Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Cake Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and grease three 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
- Sift together the dry ingredients: 2 cups flour, 1 cup cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- In a stand mixer, cream together 1 cup butter and 2 cups sugar until light and fluffy, about 4-5 minutes.
- Add 4 eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Mix in 1 cup sour cream, vanilla extract, and instant coffee mixed with water until combined.
- Gradually alternate mixing in the dry ingredients and 1 cup buttermilk until just combined.
- Divide the batter into six equal portions and pour into prepared pans.
- Bake two pans for 18-20 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick.
- Cool the layers in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Refrigerate the cooled layers for 30 minutes before assembly.
Mousse and Ganache Preparation
- Heat 1 cup heavy cream to simmer, pour over 8 ounces finely chopped chocolate, and stir until smooth.
- Allow the ganache to cool, and whip another 1 cup heavy cream to soft peaks, then fold in cooled ganache.
Assembly
- Layer the cake starting with one layer, adding a layer of ganache followed by mousse, and repeat until assembled.
- Frost the top and sides with remaining ganache and decorate with chocolate chips and squares.
Nutrition
Notes
Ensure ganache is cool before mixing with whipped cream for best texture. Use a scale for accurate batter measurement.
