Decadent Chocolate Cake with Rich Ganache

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 (1½ teaspoons), baking soda (1½ teaspoons), and salt (1 teaspoon). Whisk together until well combined.

3.Add the eggs (2 large), milk, vegetable oil (½ cup), and vanilla extract (2 teaspoons) to the dry ingredients. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes until smooth.

4.Stir in the boiling water (1 cup) until the batter is well combined (the batter will be thin).

5.Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans.

6.Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

7.Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, remove from the pans and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

8.While the cakes are cooling, prepare the ganache. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream (1 cup) over medium heat until it just begins to simmer.

9.Remove the saucepan from heat and add the chopped chocolate. Let it sit for 5 minutes, then stir until smooth and glossy.

10.Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of ganache on top.

11.Place the second layer on top of the first and pour the remaining ganache over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides.

12.Let the ganache set for about 30 minutes before slicing and serving.