g)
• 1⅓ cups dark chocolate chips, melted and cooled (230g)

Additional Filling & Decoration (Optional)

• 2 cups mini chocolate chips (360g)
  
  
  

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Chocolate Simple Syrup

1. In a small saucepan, heat the water, sugar, and cocoa powder over medium heat.
2. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely. Remove from heat and let cool.

Step 2: Bake the Chocolate Cake

1. Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease and line three 8-inch (20cm) round cake pans.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Add the warm water, sour cream, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and instant espresso (if using). Mix until well combined.
4. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
5. Let cakes cool for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Step 3: Prepare the Chocolate Buttercream

1. Beat the butter until smooth and fluffy.
2. Add the cocoa powder, vanilla, and salt. Mix well.
3. Gradually add the powdered sugar, alternating with heavy cream, and beat until light and creamy.
4. Pour in the melted chocolate and mix until fully incorporated.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

1. Trim cake layers if necessary and brush each layer with chocolate simple syrup.
2. Spread a generous layer of buttercream between each cake layer.
3. Frost the outside of the cake with the remaining buttercream.
4. Press mini chocolate chips onto the sides or top for extra decadence.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Let the cake set for at least 30 minutes before slicing. Then dig in and enjoy every chocolate-packed bite!