Ingredients:

For the Cake:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 ½ tsp baking powder
  • 1 ½ tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup boiling water

For the Chocolate Fudge Filling:

  • 1 ½ cups heavy cream
  • 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Frosting:

  • 1 ½ cups heavy cream
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 cups unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ¼ tsp salt

Instructions:

Cake:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. Add the eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix on medium speed until well combined.
  4. Gradually add the boiling water, mixing until the batter is smooth and thin.
  5. Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans.
  6. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
  7. Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Chocolate Fudge Filling:

  1. In a saucepan over medium heat, bring the heavy cream to a simmer.
  2. Once it begins to simmer, remove from heat and add the chocolate chips and butter. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
  3. Add vanilla extract and stir. Let the fudge cool slightly before spreading it between the cake layers.

Frosting:

  1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
  2. In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
  3. Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, mixing until smooth.
  4. Add the vanilla extract and salt, then gently fold in the whipped cream until fully combined.

Assembly:

  1. Place one cake layer on a serving platter.
  2. Spread a generous amount of the chocolate fudge filling over the first layer.
  3. Top with the second cake layer.
  4. Frost the top and sides of the entire cake with the chocolate frosting.
  5. Optionally, drizzle additional fudge over the top or garnish with chocolate shavings or sprinkles.

Refrigerate the cake for about 1 hour before slicing to let the layers set. Enjoy your delicious Chocolate Fudge Layered Cake!